There may have initially been some glitches to the visa process for Russian travelers to Greece, but the procedure is now as prompt as ever with the number issued between January and July 2016 up by 11 percent compared to last year.
Boosting tourism flows between Russia and Greece as well working together on actions that will strengthen the ongoing collaboration in tourism between the two countries, including the issue of three- and five-year visas, was on the agenda of talks recently between Alternate...
Greek consular services in Moscow are meeting the increased demand for visas by Russian nationals wishing to travel to Greece, Alternate Foreign Minister Nikos Xydakis said on Tuesday, adding that the goal is to further increase tourist flows from Russia.
The tedious visa regime and seemingly short-staffed consulate offices in Russia are negatively affecting Russian bookings to Greece with local tour operators requesting travelers book two weeks in advance.
The recent barrage of terror strikes and the ongoing animosity between Russia and Turkey have diverted travelers to Greece and Bulgaria, with both countries stepping up their campaigns to attract more Russian tourists.
Russian tourists might not be traveling to Turkey this year due to the escalating military conflict between the two countries, but they are not opting to visit Greece either, Greek tourism sector insiders are saying, citing the tedious and time-consuming visa procedure as the reason.
Greek hoteliers are expressing their concerns about the new visa regime that requires travelers to EU countries to show up personally at a Schengen consular station to give finger prints and photos in order to obtain visas.
