🇬🇷
Athens
Greece (Schengen)
🇹🇷
Istanbul
Turkey
Athens vs Istanbul Visa for Indians
Side-by-side comparison of visa requirements, fees, and processing times for Indian passport holders
Quick Verdict
Istanbul is easier to visit for Indian passport holders — you can apply for an eVisa online. Compare the details below to decide which destination suits your travel plans better.
🇬🇷
Athens
Greece (Schengen)
Visa Required
Stay:Up to 90 days within 180-day period
Fee:€80 (~₹7,300) for adults
Processing:15 working days (Embassy suggests applying 22-45 days before travel)
Ease:Requires Planning
🇹🇷
Istanbul
Turkey
eVisa
Stay:30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry)
Fee:$60 (~₹5,000) for 30-day single entry
Processing:Instant approval
Ease:Moderate
Detailed Comparison
Criteria
🇬🇷 Athens
🇹🇷 Istanbul
Visa Type
Visa Required
eVisa
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days within 180-day period
30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry)
Processing Time
15 working days (Embassy suggests applying 22-45 days before travel)
Instant approval
Visa Fee
€80 (~₹7,300) for adults
$60 (~₹5,000) for 30-day single entry
Documents Required
11 documents
4 documents
Popular With
History buffs and island lovers
Tourists and history enthusiasts
Best Time to Apply
1-2 months before travel (especially for summer)
Anytime - even day before travel (instant approval)
Documents Required
🇬🇷 Athens
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Recent passport photographs
- Travel medical insurance (€30,000 Schengen coverage)
- Flight reservation (round-trip to India)
- Hotel bookings for all nights
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- Income Tax Returns (last 3 years)
- Employment letter with leave approval
- Cover letter explaining trip purpose
- Day-by-day travel itinerary
🇹🇷 Istanbul
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Email for e-visa delivery
- Credit/debit card for payment
- Return flight booking (may be checked)
Pro Tips
🇬🇷 Athens
- Apply 1-2 months before travel, especially for summer trips to Greek islands
- Greece is popular Mediterranean destination - appointment slots fill quickly
- Show detailed itinerary: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos - helps approval
- Bank statements should show healthy balance for 3-6 months
🇹🇷 Istanbul
- Can literally apply and get visa in 5 minutes - perfect for last-minute trips
- Turkey is a beautiful blend of Europe and Asia - great destination
- Keep both digital and printed copy of e-visa
- Istanbul airport can be busy - have documents ready
Related Comparisons
Still Deciding?
Use our interactive tool to discover which countries you can visit with your existing visas. Your current visas might unlock both destinations!