Zakynthos (Zante) Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
-
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Who
- Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, whether or not they need a visa
- When
- At the border, each time you cross an external border of a country using the system
- Cost
- Free
Passport control officers take a photo of your face and/or scan your fingerprints, and your passport is no longer stamped. Nothing needs to be done before travel.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26 -
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) Not yet in operation
- Who
- Visa-exempt visitors, once the system starts
- When
- Not required yet. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance
ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. Sites offering to apply for it now are not official.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Greece's visa policy for Zakynthos mirrors Schengen Area regulations. Whether you need a visa depends on your citizenship.
Nationals of certain countries can visit for tourism without securing a visa beforehand.
This visa-free access covers short-stay tourism or business. Your passport needs validity for at least three months past your planned Schengen departure. Border officials may request proof of funds, a return ticket, and accommodation details.
An online travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors is planned. It is not yet active.
Cost: Not yet established.
Do not apply for ETIAS until launch. Sites claiming to process applications now are unofficial.
Nationals of many countries must secure a Schengen visa before traveling to Zakynthos.
Processing times differ. Apply several weeks before departure. Confirm specific requirements and eligible nationalities on the official Greek immigration website.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Zakynthos, you will face a standard immigration check. The procedure is identical whether you land at Zakynthos International Airport or arrive by ferry at the port in Zakynthos Town.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Greece's customs allowances for Zakynthos follow standard EU rules. These limits apply to personal-use goods brought from outside the EU.
Prohibited Items
- Counterfeit goods - illegal under copyright and trademark laws
- Illegal narcotics and drugs - strictly prohibited
- Dangerous weapons (e.g., switchblades, firearms) without special permit
- Protected species or products derived from them (CITES), such as ivory or tortoiseshell
Restricted Items
- Medications. Bring only personal supplies with doctor's prescriptions, for controlled substances
- Plants, fruits, and plant products - may require phytosanitary certificates
- Animal products (meat, dairy) from outside the EU. Generally restricted to prevent disease
Health Requirements
Most travelers face no specific health document requirements for Zakynthos entry. General health precautions and insurance remain wise moves.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) should be up to date.
- Consider Hepatitis An and Hepatitis B, as you might for any travel.
Health Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Get it anyway. Medical treatment for non-EU visitors is not free, and costs can be significant for emergencies, including medical evacuation. Your policy should cover you for the duration of your stay and any planned activities.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children, including infants, must have their own passport. No exceptions. If a child is traveling with only one parent, with other relatives, or alone, Greek border authorities may request a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). This is not always asked for but is recommended to prevent delays.
Dogs, cats, and ferrets can enter Greece from other EU countries with a valid EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination. For pets coming from outside the EU, rules are stricter and involve rabies blood tests and health certificates. You must check the latest import requirements well in advance of travel. Start early.
If you wish to stay in Zakynthos longer than the 90-day visa-free period or the duration of your Schengen visa, you generally must apply for a national long-stay visa or residence permit from Greek authorities before your initial permission expires. This process must be started from outside Greece and involves specific criteria, so planning far ahead is essential. Start months out.
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