How To Renew A Greek Passport In South Africa

Everyone with Greek citizenship is entitled to a Greek passport. It must be an e-passport or biometric passport with a microchip, which meets EU security guidelines on par with other countries of the world and allows passage through automated customs control now available at some international airports.

How to get a Greek passport

Whether it is a first-time application or renewal (which is technically issuance of new passport), the required documents and process for getting a Greek passport are essentially the same. In time, e-government services may streamline issuance.

Renewals can start up to 12 months before a passport expires.

*Requirements below reflect current documentation from police stations and real-life experience.

Where to apply

Greek passport applicants must appear in person according to rules set by age:

  • Adults aged 18 and over: Must apply in person.
  • Minors aged 12 to 17: Must apply in person, either accompanied by one (1) parent or be in possession of a dilosi signed by one (1) parent granting permission to issue a Greek passport.
  • Minors aged 11 or under: Must apply in person accompanied by both (2) parents OR accompanied by (1) one parent and a dilosi granting permission to issue a Greek passport, signed by the (1) one parent not in attendance.

Parents must also specify who will pick up the passport.

The official website says that alternative arrangements can be made for elderly, sick or disabled persons under extenuating circumstances, assigning a representative via dilosi or requesting a consular or police officer to collect application, documents and signatures. However, in reality, this is not guaranteed and authorities refuse to accommodate special cases.

Documents and fees

The required documents and fees for a Greek passport are:

1. Passport photo(s) taken in the last 30 days
— One (1) photo for Greek citizens aged 12 and over; two (2) photos for minors aged 11 and under. Note that at Greek consulate/embassies abroad, they sometimes ask for two or three because they keep one on file for tracking purposes.
— Color, sized 40 x 60 mm (1.6 x 2.3 inches)
— White or neutral background, no shadows, and your mouth shut with an expression that is not smiling but not frowning. Women must show their face clearly with makeup applied modestly and hair pulled back.
— There is usually someone to fix ‘red eyes’ and print the photo on high quality photo paper.

*Knowledgeable photo places will know the required specs if you simply say, “for a Greek passport (yia diavatiria).” Different countries have different specs, which is why consulates/embassies sometimes have on-site photographers to ensure that photos will be done right.

2. Document verifying Greek citizenship
According to rules as written, what’s required depends on the applicant’s age and where he/she is applying. In reality, however, many Greek citizens report that they were asked to provide any combination of items listed below.

Please don’t ask me which you’ll be asked for. It will vary greatly depending on who you are, where you apply and the person assisting you.