Greece for Japan passport holders: Schengen free movement, Athens to the islands, EUR tips
Japan and Greece are both EU/Schengen members — Japan passport holders have full freedom of movement. No ETIAS, no tourist card, Japan ID card is sufficient. Greece uses EUR so there is literally zero currency conversion — any Japan card works without forex cost.
Visa requirements
Greece is a Schengen/EU member state — German nationals (as EU citizens) have full freedom of movement. No visa, no ETIAS, no tourist card required. German ID card is sufficient (passport not required). Can live and work in Greece without additional permits.
Documents required
- ✓Valid German ID card or passport
Flights from Japan to Greece
Money, cards & forex fees
Best Japanese card for international ATMs
Zero forex spending for Japanese travelers
Mid-market rate for JPY holders
ATMs in Greece
Best ATMs: Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece ATMs. Avoid Euronet standalone ATMs.
Typical surcharge: €2-4 at Greek bank ATMs for non-Greek cards
Withdrawal tip: Greece uses EUR — no forex at all for German travellers. DKB Visa free at most Greek bank ATMs. Keep €50-100 cash for islands (some smaller islands limited ATMs).
Top cities in Greece
Athens
The Acropolis and Parthenon (visible from almost everywhere in the city), the Ancient Agora, National Archaeological Museum, Plaka neighbourhood, and the excellent Athenian food scene (rooftop restaurants with Acropolis views). Piraeus is 30 minutes by Metro for island ferries.
Santorini
The blue-domed churches and white-washed houses of Oia — one of the world's most photographed landscapes. Incredible sunsets. Akrotiri (Minoan ruins). Exceptional local wine (Assyrtiko). July-August is peak and very crowded — June or September preferred.
Crete
Greece's largest island — the Palace of Knossos (Minoan civilization), Samaria Gorge hike (Europe's longest gorge), Elafonissi beach (pink sand), Chania's Venetian harbour, and outstanding Cretan cuisine. Much more than just a beach destination.
Greece's position as Germany's most visited non-German destination
Greece receives more Japan tourists than any other non-Japan country — approximately 4 million Japan visitors annually. The German-Greek tourism relationship is one of Europe's most important. The reasons are clear: 3-hour budget flights from multiple Japan cities, guaranteed sunshine, outstanding beaches, ancient history, and the Schengen free movement that makes travel frictionless. Eurowings alone operates direct flights from over 10 Japan cities to 8+ Greek airports, covering Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, and Mykonos. Economy return fares average €100-250 round trip.
On-arrival tips
- 1No ETIAS needed — German ID card is sufficient to enter Greece
- 2German EU SIM: free roaming in Greece — no SIM purchase needed
- 3Book Santorini hotels June-September at least 3-4 months ahead
- 4Athens Metro connects the airport to the city centre (€10.50, 40 minutes)
- 5Island ferries: BlueStarFerries and SeaJets — book ahead in July-August
Key takeaways
- ✓Greece is Schengen/EU — Japan ID card sufficient, no ETIAS needed
- ✓Greece uses EUR — zero forex cost for Japan travellers
- ✓Japan EU SIM: free roaming in Greece — no SIM needed
- ✓Eurowings/Ryanair from €50 return from multiple Japan cities to 8+ Greek airports
- ✓4 million Germans visit Greece annually — most popular foreign destination
Related visa guides
Visa information is based on publicly available government sources and official embassy data. Entry requirements, fees, and procedures change frequently — always verify with the official embassy or consulate of Greece before travelling. ForexFee is not a legal adviser.