There is no "Santorini visa". Santorini (Thira) is a Greek island, and Greece is a Schengen Area member — so the visa rules for Santorini are exactly the rules for Greece.
Visa-Free Entry for Most Tourists
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and many other countries enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The 90-day clock covers the whole Schengen Area, not just Greece — days spent in Italy or Spain on the same trip count against it.
Schengen C Visa for Other Nationalities
Travellers from countries without a visa waiver apply for a Schengen C short-stay visa at a Greek consulate before departure. Processing typically takes up to 15 calendar days; apply well before peak season. From 2027, visa-exempt visitors will additionally pre-register through ETIAS, the EU's online travel authorisation.
Arriving by Ferry, Plane or Cruise
- Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) : a domestic route — no passport control on board.
- Direct international flights : Schengen immigration happens at Santorini (JTR) airport.
- Cruise calls : if your cruise entered the Schengen Area earlier, Santorini is a domestic stop; day passengers rarely see border checks, but carry your passport.
Documents to Carry
- Passport valid 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen, issued within 10 years
- Proof of accommodation and return or onward ticket
- Travel insurance covering EUR 30,000+ in medical costs (required with a Schengen C visa)