Entering Greece with Refugee Travel Document

[Rufoi]

I’m a Turkish national with convention refugee status in Canada, holding a Canadian Travel Document. I would like to visit Chios, Greece to meet my family who will travel from Izmir, Turkey (My father cannot fly so Greece is our meeting point).

Do I need a Schengen visa?

 

[canuck78]

I’m a Turkish national with convention refugee status in Canada, holding a Canadian Travel Document. I would like to visit Chios, Greece to meet my family who will travel from Izmir, Turkey (My father cannot fly so Greece is our meeting point).

Do I need a Schengen visa?

Yes

 

[moealz]

I’m a Turkish national with convention refugee status in Canada, holding a Canadian Travel Document. I would like to visit Chios, Greece to meet my family who will travel from Izmir, Turkey (My father cannot fly so Greece is our meeting point).

Do I need a Schengen visa?

Yup, you need one

 

[appwarez]

I’m a Turkish national with convention refugee status in Canada, holding a Canadian Travel Document. I would like to visit Chios, Greece to meet my family who will travel from Izmir, Turkey (My father cannot fly so Greece is our meeting point).

Do I need a Schengen visa?

Your nationality is Turkish, and Turkey is not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area.​

• Canadian RTD holders (Convention Travel Document, blue cover) do not get visa-free entry to Schengen countries, unlike Canadian passport holders.
• Greece and most Schengen states require RTD holders to apply for a visa before travel.

• Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) for up to 90 days.
• Apply to the Greek consulate/visa service center in Canada (since Greece is your main destination).

• Valid Canadian Refugee Travel Document (usually must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended return).
• Proof of your refugee status in Canada (e.g., PR card, or Refugee/Protected Person status document).
• Travel itinerary (ferry to Chios, accommodation booking).
• Financial means (bank statements, proof of support).
• Travel insurance (must cover at least €30,000 for medical/emergencies in Schengen).

• Through the Greece Visa Application Centre (VAC) managed by Global Visa Centers (GVCW) or VFS Global in Canada (depending on your province).
• You’ll need an in-person biometrics appointment.

• Standard: 15 calendar days from the day your application reaches the consulate.
• Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel, as appointments may take time.

• Schengen visa fee: €80 (approx. CAD $120), unless exempt/reduced.

• Some Schengen countries do not accept RTDs from certain countries, but Greece generally accepts Canadian-issued RTDs for visa purposes.
• You cannot travel without a visa, as RTD holders are not visa-exempt for Schengen.