Greece Tourism Leaders Call for Faster Visas to Attract Asian Markets

Wednesday, 20 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

At a recent general assembly of SETE, Greece's tourism industry body, executives, business leaders, and politicians discussed the challenge of attracting visitors from new international markets. A central point of debate was the unresolved visa process for travelers from countries outside the Schengen zone, including major source markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Industry figures argued that without a faster and more accessible visa system, growth targets for these markets will not be met. For tourists already visiting Crete from visa-exempt countries, there is no immediate impact. However, visitors from non-Schengen nations should plan well ahead and apply for their Greek or Schengen visa early, as processing times can be lengthy. The broader discussion signals that Greece is actively working to diversify its tourism base, which could bring more international flight connections and services to Crete in coming years.