Travelling to Greece with a Kenyan Passport: The Complete Guide

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Travelling to Greece with a Kenyan passport requires some planning, particularly when it comes to your Schengen visa, flights and accommodation. But Greece is well worth considering for its ancient history, delicious food, beautiful islands and stunning coastal scenery. Whether you want to explore historic cities or spend your days enjoying island views, there’s plenty to experience.

I visited Greece in December 2025 and spent 11 days and 10 nights exploring Athens and Santorini. What stood out to me was how different the two destinations felt. Athens is full of history, culture, restaurants and shopping spots while Santorini was all about the whitewashed buildings, blue domes and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Visiting in December also meant experiencing a quieter side of Greece, particularly in Santorini.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Greece, travelling solo, going with friends or organising a romantic getaway, this guide will help you understand what to expect and plan your own visit with confidence.

Greece at a Glance

Language: Greek. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but the google translate app will come in handy.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Time difference: Greece is 1 hour behind Kenya in December during winter season (When I visited).

Length of my trip: 11 days / 10 nights.

Places visited: Athens and Santorini.

Flights: I flew from Nairobi to Amsterdam with Kenya Airways, spent a few nights in Amsterdam, and then flew from Amsterdam to Athens. My trip included time in the Netherlands before Greece.

Best areas to stay in Athens: Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma and Koukaki.

Where I stayed in Santorini: Oia, with direcr views of the Caldera.

Getting around: Walking and Uber in Athens, and a private driver in Santorini. I was hosting a group trip. Private drivers are affordable if you are a group since the cost is split.

Visa: Kenyan passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit Greece.

When I Visited Greece

I visited Greece in December 2025, and I was pleasantly surprised by the weather. I had expected it to be colder, but Athens was not cold during my visit. One thing I liked about travelling at this time of the year is that that there were fewer tourists. Athens also had Christmas decorations and celebrations, which gave the city a different vibe from what you might experience during the warmer months.

Santorini was especially quiet. There were very few tourists, which made it easier to enjoy the scenery and take photographs without the usual crowds. However, December is not necessarily the best time to visit if you want the full summer island experience. Most restaurants and hotels are closed. If you want a lively atmosphere, you might want to skip visiting in December.

Personally, I enjoyed the quieter experience. If you prefer warmer weather and a livelier island atmosphere, I would consider travelling outside winter. For sightseeing in Athens, spring and autumn are also worth considering because the temperatures can be more comfortable for walking around.

How I Got to Greece

I did not fly directly from Nairobi to Greece. I flew from Nairobi to Amsterdam with Kenya Airways, spent a few nights in Amsterdam, and then continued to Athens. The flight from Amsterdam to Athens took 3 hours . Airlines operating this route include KLM, Aegean Airlines, Transavia and Sky Express.

You can check flight options on Skyscanner when planning your journey. If you are travelling from Kenya, compare routes based on the total journey time, layover duration and ticket conditions, rather than looking at the ticket price alone. You should also check the entry requirements for any country where you plan to stop over.

Greece Visa Requirements for Kenyan Passport Holders

Kenyan passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit Greece for tourism. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so a valid Schengen visa may also allow you to visit other Schengen countries, depending on the visa’s validity, permitted duration of stay and conditions.

For my trip, I obtained a Greek Schengen visa because Greece was my main destination. However, I visited Amsterdam in the Netherlands first because I wanted to experience the country before continuing to Greece.

During immigration in the Netherlands, I was asked why I was visiting Amsterdam when my Schengen visa had been issued by Greece. I explained that Greece was my final destination and that I wanted to explore Amsterdam before continuing my journey. After explaining my itinerary, I was allowed to enter the Netherlands and continued to Greece afterwards.

From my experience, if you plan to visit a Schengen country that is different from the one that issued your visa, your itinerary should clearly explain your travel plans and why you are visiting that country first. Keep in mind that having a Schengen visa issued by one country does not automatically guarantee entry into other Schengen countries. Border officials may ask questions about your travel plans and supporting documents, and the final decision on entry rests with them.

Where to apply

Kenyan citizens should check the current instructions from the Greek Embassy in Nairobi before starting their application. You should confirm the current application procedure, fees, appointment arrangements and supporting-document requirements directly with the relevant official source.

The official email to book visa appointments with the Greek embassy is gremb.nai@mfa.gr . It’s advisable book your appointment between 3-6 months before your trip.

Documents to prepare

The documents required will depend on your circumstances and the latest instructions. The usual categories of supporting documents for a short-stay Schengen visa include:

• A completed visa application form.
• A valid passport and the required passport photographs.
• Recent bank statements and supporting evidence of your finances.
• Evidence of employment or business ownership, where applicable.
• For business owners – CR 12, Business registration, Permits, Proof of ownership/directorship
• Accommodation reservations.
• A flight itinerary or reservation.
• A travel itinerary explaining your planned activities and destinations in the Schengen region.
• Travel insurance that meets Schengen requirements.
• Any additional documents requested by the embassy.

My advice when applying for a Schengen visa

Make sure your documents tell a consistent story. Your bank statements, employment or business information, accommodation, flight itinerary and reason for travel should support the same travel plans. Avoid making unexplained large deposits into your account shortly before applying. If there are transactions that need explaining, prepare appropriate supporting evidence in form of writing a letter to the embassy explaining your funds.

Also, be careful about paying for non-refundable flights and accommodation before your visa is approved.

Visa fees, documentation and processing times can change, so verify the latest requirements before submitting your application.

If you need help planning your trip, you can contact The JustRioba Way at admin@justrioba.com or Whatsapp +254714976181 to enquire about travel consultation and planning service.

Where to Stay in Greece

Where to stay can make a difference to your experience, especially when you’re dividing your time between Athens and Santorini. In the recommendations below, I’ve included the hotels I personally stayed in, along with other accommodation options I think are worth considering. I’ll share my own experience with the hotels I stayed at and explain why I recommend the other options, so you can compare them and choose what best suits your budget, preferences and travel plans.

Athens

During my trip, I stayed at Meliá Athens. It’s an excellent hotel near public transport but I did not like the surrounding areas . I also stayed at Titania Hotel for a few nights and I found the surroundings more appealing.

For a first visit to Athens, I would consider Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma or Koukaki.

Plaka is a good option if you want to stay near the historic centre and explore on foot. Monastiraki is convenient for shopping, restaurants and sightseeing, while Syntagma is a central base with public transport connections. Koukaki is another area to consider if you want to be near the main historical attractions.

Hotel to stay in Plaka – Athens Gate Hotel

Hotel to stay in Monastiraki The Residence Aiolou hotel & Spa

Hotel to stay in Syntagma Amalia hotel Athens

I spent seven nights in Athens in total, split between the beginning and end of the trip. This gave me time to explore the city and then return to Athens after Santorini.

Santorini

In Santorini, I stayed in Oia, around the Caldera. This is the part of the island known for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and dramatic views over the sea. Oia is beautiful, particularly if you want those iconic Santorini views. However, it is also an expensive area, so your accommodation budget is something to consider.

Where to stay in Santorini

3 Star stay – Pearl of Caldera Oia Boutique Hotel

4 star stay – Armenaki Santorini

5 Star Stay – Canaves Oia Suites

Getting Around in Greece

How you get around will depend on which part of Greece you are visiting.

Getting around Athens

Athens is a city where you can explore quite a lot on foot, particularly around the historical centre. I walked around many areas and used Uber when needed. Public transportation is also available, including the metro and buses. I did not rely heavily on these during my trip, so I would not claim to have extensively tested the system myself.

From Athens, I flew to Santorini. The flight took approximately one hour.

Getting around Santorini

In Santorini, our group had a private driver, which made moving around the island easier.

If you are travelling with a group, arranging transport can be useful because it allows you to plan your stops without having to organise every journey separately. If you are travelling solo, book your tours on get your guide in advance and include pick up option so that you can be picked from your accommodation. If pick up is not available , you can always uber to your tour guide’s meet up location.

Things to Do in Greece

Greece has so much to offer. I explored Athens and Santorini, and I’ve put together some activities you can consider adding to your own itinerary in each destination.

Click on the highlighted activity links to view the details and book directly if you find something you’d like to do.

Things to Do in Athens

• Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon – The Acropolis is one of Athens’ best-known historical landmarks and a key attraction to consider when planning your visit.
• Take an Athens sightseeing tour – A sightseeing tour can be a useful way to get an introduction to Athens, particularly if you want to understand more about the city’s history and major landmarks.
• Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Sunset Experience – Explore Athens on foot. Walking around the historical centre was one of the ways I experienced Athens. Exploring areas such as Plaka and Monastiraki gives you the opportunity to see the city at your own pace, with cafés, shops, restaurants and historical sites along the way.
• Greek food tasting – Food was one of my favourite parts of visiting Greece. Leave room in your itinerary to try local Greek dishes and explore the restaurants and tavernas you come across. If you would like some help discovering local food, consider booking a food tour.
• Experience Christmas in Athens – Since I visited in December, I got to see Athens decorated for Christmas. The festive atmosphere was a lovely addition to the trip and gave me a different perspective on the city. If you are considering a winter visit, this is one of the seasonal experiences you may enjoy.

Things to Do in Santorini

• Explore Oia – Oia is known for its whitewashed buildings, blue domes and dramatic views over the Aegean Sea. It was the area where I stayed during my time in Santorini, and it is worth allowing time to explore rather than simply stopping for photographs.
• Enjoy the Caldera views – Santorini’s Caldera views are one of the island’s defining features. Whether you are walking through Oia or spending time at your accommodation, the scenery is a big part of what makes the island distinctive.
• Book a Santorini sightseeing tour – If you want to see different parts of Santorini during a shorter stay, a sightseeing tour can help you plan your time.
• Book a sunset cruise – This is a highlight and must do activity as Santorini is famous for its sunsets, and setting aside time to enjoy the evening views is worth considering when planning your itinerary. The activity comes with food, drinks and music.
• Explore Santorini with a private driver – During my visit, our group had a private driver, which made it easier to move around the island. If you are travelling with friends or as part of a group, you may want to compare private transport options for your dates.
• Santorini Wine Museum and Wine tasting – Is it really a trip to Santorini without wine tasting?

Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you book through them, Just Rioba Travels may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our travel guides and content.

Things to Know Before Visiting Greece

• Plan your Schengen visa application carefully .
• Keep your belongings secure
• Download a Google translate app
• Wear comfortable flat shoes or sneakers in Athens
• Book popular attractions in advance – I use get your guide.
• Keep your itinerary and reservations organised – Keep copies of your accommodation details, flight information, travel insurance and important documents accessible during your trip.

Safety in Greece

Overall, I felt comfortable exploring Athens during my trip. I walked around the city and visited different areas, although there were places that felt less inviting at night.

One incident involving a fellow traveller made me particularly conscious of keeping personal belongings secure. He put his bag down while taking a photograph, and it was stolen in Santorini. The bag contained his passport, cards and money.

It was a reminder not to leave your belongings unattended, even when you are stopping briefly to take a picture. Keep your passport and other important documents secure, and avoid carrying all your cash and cards in one place. I would also be mindful of where I was walking late at night, particularly in unfamiliar areas. If you are unsure about an area or do not feel comfortable walking, consider using Uber or a taxi.

If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible, obtain the relevant documentation and contact your embassy or consulate for guidance on obtaining an emergency travel document. Do not leave this until the day you are due to fly home.

What kind of traveler would like Greece?

Greece is for everyone- solo travelers, honeymooners , bachelorette parties and families.

Greece was one of the highlights of my travels in 2025. I enjoyed the history, culture, food, architecture and scenery, and I liked that Athens and Santorini offered two very different experiences within the same trip.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

If you’d rather have someone help you plan your trip from start to finish, The JustRioba Way offers personalised travel planning and travel consultations to help you create an itinerary suited to your travel style, interests and budget.

We also organise annual group trips around the world, so if you would rather explore with a group, you’re welcome to sign up and join us on our next adventure. Whether you need help planning to Greece or another destination, we’re here to help make the process easier.

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For enquiries about visa application consultations, destination planning or our travel experiences email us at admin@justrioba.com or get in touch through our enquiry forms. Your next adventure starts here.