Travel

Visa Requirements

Important note for travelers

Greece is a member of the EU and Europe’s 27-member border-free Schengen zone, which allows citizens to travel between member countries visa-free. Citizens of EU countries that are not members of the zone, as well as EEA countries, also don’t require a visa to move within the bloc.

Furthermore, citizens of more than 60 countries are permitted to travel to Greece visa-free for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. These nations include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, as well as certain South American countries. Firstly, you need to ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of three months after your departure date. You may be asked to provide documentation outlining the reason for your visit and confirming your departure date. Check the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see if your country qualifies for visa-free travel.

Applying for a visa to visit Greece

If you hold a passport from another country, then you’ll need to apply for a short-stay Schengen tourist visa to visit Greece and any other Schengen area states for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 day period. Among the non-EU countries and entities whose citizens require this visa are China, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya and Lebanon.

You can apply for a visa at the nearest Greek consulate in your country of origin up to six months ahead of a planned visit.

If your country does not have Greek consular representation, check this list on the ministry website to see which Schengen area country accepts visa applications from your country of origin.

Important Notice: You should apply for a visa in good time, in case of any delays during processing.

If you require a visa invitation or confirmation letter, please email us at info@easyconferences.eu. Invitation letters can be issued on behalf of the conference if the participant requesting it is registered and paid and provided the applicant sends us the following:

1. Name as it appears on the applicant’s Passport
2. The applicant’s Passport number
3. The applicant’s date of birth
4. The applicant’s affiliation.
5. Title of accepted paper (if applicable)

  • Greece is a full member of the EU since 1981 and adopted the Euro in 2001

  • Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea

  • The island of Crete has 2 major international airports. The first is the Nikos Kazantzakis Airport Heraklion (HER) in the central north of the island. The second is the Daskalogiannis Airport Chania (CHQ) in the northwest of the island. 
  • The Plug type is either C or F.
  • Electricity and current are 230 volts at 50 Hz.
  • The International Dial Code is +30.
  • For emergency telephone calls, dial 112 anywhere in the European Union, including Greece.
  • The official language spoken in Crete is Greek, with English widely spoken all around the island.

The island of Crete has 2 major international airports. The first is the Nikos Kazantzakis Airport Heraklion (HER) in the central north of the island. The second is the Daskalogiannis Airport Chania (CHQ) in the northwest of the island.  

The nearest airport to the venue of the conference, is Kazantzakis Airport Heraklion (HER), around 23 kilometres away.

Kazantzakis Airport Heraklion (HER) is the second busiest airport in Greece. All year round, it receives flights from Athens, Thessaloniki and Larnaka, while during summer it also receives flights from many countries around Europe. The flight time from Athens to Heraklion is about 45 minutes.

There are direct routes to many countries around the world and the airport has first class facilities along with easy transportation options into the city of Heraklion.  The airport is only 3.10 miles from the city of Heraklion.

It is possible to get from Heraklion Airport to Hersonissos, by bus or taxi.  Bus will take a traveler there in 55 minutes (including stops and waiting time), a trip will cost 3.30 euro. A taxi trip will last for about 25 minutes and its cost its approximately around 45 – 50 euros. The distance between Heraklion Airport and Hersonissos is 26 km.

Please note that participants have the following options for their transfers from /to the airport:

Private Taxi Transfers

Conference participants can arrange transfers by taxi through the conference coordinator, EasyConferences. These transfers are bookable online through www.easyconferences.org.

These transfers can be private (max 3 persons) or shared.

Offered taxi rates are applicable for both day and night reservations and include meet and assist services. There are no additional charges for luggage, waiting, etc.

It is very important to note that the taxi service is provided by trusted collaborators, and EasyConferences coordinates and supervises the whole process.

Note: There will be a person waiting for you after Customs Formalities with a sign stating the conference name. You simply need to tell your name to the taxi driver and you will be escorted to your taxi for you trip to your hotel.

 

Airport Taxis

Participants may get an airport taxi on arrival at the airport. Service is generally very good, but at times one may have to wait and prices may vary depending on the time of arrival.

If you are interested in using a taxi at Heraklion airport, once you have landed and collected your luggage, simply look for the signs pointing you towards the designated taxi waiting area.

For quotations, please refer to the link Heraklion Airport Taxi Fare. To pre book your hotel transfer please click here

 

Public Transportation

  • Heraklion Airport Bus

If you choose to use the local transport, the bus station is located just outside the airport grounds on the central road to your left. Buses arrive every 10 minutes and are headed from the airport to Heraklion KTEL Terminal.

  • Heraklion KTEL Station to Hersonissos

Upon arrival to the Heraklion KTEL Terminal, you can get the bus route Heraklion – Hersonissos to take you to the area of Hersonissos, where the venue is located. Please visit their webpage https://www.ktelherlas.gr/  for routes and timetables. Alternatively, you can get a taxi to drop you off to your hotel.

Local buses cover routes within the city limits and towards the nearby villages. KTEL buses link Heraklion with Rethymnon, Lassithi and Chania.

Hersonissos to Heraklion by Bus

Buses are the only form of public transport in Crete a quite extensive network that makes it relatively easy to travel around the island

Go to the bus station, which is located very close to the seaport. Take the bus – line 6 to Hersonissos. Buses run every 30 minutes between 06.30 – 23.00 and the fare is about 2.5 euros and it takes about 45 minutes. Once you arrive in Hersonissos, you must take a taxi to the hotel/conference venue.

Bus Station A:

Buses to: Agia Pelagia, Agios Nikolaos, Airport Heraklion, Archanes, Chania, Gournia, Hersonissos, Kastelli, Ierapetra, Istron, Lassithi Plateau, Malia, Milatos, Sitia, Rethymno, Sfakia, Sissi, Stalis/Stalida, Vrysses (and places in between).

Bus station A (tel: 2810-246530) is located nearby Heraklion Port, Ikarou 9.

 

Distances from Heraklion Airport:

Heraklion Airport is located approximately 5km ( 3.1 mi) away from the city of Heraklion.