Temporary protection in Greece for Ukrainians: how to apply in 2026?

Ukrainians planning to apply for temporary protection in Greece are facing delays due to the immigration service being overwhelmed. Find out how to apply online correctly, what documents to prepare, and what to do if there are no available appointment slots

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Recently, there has been a significant increase in enquiries from Ukrainians planning to travel to, or who have already arrived in, Greece regarding applications for temporary protection — particularly due to the lack of available dates in the registration system. An explanation for this situation was provided by the United Ukrainian Diaspora in Greece on its Facebook page.

The main reason is the heavy workload facing the immigration service. The system is simultaneously processing a large number of applications, not only from Ukrainians but also from other categories of applicants. Immigration offices across the country are overwhelmed, so an appointment date may not be allocated immediately after an application is submitted.

Read also: When do Ukrainians need a visa for Greece and how can they obtain one?

What should you do if you are planning to apply for temporary protection in Greece?

First, travel to Greece — then submit your application. This is the correct sequence of steps. You can only apply for temporary protection whilst you are in Greece. Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport are entitled to stay in the country legally for up to 90 days from the date of entry without any additional permits.

It is not worth waiting until this 90-day period expires — submit your application immediately upon arrival. Given the workload on the system, your appointment may be scheduled several weeks in advance, so the sooner you apply, the better.

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What should you do immediately upon arrival in Greece?

The United Ukrainian Diaspora in Greece recommends that first-time visitors do the following straight away:

● buy a Greek SIM card — you’ll need it for registration;

● check your email;

● save copies of all documents on your phone or via email;

● keep documents confirming your date of entry — passport stamp, tickets, boarding passes;

● arrange temporary accommodation in advance.

What documents are required to submit an application?

To register via the Greek Ministry of Migration’s online platform, you will need:

● an email address;

● a Greek mobile phone number;

● a passport or other form of identification;

● documents for family members, if you are applying together.

Applications are submitted via the official online platform of the Greek Ministry of Migration.

What happens after you’ve submitted your application?

Once registration is complete, the system automatically assigns a date, time and location for your appointment. A confirmation will be sent to the email address you provided during registration. Check your email regularly and keep all correspondence from the migration service.

You must be in Greece by the date of your appointment and attend the specified office at the appointed time.

What should you bring to your appointment with the immigration service?

On the day of your appointment, you must bring the following with you:

● your passport or another form of identification;

● your appointment confirmation (from your email);

● documents proving family ties — for families;

● documents proving your date of entry into Greece — a stamp in your passport, tickets, boarding passes.

Key points to bear in mind: what not to do

Do not leave submitting your application until the final weeks of your permitted 90-day stay — due to high demand, your appointment may be scheduled much later than you expect.

Check your email regularly — all communication from the immigration service takes place via email.

Keep all your entry documents — tickets, boarding passes and passport stamps. These may be required to verify your date of arrival.

Where can you get help in Greece?

If you need immediate assistance with applying for temporary protection, you can contact the Information and Coordination Centre of the United Ukrainian Diaspora in Greece:

Address: Athens, 4 Feron Street

Telephone numbers: +30 210 821 9950 / +30 697 653 3390

Email: [email protected]

Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–15:00

Furthermore, if you have any questions regarding legal status, documents or procedures, Visit Ukraine’s lawyers specialising in migration and the protection of Ukrainians’ rights abroad can provide personalised advice.

We remind you! The EU Special Envoy for Ukrainians, Ilva Johansson, expects temporary protection to be extended for another year — until March 2028. Read the conditions and recommendations she has set out for over four million Ukrainians in the European Union.

Photo: Freepik

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