Passports

Passports

The Consular Authorities of Greece to Switzerland (Embassy in Bern – Consular Section and General Consulate in Geneva) are competent only to receive and check the supporting documents at the request of the person concerned for the issue of a passport.

The Greek Police has the sole responsibility for issuing passports.

As of 01.09.2022 the duration of passports validity has been increased from five (5) years to ten (10) years for Greek citizens 14 years of age and above, while for those under the age of 14, passports are valid for three (3) years.

The diplomatic authorities of Greece to Switzerland, which are responsible for receiving applications for Greek passports, are:
-  The Embassy of Greece in Bern   (Consulate) , with jurisdiction over all the cantons of Switzerland except the cantons (Genève, Vaud and Valais) and the Principality of Liechtenstein
-  The Consulate General in Geneva with jurisdiction in cantons Genève, Vaud and Valais.

A passport application is applied only by appointment.

In order to renew the passport, it is necessary for the citizen to be present in order obtain biometric data.

Holders of Greek passports will have to arrange for their passport to be issued/ renewed at least three (3) months before its expiration date. The passport is renewed by issuing a new passport, following the new passport request process. (Please note that if you are travelling to a third country, it is advisable to consult the Embassy of the country you are visiting for the terms and conditions of this visit i.e. Visa, money, minimum duration of passport validity, etc.)

The transcription of the applicant's name from Greek characters into Latin is automatically made under ELOT 743. If the applicant wishes to change the automatic transcription mode, he/she must carry a national or foreign document during the application procedure (i.e. residence permit, passport of another country or birth certificate), which justifies different entry.

For issuing a passport the following documents are required:
a) For adults
1. Old passport and new identity card (in Greek and Latin characters on the reverse side).
2. Recent Greek birth certificate (the Consular Office of the Embassy of Bern is responsible for this document requested to do so by contacting the municipality of registration of the person concerned) In order for the Consulate Section to acquire this documents you can send us per email ( ) in Greek the first and last name, the father’s and mother’s name of the person concerned his/her date of birth and the municipality to which he/she is registered in Greece. The Consulate will then acquire the document and contact you in order to make an appointment. Alternatively you can call at 031 356 14 14.
3. Residence permit.
4. Two (2) recent biometric photos for a Greek passport. The photographers who take the pictures must know the exact technical specifications required for Greek passports as it is a common reason for the Greek Police to reject the applications. The technical characteristics of the photos can be found here.
5. In the case of foreign rebellion, a recent attestation of insubordination (not older than 6 months) by the relevant Army Service.
6. 101,30 CHF (cash, payment with card is not possible), with a 5-year passport validity period.

b) For minors
1. Old passport.
2. Recent Greek birth certificate (the Consular Office of the Embassy of Berne is requested to do so by the municipality of registration of the person concerned).
3. Residence permit.
4. Two (2) biometric photographs for a Greek passport. The photographers who take the pictures must know the exact technical specifications required for Greek passports as it is a common reason for the Greek Police to reject the applications. The technical characteristics of the photos can be found here.
5. Passports and parent IDs.
6. For minors under the age of 14, 88,35 CHF is required in cash and the passport's validity is 3 years.
7. For minors over 14 years of age, 101,30 CHF is required in cash and the passport's validity is five years.
8. The presence of the minor as well as the presence the two parents is required. If a parent is prevented from doing so, an original statement of consent issued and validated by a Greek Public Authority (prior to the appointment) is required. If the two parents are divorced and one of them has custody it is necessary to produce the final irrevocable and final judgment of the Court. In the event that the court order does not specify the custody, a certificate from the competent court is required that the decision is final or that no ordinary or extraordinary appeal has been issued against it.

No fingerprints are required for minors under 12 years of age.

Click here to learn about the progress of the process in your application.

Important information :
-  In order to receive the new passport, the applicant's personal presence and the presentation of the old passport and proof with the bar code are required. Receipt may be made by another person but authorization is required, certified by the Greek Public Authority.
-  After six (6) months from the issuance of the passport and if the person does not receive the passport, it is returned to the Hellenic Police and canceled.
-  If the application for a passport is rejected, the person concerned must immediately submit a new application, which is charged only with the Swiss franc 6 francs.

In case of loss or theft of a passport:
1.  The loss or theft of a passport must be reported to the Police Department of the area or place where the passport was lost.
2.  The citizen must go to the nearest Consular Authority and make a responsible loss / theft statement with the number, date and Issue Principle of the lost / stolen passport as well as the loss / theft conditions. If you do not have an ID, a witness is required to certify your details.

For temporary travel documents (laissez-passer) click here