Greece adds AI chatbot in 31 languages to help nomads and tourists navigate visas

Headline: Greece adds 31-language visa chatbot to VisitGreece

Travelers arriving in Greece won’t face a new border check, but they can now use an official AI chatbot to confirm entry requirements before reaching immigration or a consulate.

Visa guidance before the border

The VisitGreece portal and app, live since July 1, include an InfoDesk mode with official information on Schengen visas, long-stay categories and required application documents, the Greek National Tourism Organization said. Its scope includes Greece’s digital nomad visa, covered further in Greece’s residency rules.

The chatbot doesn’t issue visas or replace border authorities. Applications still go through Greek consulates, embassies or immigration offices and travelers must present the documents required for their nationality and status.

Ferry routes and accessibility details

A separate planning mode builds itineraries and answers questions about ferry routes, operators and accessibility. It connects to digital maps containing about 15,000 points of interest, which can help travelers check island connections and step-free facilities.

The assistant works in 31 languages, including all 24 official EU languages plus Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean and Turkish. Voice conversations use speech-to-text and text-to-speech tools.

Accessing the service

The VisitGreece app is free through Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Greece’s earlier mAiGreece assistant is now integrated into it, including information on hospitals, police stations, embassies and consulates. Its emergency button can send the traveler’s location by SMS to Greece’s civil protection operations center through the 112 service.

The practical step is to check InfoDesk before booking a consular appointment, since it can identify the documents expected for a traveler’s nationality and visa category. Final requirements and applications still rest with the relevant Greek consulate or immigration authority.