Greece Restarts Visa Processing. After weeks of disruption, **Greece has officially resumed visa processing services in India, restoring relief for thousands of travelers. The restart follows a major cybersecurity incident that temporarily halted visa operations across multiple cities.
According to officials, Greek visa application centres are now fully operational, and processing timelines have returned to normal, with standard decisions once again being issued within 15 calendar days.
Cybersecurity Breach Caused Five-Week Suspension
The disruption began after a cybersecurity breach affected servers linked to a subcontracted visa processing partner. The incident forced authorities to suspend operations for nearly five weeks, impacting applicants across nine major Indian cities.
Global Visa Center World (GVCW) confirmed that as of 12 February 2026, appointment systems and biometric collection points have been restored. Greek diplomatic missions, including the embassy in New Delhi and the consulate in Mumbai, have resumed normal processing timelines.
Travelers and Businesses Affected by the Outage
The visa suspension caused significant inconvenience, especially for leisure travelers and corporate groups. Thousands of tourists had to delay or cancel travel plans, while several businesses shifted international events to alternative destinations like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
Industry experts say the interruption also impacted MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel, with companies scrambling to find new venues during peak planning months.
Surge in Demand Expected After Services Resume
With visa services restored, travel industry groups anticipate a strong rebound in demand for Greek travel. Analysts believe that the backlog of applications will translate into increased bookings during the upcoming shoulder season.
This expected surge is further supported by improved air connectivity. Indian carrier IndiGo is set to launch direct flights between Mumbai and Athens, making travel more convenient. Additionally, a codeshare partnership between IndiGo and Aegean Airlines will provide one-stop access to around 40 European destinations.
Faster Processing Options Return
Authorities have confirmed that applicants can once again expect the standard 15-day visa processing window, which aligns with normal Schengen procedures. Moreover, priority processing options—which allow decisions within five working days—have also been reinstated, although availability remains limited.
These expedited services are expected to be particularly useful for business travelers and executives planning last-minute trips.
Application Window and Peak Season Warnings
Officials have reminded travelers that Schengen visa applications can be submitted up to six months before the intended travel date. However, they have also issued a warning that peak-season appointment slots—especially between June and September—may fill up quickly as the backlog clears.
Travel experts advise applicants to book appointments early and prepare documentation in advance to avoid delays.
Tips for Applicants and Corporate Mobility Teams
With services now operational, applicants are encouraged to double-check travel documentation, especially if their plans changed during the suspension period. Corporate mobility teams should consider updating invitation letters and travel schedules where necessary.
Experts also recommend preparing flexible or dual-dated itineraries to minimize re-submission risks if travel dates shift again.
Finance departments and frequent travelers should note that the temporary suspension does not affect the 180-day Schengen validity rule. Any previously issued visas continue counting down, even if they were not used during the disruption.
Growing Cybersecurity Concerns in Visa Processing
The incident has highlighted increasing cybersecurity risks within outsourced visa processing systems. As many embassies rely on third-party service providers, digital vulnerabilities have become a growing concern.
European authorities are now accelerating efforts to strengthen security and modernize visa systems to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
Move Toward Fully Digital Schengen Visas
In response to recent incidents and rising global travel demand, European Union missions are working toward launching a fully digital Schengen visa platform, expected by late 2026. This transition aims to enhance efficiency, improve data security, and streamline application processes.
Experts believe that digital transformation will reduce dependence on physical documentation and minimize operational risks linked to third-party service providers.
Conclusion
The resumption of Greek visa processing in India marks a major relief for travelers, businesses, and the tourism sector. After a five-week suspension caused by a cybersecurity breach, operations have returned to normal, with 15-day processing timelines restored and priority services back in place.
