Visa Requirements for Greece, Croatia & Albania - 2026 Travel Guide

Thinking about a trip to Europe, but don’t know where to begin with the whole visa process?

We’ve put together this guide so you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time on the fun stuff!

Who can enter without a visa?

If you’re joining us on an Island Hopping tour and you are from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, the US or Canada, then you can travel visa-free to Greece, Croatia and Albania. If you are a citizen of any other country, including South Africa, you are required to obtain a visa before departing.

Greece and Croatia Requirements

Greece and Croatia are both part of the Schengen Area, allowing citizens from approved countries to travel visa-free between all Schengen member states. Visa-free stays are permitted for up to 90 days within a 180-day rolling period.

Travellers from certain countries, including South Africa, will need to apply for a Schengen visa through their local embassy before departure. If this applies to you, please refer to the official Home Affairs website for detailed application guidelines and requirements.

When entering the Schengen zone, you may be asked to show proof of onward travel or accommodation. Once your Island Hopping booking is confirmed with us and your deposit has been paid, we’ll send you a payment receipt and provide you with your pre-departure information. Keep these documents handy, as they can be used as supporting evidence if requested.

Join us in Greece! Go active with our Greek Island Explorer or experience unforgettable parties on our Greek Island Hopper.

Or join us in Croatia! Explore breathtaking trails and coastal views on our Croatia Island Explorer.

Albania Visa Requirements

Citizens from approved countries can also visit Albania visa-free. While Albania is not part of the Schengen Agreement, it offers its own 90-day visa-free stay, which is perfect if you’re looking to extend your time in Europe.

Travellers from other countries, including South Africa, may need to apply for an Albanian e-visa or hold another valid visa that permits entry. As visa conditions and eligibility can vary, it’s best to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Join us in Albania! Discover this underrated gem on foot with our Corfu & Albania Explorer.

Additional Things to Know

• Passport check: Some countries require your passport to be valid for a specific period after your trip (often 3 - 6 months) and to have at least one or two blank pages. It’s best to double-check your government’s travel website before you go.
• Travel insurance: we strongly recommend travel insurance for everyone (travel insuranec is also required if you need a visa).
• EES: The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to roll out in late 2025. It will replace manual passport stamps, so allow extra time at border control during the transition period.
• ETIAS: ETIAS is a travel authorisation that travellers from visa-exempt countries will soon need to enter Europe. It won’t be required until late 2026, but it’s worth keeping in mind for future trips. Stay up to date with the latest ETIAS developments on their website.

Our Top Tip: Visa rules can change - always double-check the official government or embassy website before travelling.

Ready to plan your trip? Check out our Island Hopping Tours and let us handle the logistics, so all you need to do is pack your bag and turn on your out-of-office.