Contrary to all the negative comments, I was more than impressed with the service I encountered recently at the Greek Consulate in Melbourne The staff were very helpful and professional and they truly went out of their way to find available dates and "squeeze" in my next appointment. To all non-patient, Greek Consulate haters and "μαγκες" or "μαχαλομαγκες", please note the following: 1. When you call, the person in charge of the phone, also assists people arriving therefore not always able to answer the call straight away. Personally, I was calling every day for 2 weeks between 9-10am till I finally got through (the only negative comment) to make an appointment 2. Go to your appointment PREPARED 3. No government department , anywhere in the world is perfect. 4. The Greek Consulate is under-resourced, yes, (like a lot of other businesses these days, in the name of efficiency and productivity) but it is not the staff's fault if the Greek government does not allocate more resources 5. Be patient, polite and don't act as you own the place or that you are owed something, just because you are you! 6. I am not related to anyone at the Consulate and I am not an employee of the Greek Government 7. To the staff at the Greek Consulate, thank you and "καλη δυναμη" An update from my last visit - a month almost my first appointment - and the comments continue to be positive... Arrived a bit earlier, waited for a while - funny I couldn't smell any cigarette smoke as someone complained about - and I was called in from the same polite lady that assisted me the first time. She completed all the paperwork, accurately, timely and efficient. Due to the number of registrations required - a wedding, birth, baptisms and a power of attorney - it did take a couple of hours, but I was prepared and had my afternoon free. Exactly a week later, I went back and received all the documents required for my kids to acquire the Greek citizenship and passports Great work, thank you Katerina, Luke and all at the consulate!

First time ever writing a review and only if I can leave a negative rating!!! Hope I can help people in the same situation. I'm holding an Australian PR and trying to apply for a French Schengen visa. Unfortunately, the Greek consulate is representing France in VIC. On the Greek website, it clearly states "WHEN DO I APPLY?-It is advisable to contact us 1- 2 months before your trip and definitely no less than 15 days before your departure in order to set up an appointment. " I am 51 days away from my planned departure date. I went there this morning, being told the next available appointment is on 8th Sep. The girl told me "take it or leave". I tried to get a second chance by asking about cancellation, hoping when I'm free I can just wait to see if anyone failed to show up. And guess what? They kicked me out (really rudely). So if you want to travel to France or Greece, I would suggest you to call at least 4 months before hand. Not sure they answer phone calls tho. Updates: For this visa, I ended up contacting French consulate in Sydney by email and they helped me to arrange an appointment in Sydney (multi entries, 90 days). The year after, I had to get another French visa. Called Greek Consulate about 3 months before and got an appointment. Single entry visa just enough days to cover my trip. When I was in the Greek Consulate, saw a family about to travel in a week time and couldn't get an appointment.

Let me just say God help you dealing with these Greek bureaucrats, never have I dealt with such a bunch of rude, selfimportant, lazy, unhelpful people in the city of Melbourne. A simple state dec procedure that would have normally taken 5min at a local chemist took me 3.5hr over 2 days to complete. Only after my frustration took the better of me and I was forced to confront them regarding the lack of service given at the very unqualified male secretary that was constantly winging to his colleague about his non existent work load, did they all come out of there little boroughs like they've just been woken up by the noise. Not happy about being confronted with the truths about there complete lack of service and making me feel as I was there just as an inconvenience to there day, did they then decide to deal with my request, only to be told the the office was now closed and if I wanted further assistance I would need to come back the following day. Unfortunately these people are a reflection of the wider Greek bureaucracy culture, passed down from the homeland government in Greece and will take a few more generation to change. My only advice, just be ready for lengthy periods of waiting, and make sure you park your vehicle in a all day car park so you don't get booked. Ohh, and they shut there doors at 2:00pm Good luck!

**BEFORE you go, read this. The aim of this office is to act as a liaison between Greece and the host country. In my case, a simple problem wasted days of pointless appointments over a 7 month period with multiple instances of blatant mistakes, contradictions, and inappropriate behaviour with no resolution. My issue related to resolving a visa restriction so I could remain in Greece past the 90 allowed days. A simple series of questions I posed regarding the visa extension process was practically impossible to resolve, the lady conducting my interviews literally interrupted me every time I started to speak and in the end simply stated that my issue was not her job and she is very busy…The people in this office are generally quick to blame their counterparts, or other countries, covid, and in the end they even blamed me for not having the foresight to become a Greek citizen at birth… Go figure… The saddest part? We went to the Italian consulate around the corner and after just a few hours we obtained a Schengen Visa extension to allow us to remain in Eu for 6 months under their bi-partisan agreement!! So it looks like Italy will be getting our cash now… Thanks for a valuable education into Greek bureaucracy and a real time example of why Greece and it’s economy has become a joke…

I had a great experience the other week - the Consulate went above and beyond to help me. I came in without an appointment to pick up some forms, initially met by a very warm George- he directed me quickly to the individual I needed to speak to (also called George). This gentleman went, as mentioned, above and beyond. It was a Friday, the Consulate closes at 2pm, he stayed back until 4pm assisting me to resolve my needs. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. Try doing that anywhere else. I think some of the poor ratings aren’t particularly fair, in my observation of everyone coming in during the time I was there, not one person left angry, or sad, or unresolved. Come here firstly by putting things into context - you go to VicRoads, you’re guaranteed to spend anywhere between 30mins to an 1hr+, and that’s for pretty minor requests. People enter the consulate for generally more significant requests. If you can’t sit still waiting on a sofa (remarkably soft, I might add) for 15 minutes between you and the next person (who remember probably walked in asking for their entire extended family to get passports, and a sack of paperwork in-toe), then life is going to be a very disappointing and difficult.

If you can't avoid it then be prepared at least for the following: - Prepare cash! They are still stuck in prehistoric era and don't know that the eftpos machine has been invented. - When you walk in, it stinks of cigarettes and it's definitely not the visitors, but rather the whole dingy space where they probably lit up after work. - Learn the numbers in Greek if you're not Greek as they will call them out in Greek. - Rude and attitude doesn't even cover the experience you will be provided with so brace yourself. - And don't expect any assistance from anyone. You have to be persistent and adamant about your business. It is by far the most unprofessional official body I have ever visited. You want to know why the Greece is in trouble, walk in here and you'll get your answers. The woman who served me checked her phone several times and simply couldn't be bothered with much. However, she was adamant that I must pay in cash and if I don't go and get the cash out, I won't get my documents. And they also know how to charge. Two documents to be stamped - $96. Then again this is as ridiculous as our own government who charges $60 for the Apostille stamp alone.

I’ve been waiting 7 years to get my dual citizenship. I’ve left countless messages and sent emails to find out what’s happening with no response. Every time I call reception they tell me to either call Greece or that they have left a message with the person who processed my papers. I also asked to make an appointment and have been told they are reception only and don't make appointments. So it's virtually impossible to get a follow up. After non stop harassing the consulate I ended up seeing someone who informed me the paper work must have been lost and I have to start the process again. They also made me pay for all the documents again. I asked why I had to pay again and they said because that payment was from ages ago (I had the detailed receipt with me). This place is unprofessional, the reception lady and man are extremely rude and unhelpful. There is no accountability which is why they get away with how they conduct themselves.

The worst service and experience ever! I applied for my application in May and called up at the end of July asking when it would be ready. It was still not ready at that time. They never called me once to advise that my passport was ready i had to keep calling. I called again in October and in November. In November i was told to come and pick it up before Christmas otherwise it would be sent back. Today (12 December) I went in to pick it up and was told that i needed my old greek passport to pick it up and said if i dont come back by friday it will be sent back - furious! not once did they call a) to advise it was ready or b) tell you what you need to bring. I am then making my way back to my office and they call me advising me its been sent back! SERIOUSLY!!!! worse service ever. do not waste your time with these people. They are just a joke. I am never getting my greek passport renewed again.

I really do not understand why some people write negative reviews. Seriously...... Ok, maybe through their experience, but still.......... The staff at our Greek consulate are doing there best to accommodate everyone's needs. If people who are writing a negative review knew what these consulate staff have to put up with on a daily basis, there wouldn't be a one star review, but 5 star's. The fact that our Greek Consulate does not have more staff, it has to do with the government from Greece, not here. On my visit to the Greek consulate office, I was greeted by George Xanthis, very helpful man, explained everything that I needed to know in detail so I can understand it. I did see briefly Maria as well, and she was really nice and helpful. Thank you George & Maria. Keep up the good work that you guys are already doing, and don't listen to the negative people with their negative reviews.

Appalling. I submitted my request for my citizenship in October 2018. Paid for my documents to be sent around $500, was told i would be contacted and have not heard back since. i have called weekly and have a chain of over 20 emails with no replies trying to find out what happened to my documents and why no one has gotten back to me. It is now almost August 2021, many years passed and still nothing, not even a reply. They have taken my money and completely ignored me. My parents are born in Greece, this should not be so difficult. To not even get a reply is disgusting. I will now have to take this matter further now i consider this fraud as my money has been taken and no one is even answering me. It does not take 3 years to get a reply!

Shocking! I called to ask about how to get a name change on my Greek Citizenship in order to change my Greek passport to my married name and the man (and I regret not getting a name) who answered the phone said rudely that it was impossible to do this and I could enter Greece with my Greek passport that’s in my maiden name I work as a travel agent, I know for a fact (as does everyone) that your booked ticket must match your passport name no matter what country you are entering or exiting. So tell me Mr Consulate man, how will I be entering and departing Greece with my Greek passport if it doesn’t match my ticket and I have two different surnames? Or maybe I will get special consideration. I don’t know how some people have jobs!

Call before you go in to check they are actually ready for you to come in!!! Worst service you could possibly ever imagine. One person tells you one thing and then another staff member tells you the other. They have no person running the place so they don’t speak to each other or check anything with each other. Make sure you call before your appointment to make sure they haven’t lost any papers and have everything you need because they don’t call you and tell you that paperwork isin’t ready! You just go in, waste your day, then they get angry at you and won’t listen to anything you say!!!! So so stubborn, incompetent, unreliable and just a complete mess and joke!!! Actually laughable at times!!!

This is one of the worst embassies I've ever had. It was extremely inefficient. I waited for an hour and a half on the day of the visa application. And there were only three groups of applicants. What a joke. A week later, I came to get my visa. I arrived at 9:00 but was told that I could not get it until 10:00. I asked again at 10:30, but was told I couldn't pick it up until noon! My god. When applying for a Japanese visa last year, it took less than five minutes to submit the visa and less than three minutes to get it a week later. I sincerely want to ask my friends in the Greek embassy, don't you realize your inefficiency? No wonder your country is bankrupt!

Another satisfying service from the staff at the Greek Consulate in Melbourne Happy to see that there are more people willing to acknowledge the hard work and the efforts of the people working there, with appropriate comments on line Twice, in the last 2 years, I needed Power of Attorney certificates done and both times - amongst Covid and lockdowns - after a lodged the paperwork needed, I got a call when everything was ready and a time slot to go in, pay and sign Was it super fast? No; was it fast enough? Yes If the Greek government allocated more resources, I am sure that things would move faster! Overall, great work everyone and thank you again!

I have been trying to call them for 3 days. Waited on the phone for 5 minutes with Greek auto message, after 5 minutes the English voice message comes up explaining what I could expect, then tellls me if I wanna make appointment for visa, I should hold on the phone and wait to be connected after the voice message. I wait for 15 minutes or more each time and can't get through at all. Around 11:30 to 12:30 I just can't connect to them anymore. Afterward the phone is busy until their office close at 2pm. Does this office only have 1 phone? The only way I can make visa application appointment is calling them and I can't get through for days.

Positive experience! Contrary to all the negative comments, I called at 11:50PM and got through before the recorded message could play. I was also put through promptly to the person I requested to speak with. The lady was very friendly and addressed all my concerns. On other occasions, I tried calling before 10AM and even though they advertise as being open, I don't think they are, so best to call after 10AM. Another negative is that the appointments can take a long time before eventuating. We were expecting our appointment in July, however, we will be having it in Mid August. Better late than never.

This place left me a bad first impression of Greece. It is apparent that some staff here hate their job and the customers. The staff who deal with my visa is nice , but The man answered the phone is extremely rude and unprofessional, he yelled at me on the phone when I tried to reschedule my appointment. If Greek government want foreigners to have a good impression of Greece, they should consider to hire the competent staff to work here. Also I have noticed there is a different attitude when they treating Greek and non-Greek, if you aren’t greek, don’t expect they will have a good attitude.

For visa I used them 3 times in the past years and I have to say they were very helpful each time and polite. But very slow. All the rest services, like authorisation or to verify the authenticity of documents, the service is unacceptable. Wrong information is a culture here. To avoid their bad service last time, I preferred to travel all the way to Greece just for 1 week to finish my paperwork fast and without hassle. Please improve your service, give correct information and extend your working hours to normal, not just 25 hours per week. Most of appointments takes 4+ months!

I can understand why this consulate had been given bad reviews, but let me tell you they have improved, massively. The young lady who gave me the appointment was very considerate and accommodating. The consular service by Dimitri was outstanding, he's been very friendly and helpful. I got my visa done within 3 hours, on the same day!!! Thank you Dimitri! It used to take them a few weeks and I had to go there twice, one to drop off documents, and back a few weeks later to pick up the visa. I couldnt be happier! PS: the grumpy and snobby lady was nowhere to be seen!!

I had an 11 AM appointment and guess what i was served at 11AM. Nothing but praise for the individuals that work at the consulate. Half the time the old time greeks can't be bothered listening to what needs to be done at reception and when they are repeatedly ask the same question. No service is perfect but i have never had a bad experience at the consulate. Each person that has served me has been polite, respectful and professional. For those who want to whinge get into line and have a Greek coffee whilst you're at it.

As if 1/1/22 the Greek government, changed the law, regarding persons who pass away abroad, and their death has to be registered in the country where they died. Apparently, the waiting period is one year due to lack of staff. The special registry in Athens is not registering deaths abroad, so what am I have to go back to Australia during COVID wait for my mums amended death certificate from the DBMR in Melbourne and wait to get an appointment. I’ll be dead by then.

Staff are not very helpful, they don't look happy to be at work, maybe a change of vocation to an undertaker might suit. I am Ashamed to be of Greek heritage after visiting here. Perhaps management should read reviews and fix all the problems. Appalling service and spoken down to, just for asking questions on obtaining a Greek Passport, One would think they would be happy to help. If this was any other business it would have gone broke and closed shop.

My experience with the team at the consulate, with Ms Eudokia in particular has exceeded my expectations. Courteous, helpful and went over and beyond to assist me in my dealings. If you have issues direct your complaints to Greek foreign affairs department and not the consulate as they dont manage staff numbers and business processes. One day, the department may introduce online self serve that would help the staff at consulates no end.

Evdokia is the only person that we can see, however we have left 5 messages in 5 days and she hasn't returned the call. We want to make an appointment but only she can make the appointment which makes me wonder why they even have someone working at reception if they can't make an appointment for us. And in 2 phone calls, she hasn't even been in the office before 10am, when the office hours are supposedly 9am-2pm.

That’s a truly Greek public service. Totally incompetent, rude and full of themselves. They open at 9:00, set the first appointment at 9:30 but do ask you to be there half an hour earlier! 9:45 and the clerk is not even in the building yet. When asked why the delay, the information desk’s reply is, “how should we know, maybe it’s the traffic, just wait and eventually they will be there”

This is the most inefficient department I've ever had to deal with. They made me wait on the phone for 20 minutes and then hung up on me. If you are unable to handle the volume of calls then you have a duty to advise people so they don't wait forever for nothing. This way people would be much more understanding of your situation. Please log on and tell them exactly how you feel.

We were recently impacted by the snap COVID lockdown in Melbourne and needed to reschedule our appointment. I called and spoke with George at the Consulate and had such a great customer service experience. He was so polite, patient and helpful in rebooking our appointment within a short period of time due to the impact of our original booking. Thank you George!

No one answers the phone. Rings out. Shocking service. I have been trying to get through for weeks…. Recently in Greece and they told me the only option I had was to go through my local consulate… apparently the major of Katerini has even worked in Melbourne and they all said what amazing service I will get…. No service, no phone pick up, no email response….

Staff helpful but not very efficient. It took 1 hour for a job that could be done in 15 minutes. Why the stamps must be kept in a different room? Authorisation is part of routine power of attorney procedure. Whys researching the internet during customer service hours. This should be done before or after.... Now i know why I waited 5 months for the document!

The worst customer service ever! I just got told I had to wait 2 years for an appointment to apply for Greek citizenship through descent! Then when I questioned why it would take so long for this appointment I was rudely told do you want this appointment because there are others waiting. No explanation was given at all! This is so soul crushing!

Two days trying to call the Greek Consulate. It rings once and automatically the line closes. Setup purposely to do this!!.. How are we supposed to communicate with them for important or any matter whatsoever ??.. This is ridiculous and I have never seen such a setup in ANY business ANYWHERE in the world!! What a shame..

What a joke this place is waste of space and everybody's time No customer service what so ever- no manners - very rude PATHETIC PATHETIC PATHETIC - this is one of so many words that describes the lot of you . Warning to all DONT waste your time with these good for nothing pathetic servants . one star is very generous

The absolute worst experience. ... They refused to assist and help me and they actually hung on me... It was a matter of complacency, discrimination and just down right bad manners. I was quite disgusted. I am sad to say, it reflects badly on Greece as a nation and the level of care and customer is service is zero!

Excellent! They gave me an early appointment so that I could travel on time to Europe great service, very polite and efficient I was able to pick up my passport 2 days after I applied for the visa. I just recommended to bring cash to pay for the Schengen Visa. Thank you so much Greek Consulate in Melbourne!

Passport renewal took approx 8 weeks, applied for renewal mid April 2019 they even let me come in after closing time around 2.30pm to pick it up.(thank you for the flexibility) Email was sent as promised outlining where/when to pick up. Overall experience was positive and transparent from beginning to end.

Exceptional service with immaculate results. The receptionist Yianni greeted me politely and guided me though the process, of explaining the procedure of power of attorney, step by step and with no signs of mistrust or forcing things up. Highly recommended and no hesitations of visiting them again...

Very nice people. Informative and I didn’t wait long to get through on the phone. BUT I have to wait 2.5 YEARS for an appointment to apply for citizenship If Greece wants Greeks investing back into Greece…what are they doing about this?? Amazingly self destructive behaviour …

Absolutely inundated with phone calls, have telephoned 13 X this morning and other mornings to get through. Calls just ring out! Either not enough staff to man enquires or other wise not sure what the problem might be.. I was told I would get a call back, still waiting….‍♂️ …

Me and another family member were trying to connect with you via phone call, but YOU NEVER RESPOND for days now!! What is even the point of having a workplace phone contact when you cannot respond to your customer's calls in a timely manner? What happened to reliable workers? :/

To the guys writing negative reviews about my beautiful Greek patriots you are extremely childish . They greek consulate is fantastic and very helpful .... Negative reviews lead to 5 yrs army in Greece as punishment. Keep up the fantastic work Greek patriots ..........

Upon my initial phone call, I was told to wait for a month and a half for the next appointment which didn't suit my travel plans. However, I sent another email and managed to get a convenient time slot. The visa was processed quickly and the visa officer was friendly

I reckon is the worst embassy all over Australia. Rude and clueless staff, they all have same mentality as any customer service in Greece, just useless. Lazy and they don't provide any help at all... that's why Greece will always be a third world country

My appointment was conducted on time by a helpful staff member. The waiting area was comfortable and transport to get their was by tram. Unfortunately I had to wait 2 months to get an appointment. Otherwise good experience.

Hours wasted, impatient snappy attitude and incompetentent staff. Not to mention that consulate staff get double pay, they get paid their salary in Greece and also in Australia and at no risk of losing their jobs!

Absolute joke, it's like a bunch of babies are running this joint. Been 4 weeks still yet to receive a call, no one answers the phone. They should be ashamed of themselves. An absolute disgrace

If only all government agencies could be as hospitable as the Greek consulate In Melbourne!!! A massive THANK YOU to George and the team …

I don’t know why there are many negative comments, the people here are very nice and patient, and they really try to do their best.

Good luck getting anyone to respond. Like all the other reviews mention below, they won't return calls. Tried for 4 days now.

The rudest and laziest bunch of people you will ever meet. Avoid at all cost.

dealt with my issues in timely and professional manner