Greece has officially requested a new loan from the International Monetary Fund.

AFP reports the country has submitted its documentation as it continues to seek a huge third bailout from its creditors.

A letter has now been sent to Christine Lagarde from the Greek Finance Minister.

The Syriza led Government had hoped to avoid the agency this time around, but European creditors demanded the organisation be part of a third bailout package.

Greece became the first country to effectively default on the IMF when it missed a repayment of €1.5bn on June 24; however a bridge loan of €7bn granted by the EFSM this week allowed Greece to clear its arrears.