Greece Finally Obtains Visa Waiver Status

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on 9 March announced the designation of Greece as a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This decision enables Greek citizens to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Travelers will however have to complete some information online prior to traveling.

In accordance with the VWP designation process, DHS determined that Greece complies with key security and information-sharing requirements (such as enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the U.S.); timely reporting of lost and stolen passports; and the maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, aviation and document security standards.

With this announcement, Greece joins the 35 nations already participating in the VWP and is the 23rd European Union member to be added.

Greek citizens should be able to travel to the U.S. without visas as of the second week of April.