Non-Immigrant Visas
Greece and the Visa Waiver Program
Greece has been selected as a candidate for the Visa Waiver Program. Secretary of State Rice sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), nominating Greece for the program, and DHS has conducted a formal review of Greece's candidacy. These are important developments, but for now, Greeks still need a visa to travel to the United States. Please click here if you need information on how to apply. The U.S. Embassy in Athens continues to work closely with the Greek government to conclude the arrangements for Greek entry into the Visa Waiver Program.
Citizens and eligible nationals of current VWP member counties who would like information on the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) may visit www.CBP.gov. Effective January 12, 2009, all individuals traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be required to obtain a travel authorization before initiating travel. ESTA is available free of charge and can be completed in 16 languages at http://www.cbp.gov/esta
VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established web sites which charge visitors seeking to travel to the United States under the VWP, for information about ESTA and for submitting ESTA applications to DHS on behalf of the traveler. These businesses and web sites are not endorsed or associated with the United States Government. The United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain a travel authorization through the ESTA web site.
