United States entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Greek passport holders don't need a traditional visa for the United States — you can travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA authorization, which you apply for online. This covers tourism and business stays up to 90 days. For longer stays, work, or study, you'll need a visa from the US embassy in Athens. This applies in 2026.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)You need this online authorization before you fly; without it you won't be allowed to board. Visa waiver entry permit | Greek citizens must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding a flight to the US. Apply online at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/). The cost is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Processing is often instant, but allow up to 72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs to be valid for half a year beyond your stay. Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Greek passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the US. For a 90-day stay, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned exit date. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer will stamp your passport; you need a blank page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It's wise to have a couple extra pages in case of additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketEven though not a legal requirement, airlines often check for onward travel before letting you board. Not officially required but strongly recommended | US immigration does not require a return ticket for ESTA travelers, but airline staff may ask to see proof of onward travel. It's recommended to have a return or onward ticket booked to avoid boarding issues. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's not a formal requirement, but having a way to show you can pay for your trip can help if questioned. Not officially required but may be asked | US immigration does not require proof of funds for ESTA travelers, but you should be able to show you can support yourself during your stay if asked. Carry a credit card or bank statement just in case. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form in advance; just the standard customs form on the plane. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Greek citizens entering the US under the Visa Waiver Program. You will complete a customs declaration form (usually provided on the flight) upon arrival. | Not required |
ESTA is not a visa — don't overstay
ESTA allows a maximum stay of 90 days. Overstaying even by a day can result in a ban from the Visa Waiver Program for future travel. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Apply early for ESTA
While most approvals are instant, some applications are flagged for manual review and can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
Travel insurance is cheap compared to US healthcare
A basic travel insurance policy costs around €30-50 for a week. A single emergency room visit in the US can cost thousands. Don't skip it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight information, and first night accommodation address. Pay the fee (around $40.27) with a credit card. Approval is usually instant, but apply at least 72 hours before departure.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your ESTA approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them easily accessible on your phone or in a folder.
3
Arrive at the airport
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your ESTA status. At the gate, you'll go through security and board.
4
US immigration at port of entry
After landing, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Non-US Citizens'. Queue at the immigration booth. Hand over your passport and ESTA approval. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer honestly and briefly. You'll be photographed and fingerprinted.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel. Proceed through customs (declare any goods over $800 or food items). Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months (typically)
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$185
For tourism, business, or medical treatment; allows longer stay than ESTA.
Work Visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1)
Max stayVaries by visa type (e.g., H-1B up to 6 years)
ValidityVaries; tied to employer and petition
CostVaries (e.g., H-1B base fee $460 plus other fees)
Requires US employer sponsorship and approval from USCIS.
Student Visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of study plus optional practical training
ValidityDuration of program (I-20)
Cost$185 (visa fee) + SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
For full-time study at a US academic institution.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$460 USD (€423) + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent (immigrant intent).
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace + OPT up to 3 years (STEM)
$160 USD (€147) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time academic study at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (€965,000) minimum investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD (€188) + other fees
For nationals of treaty countries (Greece is a treaty country) who conduct substantial trade between the US and Greece. Requires employer sponsorship.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA application feeNon-refundable, paid online via official ESTA website. | $21 |
| Visa application fee (B1/B2)For stays over 90 days or non-eligible purposes. | $185 |
| Extension of stay (I-539)For extending B1/B2 status; requires valid reason. | $455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
Greek citizens transiting through the US are generally exempt from a transit visa if they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and have an approved ESTA. However, ESTA is required for air or sea transit. If you do not have ESTA, you must apply for a C-1 transit visa.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- ESTA is required for transit even if staying airside.
- If you have a valid US visa (any type), you may transit without ESTA.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza, COVID-19)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease common in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in most states; risk is highest from July to October.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food or contaminated produce; practice good food hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; arrive early for appointments.
Practical information for GR travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays under 90 days. You need an ESTA authorization, which you apply for online. ESTA is not a visa but a travel authorization. For longer stays, work, or study, you need a visa from the US embassy in Athens.
Most applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight. If you're denied, you'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US embassy, which takes weeks.
You cannot travel under ESTA. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US Embassy in Athens. This requires an interview, costs $160 USD, and processing takes several weeks. Plan ahead.
No, ESTA does not allow extensions. You must leave the US before 90 days. Overstaying can result in a ban from future travel. If you need a longer stay, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa instead.
Your passport (valid 6+ months beyond entry), ESTA approval (printed or digital), return ticket, and first night accommodation address. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and length of stay. Answer honestly.
Yes, ESTA is valid for entry at any US airport, land border, or seaport. You'll go through immigration at your first point of entry. For example, if you fly into New York JFK, you clear immigration there even if your final destination is Chicago.
ESTA applications ask about criminal history. Certain convictions (especially drug offenses, crimes involving moral turpitude, or multiple DUIs) can make you ineligible. You may need to apply for a visa instead. Be honest — lying can lead to a permanent ban.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.