United States entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Greek passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before departure. This requirement applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Greece. Complete the DS-160 form online and schedule an interview — wait times in Athens are typically 2-4 weeks. Bring your printed DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, and supporting documents to the interview.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Greek passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may refuse boarding if your passport expires within 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your US host with their address and contact number. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Bring recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip — at least $200 per day is a safe benchmark. A credit card with a reasonable limit also works. | Recommended |
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 $21 USD) 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 May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years (typical for Greek citizens)
Cost$160 USD (€147)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical for Greek citizens)
Cost$160 USD (€147)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (€147) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time study at accredited US institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$460 USD (€423) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
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 |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee. | $160 USD (€147) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Greek citizens. | $160 USD (€147) |
| Visa Extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (€340) |
| Overstay FineOverstay may lead to fines, bans, or deportation; no fixed per-day rate. | Varies |
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 do not need a transit visa for the US if they have a valid ESTA or visa. However, they must have a valid ESTA or visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without additional documentation.
- Holders of a valid ESTA may transit without a visa.
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 May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.