USA IMMIGRATION NEWS

Greece Designated as a Member of the Visa Waiver Program

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Janet Napolitano, recently announced that Greece has been designated as a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

President Barack Obama used a Greek Independence Day reception at the White House to proclaim the US decision. Joined by the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Obama said the solidarity between the US and Greece continues.

The VWP was established to help eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, allowing citizens of specific countries visa-free travel and temporary stay in America for 90 days without a fee or formal application. Of course, those seeking to live and work in the USA will continue to require an immigrant visa.

There are currently 35 Visa Waiver countries that participate in the VWP. Eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States under the VWP. Individuals holding a passport from any of these countries may visit the United States under the VWP under certain conditions. Travelers with a passport from any other country must obtain a B-1 or B-2 Visitor Visa in advance.

In line with the VWP designation process, the DHS determined that Greece complies with key security and information sharing requirements - such as, enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States; timely reporting of lost and stolen passports; and the maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, aviation and document security standards. As a result, Greek citizens will now be permitted to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

If you are interested in Visas to USA, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the United States of America.