The United States has restored Greece to normal status under its Visa Waiver Program, ending more than a decade of additional scrutiny over the country’s travel document and border security systems.
The decision was confirmed on Tuesday when US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Robert Law delivered an official letter to Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis.
Greek officials and the Hellenic Police described the development as a significant institutional and diplomatic achievement, reflecting improvements in Greece’s identity documentation and security procedures.
Greece had been placed under temporary status in 2016 following concerns raised in a 2014 assessment of its travel documents and entry controls.
Since then, Greek authorities have introduced more than five million new identity cards, incorporated biometric data into passports and strengthened security checks to meet the required standards.
The changes paved the way for the United States to normalise Greece’s participation in the programme.
What the decision means for Greek travellers
Greek citizens will continue to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when travelling to the United States for eligible short-term visits under the Visa Waiver Program.
However, the restoration of normal status is expected to streamline the process, with travellers benefiting from faster processing and an end to the additional arrival checks associated with Greece’s previous status.
The development marks an important step in Greece’s travel and security cooperation with Washington, while reinforcing the country’s position within the US Visa Waiver Program.
Source: Kathimerini
