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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\u2019s travel document and border security systems.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Greek officials and the Hellenic Police described the development as a significant institutional and diplomatic achievement, reflecting improvements in Greece\u2019s identity documentation and security procedures.<\/p>\n
Greece had been placed under temporary status in 2016 following concerns raised in a 2014 assessment of its travel documents and entry controls.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The changes paved the way for the United States to normalise Greece\u2019s participation in the programme.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s previous status.<\/p>\n
The development marks an important step in Greece\u2019s travel and security cooperation with Washington, while reinforcing the country\u2019s position within the US Visa Waiver Program.<\/p>\n
Source: Kathimerini<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n