ETIAS for Greece
EU Visa Waiver for U.S. Citizens Visiting Greece
If you are a U.S. citizen planning to visit Greece, you need to know about ETIAS.
ETIAS is the new electronic travel authorization for Europe. Starting 2026, Americans will apply for ETIAS to visit Greece and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa.
Information about the requirements to travel to Greece from the U.S., and the new ETIAS entry permit, is provided on this page.
Conditions to Travel to Greece Without a Visa
As a U.S. citizen, you can visit Greece without a visa short-term. You must, however, meet all the visa-free entry conditions.
Stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period: You can visit the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. These can be consecutive days or divided among several trips.
Visit for leisure, business, or study: You can visit Greece on vacation, visit family or attend business meetings or conferences visa-free. You can also take short study courses in Europe, as long as they last no longer than 90 days.
Hold a valid ETIAS authorization: U.S. passport holders need ETIAS to travel to Greece visa-free from 2026. ETIAS is a visa waiver and mandatory when traveling to Greece without a visa.
If you do not meet the conditions for visa-free entry, you need to apply for a visa for Greece.
ETIAS Greece for U.S. Citizens Explained
U.S. citizens can apply for ETIAS for Greece from 2026. ETIAS is mandatory to visit Greece or other Schengen nations without a visa.
ETIAS Greece is quick and easy to obtain online. Simply fill out the application form and pay the ETIAS fees. The approved authorization is linked to your U.S. passport electronically, ready to travel to Greece.
ETIAS is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.
You can use the same ETIAS to travel to Greece and other parts of the Schengen Area multiple times for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Documents to travel to Greece from the U.S.
Greece is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area.
To travel to Greece short-term, U.S. citizens need:
- Machine readable passport
- ETIAS for Greece
U.S. citizens staying in Greece for more than 90 days need:
- Passport
- Visa or residences permit for Greece
Different visas and permits are available for Greece, depending on your reason for visiting and how long you will stay.
FAQs About U.S. Citizens Traveling to Greece
What documents do I need to apply for ETIAS Greece from the U.S.? Toggle faqs
To apply for ETIAS you need a U.S. passport valid for at least 3 months after you’ll exit the Schengen Area.
For example, if you’re planning to be in Europe until July 1, your passport must be valid until at least November 1.
You’ll also need a debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fees.
What information do I need to provide when filling out the ETIAS form? Toggle faqs
To fill out the ETIAS for Greece application form from the U.S., you’ll need to provide:
- Basic personal information
- Passport details
- Education and employment information
- Travel history
Your information is protected by EU data privacy regulations.
How long does it take to process ETIAS for Greece? Toggle faqs
It will take just a few minutes to fill out the ETIAS form for Greece. Basic personal information and passport details are required.
Processing will also be fast. You’ll be notified by email as soon as your visa waiver has been approved.
When do Americans need to apply for ETIAS for Greece? Toggle faqs
ETIAS will be fully operational from 2026. U.S. passport holders will need to apply before traveling to Greece or other ETIAS countries.
It takes a few minutes to fill out the form and processing is fast. In most cases, ETIAS is issued following automatic processing.
Travelers are advised to apply as soon as possible before the date they’ll travel to Greece.
Visiting Greece From the USA
Greece is in Southern Europe, on the southernmost tip of the Balkan peninsula, with extensive coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas.
Greece is an increasingly popular destination for American tourists. More flights from the U.S. to Greece have recently been introduced thanks to growing demand, including direct flights from New York to Athens.
The Mediterranean country enjoys more than 250 days of sunshine a year, which makes it one of the sunniest countries in Europe and the world. The most popular places to visit in Greece include Athens, Crete, Corfu, and Santorini.
About Greece
Capital: Athens
Language: Greek
Area: 131,957 km²
Population: 10,955,000
Timezone: UTC/GTM 2
Currency: euro (€)
Code: +30
U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece
If you need consular assistance during your stay in Greece, you can contact a United States diplomatic mission.
The U.S. Embassy is in Athens and there is a U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki.