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Ambassador Speckhard Speaks with Passengers and Officials at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos Airport: Visa Waiver Transition Going Smoothly

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On the occasion of Greece’s recent entry into the Visa Waiver Program, U.S. Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard visited Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, on the morning of April 7.  The Ambassador spoke with Greek travelers, airport officials and representatives of Delta Airlines, and learned that the first three days of Greece’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program have gone well.

“From the passengers we talked to today the transition to visa waiver has gone very smoothly,” Ambassador Speckhard said.  “One young woman said it only took a few minutes for her travel authorization.  The same was true for several others, although they spoke no English, they had no trouble in following the new travel authorization system. I am pleased that it is working out so well and travel to the U.S. has now become much easier for Greeks.”

The Ambassador noted that the new system would also save additional time and travel for those living outside of Athens, who would no longer need to come to the Embassy to obtain a visa.

Greece officially began the Visa Waiver Program on Monday, April 5th.  Greek citizens with the newer passports issued after August 26, 2006, who want to travel to the United States as tourists or for some travel purposes for less than 90 days are eligible to apply online through the ESTA process.  For detailed information about the Visa Waiver Program, visit the U.S. Embassy’s website: http://athens.usembassy.gov.  The online ESTA electronic form, which must be filled out, is available at:  https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D83GLaVIzX0