Greece Travel Requirements for US Citizens (2026)

Planning a Greece trip and wondering about entry requirements? Good news: Americans can visit Greece easily. No visa is required for tourist stays, and the paperwork is minimal. But there are a few things you need to know before you go — including upcoming changes to European travel rules.

This guide covers everything US citizens need for a smooth entry into Greece in 2026.

Entry Requirements at a Glance

*ETIAS launch date has been delayed multiple times. Check current status before travel.

Passport Requirements

Validity Rules

Your US passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area (which includes Greece).

Example: If you're leaving Greece on September 15, your passport must be valid until at least December 15.

Common mistake: Many travelers assume their passport just needs to be valid during their trip. This is wrong for Schengen countries — you need that 3-month buffer.

Blank Pages

You need at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Two or more is safer, especially if you're visiting multiple countries.

Condition

Your passport should be in good condition. Damaged passports (water damage, torn pages, obscured photo) may cause entry problems.

What to Do If Your Passport Needs Renewal

Allow 6–8 weeks for standard US passport renewal, or 2–3 weeks for expedited processing. If you're traveling soon, consider a passport agency appointment or expedited service.

Visa Requirements

Tourist Visits (Up to 90 Days)

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Greece for tourism, business, or family visits up to 90 days.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area — a zone of 27 European countries with unified entry rules. Americans can stay in the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Important: The 90/180 rule applies to ALL Schengen countries combined, not just Greece. Days spent in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc. count toward your 90-day limit.

Calculating Your Days

The 90/180 rule is a rolling window:

• Look back 180 days from any given day
• Count how many days you've spent in Schengen countries
• You can't exceed 90 days in that 180-day period

Online calculators can help track this if you've been traveling extensively in Europe.

Longer Stays

If you need more than 90 days in Greece, you'll need a national visa (Type D). This requires application through a Greek consulate before travel and proof of purpose (study, work, family reunification, etc.).

ETIAS: What You Need to Know

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen Area. Think of it as Europe's version of the US ESTA for the UK or Australian ETA.

Is ETIAS Required Now?

Not yet. ETIAS has been delayed multiple times. As of this writing, launch is expected in 2025, but the exact date remains uncertain. Check the official ETIAS website for current status before booking.

How ETIAS Will Work

Once operational:

1. Apply online before travel (takes ~10 minutes)
2. Cost: €7 (valid for 3 years)
3. Processing: Usually approved within minutes (can take up to 96 hours)
4. Linked to passport: If you renew your passport, you'll need new ETIAS

What You'll Need for ETIAS

• Valid passport
• Email address
• Credit/debit card for payment
• Answers to health and security questions

Can You Enter Without ETIAS?

Once ETIAS launches, no. Airlines will verify ETIAS before boarding, and you won't be allowed to fly without it. Apply at least 72 hours before travel to be safe.

Current situation: Until ETIAS launches, no pre-authorization is needed. Just show up with your valid passport.

What to Bring: Documents Checklist

Required Documents

✅ Valid US passport (3+ months validity beyond departure)

✅ ETIAS authorization (once launched — print or have digital copy)

✅ Return or onward ticket (immigration may ask to see proof you're leaving)

Recommended Documents

✅ Travel insurance — Not required, but strongly recommended. Learn more.

✅ Hotel reservations — Immigration may ask where you're staying.

✅ Proof of sufficient funds — Rarely requested, but technically required. Credit cards or bank statement showing you can support yourself.

✅ Itinerary — Having a rough plan helps if questioned.

Documents to Have on Your Phone

• Passport photo/scan (backup if lost)
• ETIAS confirmation (once required)
• Hotel confirmations
• Flight itinerary
• Travel insurance policy
• Emergency contacts
• Embassy contact information

Pro tip: Have offline access to important documents. Don't rely on airport WiFi.

Arrival Process in Greece

What to Expect at Immigration

EU/EEA citizens: Use automated e-gates (if available) or EU passport line.

US citizens: Use "All Passports" or "Non-EU" line.

The process:

1. Present your passport
2. Answer brief questions (purpose of visit, where staying, length of stay)
3. Receive entry stamp
4. Proceed to baggage claim

Typical wait: 15–45 minutes depending on flight volume and time of day.

Questions Immigration May Ask

• Purpose of your visit (tourism, business, family)
• Where you're staying
• How long you're staying
• When you're leaving / your return flight
• Whether you have sufficient funds

Answer briefly and honestly. Immigration officers process thousands of tourists — they're not trying to catch you in anything, just confirming basic information.

What Raises Red Flags

• One-way ticket with no clear departure plan
• Staying for the full 90 days (closer scrutiny)
• Unable to explain where you're staying
• Previous Schengen overstays
• Damaged or nearly expired passport

Customs Rules

Duty-Free Allowances

Entering Greece from outside the EU, you can bring:

Tobacco:

• 200 cigarettes, OR
• 100 cigarillos, OR
• 50 cigars, OR
• 250g tobacco

Alcohol:

• 1 liter spirits (over 22%), OR
• 2 liters fortified wine/sparkling wine, AND
• 4 liters still wine, AND
• 16 liters beer

Other goods:

• Up to €430 in value (€150 if arriving by land/sea)

What to Declare

• Cash over €10,000 (or equivalent)
• Goods exceeding duty-free limits
• Restricted items (certain foods, plants, medications)

Prohibited Items

• Illegal drugs
• Counterfeit goods
• Protected wildlife products
• Weapons (without proper permits)
• Certain food products (meat, dairy from outside EU)

Driving in Greece

US Driver's License

Your US driver's license is valid in Greece for tourist rentals. However, Greece officially requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your US license.

Reality: Most rental companies accept US licenses without an IDP. But police technically can request it, and having one avoids any issues.

Getting an International Driving Permit

Available from AAA offices in the US:

• Cost: ~$20
• Valid: 1 year
• Requirements: Valid US license, passport photos, application form

Get it before you travel — you cannot obtain an IDP in Greece.

Car Rental Requirements

• Valid driver's license (+ IDP recommended)
• Credit card (for deposit)
• Minimum age: Usually 21–23 (varies by company)
• Insurance options: CDW, theft protection (review carefully)

For driving safety tips, see our Greece Safety Guide.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

Required Vaccinations

None. No vaccinations are required to enter Greece.

Recommended Vaccinations

The CDC recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccines:

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Polio
• Flu shot (seasonal)
• COVID-19

COVID-19 Requirements

As of late 2024: Greece has no COVID-related entry requirements. No vaccination proof, no testing, no health forms.

This could change — check current requirements before travel.

Travel Health Insurance

Not required for entry, but strongly recommended. Greek healthcare is good but medical evacuation to the US can cost $100,000+.

Get travel insurance

Medications

Bringing Prescription Medications

You can bring prescription medications for personal use. Recommendations:

• Keep medications in original labeled containers
• Carry a copy of your prescription or doctor's note
• Bring only the amount needed for your trip (plus small buffer)
• Controlled substances require extra documentation — check Greek regulations

Medications That Require Extra Care

Some medications legal in the US are controlled or restricted in Greece/EU:

• Certain ADHD medications (Adderall, etc.)
• Some painkillers (codeine levels vary)
• Sleep medications
• Anxiety medications

For controlled substances, carry:

• Original prescription
• Doctor's letter explaining necessity
• Consider contacting Greek embassy for guidance

Pharmacy Access

Greek pharmacies (look for green cross) are excellent and can provide many medications without prescription. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and often speak English.

Embassy & Emergency Contacts

US Embassy in Athens

Address: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens

Phone: +30 210 721 2951

Emergency (after hours): +30 210 721 2951 (follow prompts)

Website: gr.usembassy.gov

US Consulate in Thessaloniki

Address: Plateia Commercial Center, 43 Tsimiski Street, 7th Floor, 54623 Thessaloniki

Phone: +30 2310 242 905

Emergency Numbers in Greece

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Enroll before travel at step.state.gov. This free service:

• Alerts you to safety conditions
• Helps the embassy contact you in emergency
• Assists family in reaching you if needed

Mobile & Connectivity

Phone Options

International roaming: Works but expensive for most US carriers.

Better options:

• eSIM services: Airalo, Holafly — buy data before you leave
• Local SIM card: Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind — available at airports and shops
• Google Fi / T-Mobile: Include international data at no/low extra cost

What to Download Before You Go

• Google Maps: Download offline maps for Greece
• Translation app: Google Translate with offline Greek
• FerryHopper: For checking/booking ferries
• Beat: Taxi app for Athens
• Your airline's app: Boarding passes, updates

Checklist: Before You Go

Documents:

• [ ] Passport valid 3+ months beyond return date
• [ ] ETIAS (when required — check status)
• [ ] International Driving Permit (if renting car)
• [ ] Travel insurance documents
• [ ] Copies of all documents (physical + digital)

Planning:

• [ ] Enroll in STEP program
• [ ] Notify bank of travel dates
• [ ] Check medication requirements
• [ ] Download offline maps and apps
• [ ] Save embassy contact info

Health:

• [ ] Routine vaccinations current
• [ ] Prescriptions in original containers
• [ ] Doctor's letter for controlled medications

For complete trip planning, see our How to Plan a Trip to Greece guide.

FAQ

Do US citizens need a visa for Greece?

No. US citizens can visit Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so this 90-day limit applies to all Schengen countries combined, not just Greece. For stays longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a national visa through a Greek consulate. The only upcoming change is ETIAS — a simple online authorization (€7, valid 3 years) that will be required once launched. Check the current ETIAS status before travel.

What documents do I need to travel to Greece from USA?

You need: 1) Valid US passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date and at least one blank page. 2) ETIAS authorization (once launched — check current status). 3) Return/onward ticket (immigration may request proof you're leaving). Recommended but not required: travel insurance, hotel reservations, proof of sufficient funds, and International Driving Permit if planning to drive. Keep digital and physical copies of all documents. Once ETIAS is operational, you won't be allowed to board without it.

Is ETIAS required to visit Greece now?

Not yet. ETIAS has been delayed multiple times, with launch currently expected in 2025. Until it launches, Americans can visit Greece with just a valid passport — no pre-authorization needed. Once operational, ETIAS will be mandatory for all US citizens visiting Schengen countries (including Greece). It's a simple online application costing €7, valid for 3 years, and typically approved within minutes. Check travel.europe.eu for the current launch status before booking your trip.