Greece is hands down my favorite place; it’s just so beautiful and full of history. If someone asks me where I think they need to go, I’ll most likely blurt out Greece. The best part is that AMERICAN VISA FROM GREECE is super affordable. I know there are a lot of questions when it comes to traveling from the U.S. to Greece, but never fear. I will take you through everything you need to know about visiting Greece.
DO U.S. CITIZENS NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO GREECE?
No, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Greece. All you need is a valid passport. However, starting in November 2023, all U.S. must apply for an ETIAS.
- What Is A ETIAS?
- How Much Will A ETIAS Cost?
- How Long Is The ETIAS Valid For?
WHAT IS A ETIAS?
It is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
The European Union implemented this system to collect information on visa-free tourists to ensure the identification of people who pose a security risk before traveling to the Schengen Area. The ETIAS application process is an online application process; it’s very easy and straightforward.
HOW MUCH WILL A ETIAS COST?
Individuals between 18 and 70 will pay €7 for ETIAS. Anyone under the age of 18 or anyone over 70 doesn’t need to pay the visa fee. You can pay the visa fee online with a credit card or debit card.
HOW LONG IS THE ETIAS VALID FOR?
The ETIAS is valid for three years or until the expiration date of your passport (whichever comes first). You can use your ETIAS for stays of up to 90 days in 180 days. However, be mindful that overstaying can lead to heavy fines or even a ban.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR GREECE FOR A U.S. CITIZEN?
The entry requirements for Greece are very important for international travel; you must ensure you follow all the entry requirements. For entry into Greece, your passport should have at least six months of validity. While Greek law requires three months of passport validity beyond the intended date of your departure, you may not be permitted to continue your trip if you’re transiting a country that requires six months of validity. Therefore, I recommend you have at least six months of validity to avoid travel disruptions.
U.S. citizens traveling on a passport reported lost or stolen will not get entry into Greece and must return to their original departure point. This decision is the purview of the AMERICAN VISA FROM HUNGARY Immigration Authorities; the U.S. Embassy cannot intervene. You can only get an emergency passport at the Embassy in Athens.
You must arrive in the country with the following travel documents:
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A return airline ticket or;
- Other evidence that you’ll depart Greece if asked.
U.S. official and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before arrival. So if you’re traveling on a U.S. official or diplomatic passport, you can’t enter Greece without a visa.
WHAT IS THE PLF FORM FOR GREECE?
The Passenger Locator Form (PLF) for Greece is designed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and protect the public health. This form asks for your previous travel information and contact information so they can contact you if they think you were in contact with someone with Covid-19.
DO I NEED A PLF FOR GREECE?
No, from 15 March 2022, the PLF for Greece is no longer mandatory for foreign travelers. However, a simplified PLF remains in operation, the completion of which is optional, for the sole purpose of enabling the traveler/family to issue an EU Certificate of a negative test or positive COVID-19 test result.
Travelers, who decide to fill out the simplified form, will receive the PLF with their unique QR code through email.
- How To Fill Out A PLF Form For Greece?
- What Does The PLF Form For Greece Look Like?
HOW TO FILL OUT A PLF FORM FOR GREECE?
As I mentioned above, the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is not mandatory for travelers anymore. However, if you choose to fill out the PLF, you need to go to the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) website. First, you must register or log in to have an account. Then you need to fill out a form before you can begin. Next, you must provide personal details for the PLF like your name, age, ID document type, and email address. Lastly, you need to provide your travel history. There you go! Now you have a valid Greece Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
WHAT DOES THE PLF FORM FOR GREECE LOOK LIKE?
This is what my PLF for Greece looked like
Honestly, the application process for the PLF was very straightforward, and it only took me a few minutes to apply for it. As you can see in the picture that there is an option for you to download the PLF as a PDF. This makes it easier because you’ll have your PLF with you whenever you need it.
WHAT ARE THE COVID-19 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR GREECE?
They loosened the reigns a bit with the travel restrictions from the US to Greece. There are a few things that changed, like:
- All travelers arriving in Greece, regardless of your country of origin, are no longer required to display a valid covid-19 vaccination certificate/ proof of vaccination.
- Travelers no longer need to provide status of recovery from COVID-19 or evidence of a negative test result from SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR test or Rapid Antigen test).
WHAT COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS WILL APPLY TO VISITORS IN GREECE?
During your stay in Greece, you must follow all measures that apply to Greek citizens. You no longer need to wear face masks in indoor spaces. It only remains mandatory for all passengers, except children under the age of 4 and those with respiratory problems, on local public transport (city busses, metro, tram) and in public spaces where you need to wear a mask, according to the relevant health protocols.
WHAT ARE THE COVID-19 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS WHEN FLYING BACK TO THE US?
The travel to US from Greece travel restrictions are a bit different than the entry restrictions for Greece. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website categorizes the travel restrictions for the US into three main categories:
- Before Traveling To The Us
- After Arriving In The US
- If You Recovered From Covid-19 Recently
BEFORE TRAVELING TO THE US
Before boarding a flight to the United States, you must show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Children under 2 years old do not need to test. All air passengers to the United States must also provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States. This strengthens the travel process to rapidly identify and contact people in the U.S. who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, such as COVID-19. In addition, access to travelers’ contact information will allow U.S. federal, state, and local health departments and agencies to share appropriate health and public health information necessary to help keep the public safe.
AFTER ARRIVING IN THE US
You might have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels, whether you traveled by air, land, or sea. You might not have any symptoms, but you can still be infected and spread the virus to others. For this reason, CDC recommends the following:
- If you’re not up to date with your covid-19 vaccines, you must stay home and self-quarantine for 5 days after travel.
- All travelers, regardless of their vaccination status (unvaccinated or vaccinated travelers), must test for current infection with a Covid-19 viral test 3-5 days after arriving in the US. Travelers must also self-monitor for covid-19 symptoms and isolate and test if they experience any covid-19 symptoms.
IF YOU RECOVERED FROM COVID-19 RECENTLY
If you recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days (regardless of vaccination status), you don’t need to get a test 5 days after arrival. You also don’t need to self-quarantine after arrival. However, isolate immediately and get tested if you develop COVID-19 symptoms after arrival. Continue to isolate until you know the results. Wear a well-fitting mask around others.
