The U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security completed a visitation to Greece that included meetings with the Ministries of Interior, Justice and Foreign Affairs, in hopes Greece can enter the U.S. visa waiver program (VWP) in 2008. Greece refused to sign a preliminary draft agreement in April 2008 that eastern European countries have signed to enter the program, leaving the future uncertain.

On May 27, a U.S. delegation was again in Athens to meet with Greek counterparts, and the public is waiting to hear the outcome.

It was the first and only country to have received a formal nomination to the current visa waiver program since Bush signed a law in August 2007 enabling new countries to join VWP, which has been frozen since 9/11.

For now, Greek citizens with only a Greek passport still need a visa to visit the USA.

Does the U.S. discriminate against Greece?

It is a commonly held belief that the “U.S. discriminates against Greece” by not allowing it in the VWP, thus earning it the designation of being the only EU country not in the program of the first 15 members. But is that true?

Take a look at the timeline.

VWP and Greece Timeline

Pre-1986: The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) does not exist. All visitors to the USA need visas, except Canadian, Mexican and Bermudan citizens.

1987: The USA tests the VWP with a few countries. Primary criteria are: a) Centralized passport security; b) no more than 3% refusal rate of those applying for non-immigrant visas; c) reciprocal program with the USA; d) low rate of overstays and violations of non-immigrant visas, and e) internal security and political stability.

1998: Of 20 countries in the VWP, 13 of 15 EU countries had qualified and entered.

1998: Greece is invited to join VWP, provided it meets the same requirements demanded of all countries accepted to the program. Deadline is 1999.

1999: Greece fails to centralize the passport issuance system, which is a primary VWP requirement, in addition to poor marks in internal security regarding terrorism. Without control and accurate records of blank passports, stolen Greek passports make it into the hands of Iraqis sneaking over the Mexican border into the U.S. and criminals trafficking Eastern European women into Western Europe (see source list for a number of articles).

2000: The National Commission on Terrorism advises the U.S. to consider sanctions against Greece for “not cooperating fully on terrorism.” U.S. Ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns recommends against sanctions and instead concentrates on bilateral relations and cooperation.

September 2001: The attack on 9/11 halts VWP. There is no U.S. Congress consensus on how or if the VWP will continue to shrink, expand or exist.

June 2002: Failed bombing in Piraeus finally leads to first arrest of November 17 members, after 27 years of terrorism and assassinations.

2002-2003: Law requires that the newly established Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review a country every two years for continued participation; Argentina and Uruguay are booted from VWP.

2003-2006: Five bombings and one assassination attempt by Revolutionary Struggle are carried out; added to EU terrorist list in 2007.

2004: EU sets security guidelines for all passports issued in member states, which includes Greece, namely that they be biometric. Greece makes no move to meet new guidelines.

October 2005: New U.S. VWP passport requirements take effect: a) All passports issued before October 2005 must be machine readable; b) all passports issued after October 2005 must be machine readable and a digitized photo OR be biometric.

October 2005: New Greek passports continue to be issued and renewed without digitized photos and are not biometric.

January 2006: Greece announces it will comply with 2004 EU security guidelines, but the procedure for passport issuance is not ready.

February 2006: USA announces that all passports issued or renewed after October 2006 must be biometric to meet ICAO standards; this mirrors EU security guidelines.

September 2006: Greece begins issuing biometric passports, two years after deadline had been set.

October 2006: New biometric passport requirement takes effect for the USA.

October 2006: EU suggests that members not in VWP retaliate by forcing American diplomats to secure visas; Greece does this by early 2007, instead of organizing police stations to contend with the demand for passports.

January 2007: Deadline set by Greece for all citizens to have/use biometric passports. Backlog and procrastination make it difficult for Greek citizens to comply.

January 2007: Rocket attack on U.S. Embassy in Athens

August 2007: Bush signs a law directing Homeland Security to enact a VWP pilot program to admit up to five countries cooperating with the USA on counterterrorism, and change the non-immigrant visa refusal rate from 3% to 10%.

September 2007: DHS announces “progress has been made,” and Greece is nominated as the first of five countries to “possibly” enter the VWP.

April 2008: Greece backs out of a draft agreement to enter VWP.

Sept. 11, 2001 - present: No countries have been admitted to the VWP.

As two-thirds of all visitors and tourism income come from VWP member countries, it is not in the USA’s interest to discriminate against anyone and is therefore without motive. It has more to do with Greece’s non-compliance of requirements, ill timing of terrorist attacks in both countries and a VWP freeze on all countries since 9/11.

Should Greece enter VWP, it is not a done deal. It must continue to meet requirements and pass DHS inspection every two years to continue in the program. In the meantime, all Greek citizens holding only a Greek passport still require a visa to enter the USA, and this site’s articles will be updated when that changes.

For related articles, see “Deksi xeri, sas parakalo” and “Greek passport.”

Sources

“U.S. Visa Waiver Program” - U.S. Department of State

“Rate of Refusal by Nationality in 2007” - U.S. Department of State

“Will Greeks ever enjoy visaless travel?” - Athens News

“Expand the Visa Waiver Program to Eligible Countries” - Free Trade

“Iraqi with forged Greek passport is jailed” - York Press

“Six Iraqis (with Greek passports) detained at Mexican border” - San Diego Union Tribune

“21st century slaves” - The Sunday Herald

“Migrant women forced into cheap sex trade” - The Guardian

“Iraqi refugee crisis deepening” - Washington Post

“Eleventh victim discovered in Superfast III garage” - ANA

“Man only helping Iraqis” - Sydney Morning Herald

“Landmark ruling boosts political refugees” - BBC

“Issuance of Greek passports” - Greek Consulate, Washington DC, USA

“Greek and American Perceptions Compared” - Kathimerini

“U.S. Visa Waiver Program Passport Requirements Timeline” - DHS

Non-Immigrant Visa Stats - U.S. Department of State

“EU terror list 2007“

Holding dual citizenship requires no special application or the hiring of a third party if you wish to be both an American and Greek citizen. The USA and Greece allow you the privilege of holding both citizenships without conflict, as long as you meet the requirements of each country and do not commit the voluntary expatriating acts listed below.

The nature of citizenship

Greek citizenship is granted to those who:
1) Are born in the country to at least one parent of Greek origin,
2) can stake a claim to an ancestor born in the country
or
3) live in the country for many years, meet a number of requirements and go through the naturalization process.

Greek citizenship is a right granted by origin, not by birth. Therefore, a child born to two non-Greek parents in Greece is not automatically entitled to citizenship and must be naturalized after his/her 18th birthday.

Marrying a Greek citizen does not automatically grant a non-EU spouse the privilege of Greek citizenship or a Greek passport. You must be a Greek citizen yourself or go through the naturalization process. Articles pertaining to non-EU spouses of Greek citizens are, “Greek citizenship through naturalization” and “Residence/work permits for non-EU family members of Greek citizens.”

Americans wishing to acquire Greek citizenship

If you are an American citizen wishing to stake a claim to Greek citizenship through an ancestor born in Greece since you yourself were not, this is your right. Living in a foreign country does not affect the status of your citizenship, however you are required to report income earned in a foreign country by filing a U.S. tax return as long as you are an American citizen.

Most U.S. and other non-EU citizens exercise the dual citizenship option as a way to live and work in the EU if they have no other alternatives. This is its only benefit.

This is also the first step toward applying for a Greek passport and Greek national ID (tautotita), though these things carry little or no advantages since your country’s passport is widely accepted for everyday and official transactions.

An article has been posted about “Acquiring Greek citizenship by claim of Greek origin” as a guide to gathering your documents, but please be aware of the conflicting information I’ve highlighted for you. There is a lot of marginal and unverified information from newspapers, forums and articles posted by lawyers, and it is important to understand that each person’s case is unique. Therefore, the experience of a friend, relative or stranger may not be relevant to you.

Outside Greece: I highly recommend that Greeks abroad seek official consul from the Greek Consulate, which has the most current information and is authorized by the Hellenic Republic to accept and submit applications on behalf of potential candidates. They also have citizenship applications.

In Greece: Greek citizen candidates in Greece can go in person to the Interior Ministry at 31 Stadiou Street, Athens or call the citizenship office at (210) 324-9683 or use (210) 324-9465 or (210) 324-9314. You can also contact the Foreign Ministry Citizen Information Office at 3 Akadimias Street or (210) 368-2700.

Greek Military Obligations

Any male between the ages of 19 to 45 should take note that mandatory conscription in the Greek military will be assigned upon taking Greek citizenship. Detailed information and website links can be found in the “Military Service” section.

Ways you could lose American citizenship

- Officially stating your desire to have your American citizenship revoked. It is otherwise assumed you wish to retain it.

- Taking an official oath of allegiance to a foreign state. Taking a routine oath of allegiance, such as the one requested during the Greek citizenship process, is not considered such an act.

- Serving as an officer in a foreign army or serving in any army hostile to the USA. Serving mandatory conscription in the Greek military as part of a Greek citizen’s duty is not considered such an act.

- Serving as a high official in a foreign government. Accepting non-policy type employment is not considered such an act.

- Making a formal renunciation of U.S. citizenship.

- Working to overthrow the U.S. government.

You can read about it at, “Possible loss of U.S. citizenship and dual nationality” on the U.S Department of State Web site.

Greeks wishing to acquire American citizenship

Many Greek citizens who can stake a claim to U.S. citizenship usually exercise this option as the first step to securing a U.S. passport. I know several Greek-Americans who choose not to hold a Greek passport if they already have an American passport, which they consider to carry more weight in the world in general. Some countries also allow Americans, Canadians and Australians to speed through long lines on occasion, including Greece.

Please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site, which details immigration, years of residence, green card and citizenship requirements.

If you are a Greek-American in Greece who would like to stake a claim of American citizenship for your child, the American Embassy in Athens and Thessaloniki can assist you with the application. It is straightforward and can be completed in less than a half hour. Please find their contact information in the third column under “American-specific sites.”

Which passport should I use?

The American Embassy recommends that American-Greek citizens use their U.S. passports to enter and exit the United States not only for convenience, but also to avoid securing a non-immigrant visa required of all Greek passport holders.

There is no official recommendation on passport use by the Hellenic Republic, and various Greek Consulates gave different answers when asked. However, it is highly advisable that you use the same passport for the length of your entire journey to/from Greece, since passport control must be able to track your entries and exits with stamps in your passport and/or match them according to computer records. If traveling only within Europe or anywhere not requiring a visa, using your Greek passport may make your re-entry to Greece much easier, especially if it’s your home base.

It is tempting for American-Greek dual passport holders to use the Greek passport to skip long lines when entering Greece from a non-EU country, but if you did not use this passport for the duration of your journey, you absolutely should not try it now (see “Comments” by Katerina, attached to this post).

For other countries

The information provided above applies specifically to American-Greek citizens.

Greece is part of the EU, but each member state has different requirements and a different view on dual citizenship — it is wrong to assume all countries have the same requirements and same policy. Further, you also need to verify that the policy of your current home country allows it; for example, the USA may have a different view on dual citizenship with Syria.

It is imperative to seek official printed literature and the advice of authorized representatives of your country who are experts (not a forum, not a friend, not a lawyer who posts articles on the Internet) before jeopardizing your current citizenship. Each case is unique, and what applies to one person may not apply to another.

Note: It is redundant for citizens from other EU countries to seek dual citizenship with Greece since they are already authorized to live and work in any of the 27 member states according to each states’ freedom of movement laws detailed by the EC.

Related posts

“Greek citizenship by claim of Greek origin“
“Greek citizenship by naturalization“
“Mandatory Greek military service“

Article updated March 12, 2008
–
Photo from answers.com

This is a true story about a Greek citizen named Kosta on his way to the United States for vacation. First stop, the American Embassy in Athens.

Condoleezza Rice and Dora Barkoyianni discussed the possibility of Greece entering the U.S. waiver program after a visit from U.S. Homeland Security at the end of 2007, but Greece failed to meet qualifications for entry to the program in the past, nothing has been approved and Greece is NOT in the program now or scheduled to be (this post is consistently updated to reflect the latest information). Therefore, it is necessary for all Greek passport holders to secure a non-immigrant visa for visits to America. Greek-American dual citizens are advised to use their U.S. passports.

Getting a visa to the United States

According to the U.S. Embassy website, this is how a Greek citizen can apply for a non-immigrant visa (tourist visa or visa for a visiting businessman).

STEP 1: Pay the Visa Application Fee (Gives account number and addresses of Piraeus Bank locations where 80 euros must be paid; fee will be increased to $131 starting January 1, 200

STEP 2: Do you need an Appointment? (No, for people aged 14-16 or 60-80 or those with a previous unexpired visa; yes, for everyone else)

STEP 3: Schedule Your Appointment (Online scheduling system)

STEP 4: Complete and Print the Application Forms (Online forms and instructions offered in both English and Greek)

STEP 5: Gather the Required Supporting Documentation (A reminder to have application, bank receipt and passport)

STEP 6: Have Your Photo Taken (Specs of 50 x 50 mm, full face, jaw shut, taken with a white background)

STEP 7: Come to your Interview

Each step has instructions in English and Greek, and there is a dedicated hotline ready to receive questions in English and Greek should you need information before going to the American Embassy in Athens or Thessaloniki (there is no American Embassy in Crete or any other city/island).

It’s all very clear and straightforward, there are no mysteries or ambiguities. It states a waiting time of up to 3 hours, but you’ll later learn why that only applies to certain people.

Follow the instructions, they’re clear dammit!

My friend Kosta pays his fee to get the receipt, has his photo taken, prints and fills out the application in English, makes an appointment, takes a pen and shows up on time. Inside the embassy, he waits his turn and has a chance to observe his fellow Greeks in action.

The first window is where all documents are submitted — this is where the chaos starts. Some have shown up with no photos, some with no applications, some with no bank receipts and some with nothing but their passports. Judging from the box of preprinted applications and pens on a large table, this is a common occurrence and embassy officials have surrendered instead of turning people away. The embassy official at the first window also serves as a photographer for those who didn’t bring photos, but she’s frustrated because no one has small change, and she’s having trouble with her subjects.

“Please sir, stop smiling. This is not a portrait, this is your visa. You need to close your mouth and look serious,” she says. He smiles again, this time wider with all of his teeth showing and head tilted. Kosta starts laughing and slaps his forehead.

“Oxi, oxi, sir! Sas parakalo, koita,” she says, as she points at her face and looks straight ahead with lips closed. The man repeats the same toothy smile and head tilt. The woman gives up and asks him to sit down to keep the line moving. He mumbles something in Greek about Americans and has a seat.

She waits on the next person, and this man has his passport, photos and application, but no receipt from the bank. “Did you pay your money, sir?” she asks.

“Yes, yes, here you go,” he says as he slaps 80 euros on the counter. “I’m sorry sir, but you need to pay this to Piraeus Bank and get a receipt, then bring it back here,” she tells him.

“Why you can’t take my money?” he asks. “Sir, I’m sorry, but we are not a bank, we are an embassy. Paying your money at the bank is the first step in getting a visa, even before you make an appointment, so you need to go to Piraeus Bank just down the street, get the receipt and come back,” she says. She gives him a slip of paper with the account number and addresses. He swears a bit in Greek about the embassy, takes his passport and goes to the bank.

At the second window, a different embassy official is trying to finish taking the fingerprint of a gentleman’s right index finger. She holds up her right finger as an example, motions to the machine and tells him to place his right index finger on the pad. He places his left index finger on the pad. “Oxi, oxi. Sir, deksi xeri,” she says, hoping that speaking Greek will clear the apparent misunderstanding, while holding up her right finger. He again places his left finger on the pad.

“Oxi, oxi. Kyrie, to deksi xeri, sas parakalo!” she says. He again places his left finger on the pad.

“Kyrie, to deksi xeri, sas parakalo!” she says again. He places his left finger on the pad. The Venetian blind behind the glass window comes down with a quick swish, and the gentleman looks around for a minute, as if puzzled by the window’s sudden closure. He sits down. Some people come over and explain to him what happened and why. “Ack, ti ekana,” he says.

Now it’s Kosta’s turn. He’s at the window, the embassy official checks his documents and asks him to sit down. In a few minutes, a woman takes his fingerprint at the second window, asks him to sit down, then calls his name to enter a security door where he’s interviewed at a window, approved, given a protocol number so he can pick up his passport the next afternoon, and he leaves. From the time his name was first called, the process took less than 15 minutes.

The irony is if a Greek or a foreigner goes to a public office in Greece, there is no clarity, no instructions or forms in foreign languages, no assistance and no courtesy, except in rare cases. People would just be turned away, sometimes even if the documents are spot on, sometimes given incorrect information due to incompetence or just for sport.

But the visa process was crystal clear and in Greek AND assistance was provided at every turn, so why was it so difficult for people to navigate to the point they complained?!? Is it conditioning — clouding what is clear, creating drama and difficulty where none exists, thinking a system is hard when it’s easy, complaining just because? Was it truly difficult or was it “Greeked?”

Kalo Taxidi my friends!

Are you a Greek citizen looking for a visa?

Greece has not entered the U.S. waiver program and failed in the past to meet program requirements, choosing to impose stricter policies for American diplomats instead of fixing what was actually wrong; there are terrorism issues and Greek citizens are frequent violators of visas, which ruins it for everyone.

Therefore, Greek passport holders need to go to the U.S. Embassy website in their homeland, follow the instructions carefully and fill out any forms in advance of making your appointment. This post is always updated to reflect the latest information.

If you are in Athens, visit U.S. Embassy in Athens - Visa Section and select from the left menu whether you’re interested in a non-immigrant visa (visiting) or an immigrant visa (staying in the USA). Please be aware that the visa department has moved to a new location.

Greek citizens who are married to U.S. citizens, but not U.S. citizens and U.S. passport holders themselves still need a visa. The citizenship of your spouse is only relevant if you’re apply for an immigrant visa (permanent stay in the USA).

Visa interview questions

Questions vary according to the person and interviewer, and usually revolve around the answers you gave on your visa application. Be honest.

Reasons for denial

People are usually denied a visa because there is something inconsistent in their present or past, or there is evidence of a potential risk (i.e., Insufficient ties to the homeland that guarantee returning, past violation of a visa, being a third country resident, recent marriage to a U.S. citizen).

A previous denial is not necessarily grounds to a repeat denial.

Related posts

“Greek passport“
“Greece to enter the visa waiver program in 2008?“
“Greek citizens permitted to visit FYROM with Greek ID“

Article updated January 13, 2008
–
Photo is from “American Indian sign language” at the buffalo.edu site

Everyone with Greek citizenship is entitled to a Greek passport, which must be a biometric passport with a microchip that meets EU security guidelines on par with other countries of the world. As of April 1, 2007, old non-biometric passports are no longer honored as valid for travel or ID purposes.

For those who do not understand the nature of getting a Greek passport or being eligible for one, you are only entitled to a Greek passport if you have Greek citizenship. Marriage or simply having a Greek ancestor does not automatically grant you one. If you do not have Greek citizenship, see “How to acquire Greek citizenship.”

A passport is also not transferable to another person. i.e. If you have a Greek passport, your spouse does not get special privileges if (s)he her/himself does not have a Greek passport. It only matters what passport (s)he has, and yours has no bearing. There is a section near the end of this article entitled, “Spouses of Greek citizens” should that pertain to you.

A Greek passport is technically an EU passport, however nationality still counts and it is still a passport inferior to other EU countries at its core. Many who hold dual citizenship with America, Canada and Australia often opt to not hold a Greek passport. See “American and Greek dual citizenship” for more information.

If you are in Greece:

You must appear in person at any of the 99 police stations authorized to accept applications and issue passports. Call ‘11888′ for the location nearest you. (If you are not in Greece, skip to the instructions that follow).

Children under 12 must be accompanied by both parents/guardians or present a certified dilosi by the one adult absent if accompanied only by one parent/guardian. If a person is elderly, sick or otherwise unable to apply for a passport in person, they must call the police station in their municipality to understand what options are available.

Papers needed:

1. One (1) color passport photograph taken in the last 30 days, sized 40 x 60 mm (1.6 x 2.3 inches) with a white or neutral background, no shadows, and your mouth shut with an expression that is not smiling but not frowning. Women must show their face clearly with makeup applied modestly and hair pulled back.

There is usually someone to fix ‘red eyes’ and print the photo on high quality photo paper.

2. Photocopy of your Greek ID, front and back, or a birth certificate in cases where an ID has not been issued (Greeks living abroad); young adults under the age of 12 must have a photo attached to a birth certificate issued and certified by the municipality, which will then be certified by the police (or by the Consulate for Greeks abroad).

3. Receipt (parabolo) in triplicate for payment of 80 euros paid to the DOY Eforia (tax office); go to the tameio (cashier) and they will know what you need.

4. Application from the police station or passport office, completed in Greek.

5. Men who recently completed military service, and don’t have the appropriate passport denoting this recent event, must present the discharge paper issued by the Greek Military; if there is a deferment, certificate type ‘B’ must be presented. All documents must have been issued in the past 6 months or be reissued.

6. Your current passport, if you have one; if you have one but it’s lost or stolen, you must present certified documentation attesting to this fact.

7. Dilosi (statement of facts) with the following text, which will be certified by police:

- Δεν έχει/εχώ καταδικαστεί τελεσίδικα για πλαστογραφία, πλαστογραφία πιστοποιητικών, υπεξαγωγή εγγράφων, ψευδή ανώμοτη κατάθεση ή ψευδή δήλωση, εφόσον τα αδικήματα αυτά αφορούν την έκδοση, τη χρήση ή την απώλεια ή κλοπή διαβατηρίου.
- Δεν έχει/εχώ ασκηθεί σε βάρος του ποινική δίωξη ή έχει παραπεμφθεί σε δίκη για τα παραπάνω αδικήματα.
- Δεν έχει/εχώ έχει κηρυχθεί ανυπότακτος ή λιποτάκτης.
- Δεν έχει/εχώ εκκρεμεί σε βάρος του απαγόρευση εξόδου από τη χώρα.
- Δεν είμαι/είμαι κάτοχος παλαιού τύπου διαβατηρίου σε ισχύ

(Basically, this translates as:
- I have not/have been indicted for forgeries, forging documents, making false statements under oath or false testimony that concern a passport’s issuance, use, loss or theft.
- I have not/have been convicted or indicted by a jury for the above-mentioned offenses.
- I have not/have been declared as a draft evader or deserter.
- There is/is not an order that forbids me to leave the country.
- I am not/am a holder of an old passport still in force.)

*Be aware that stating the truth is important and does not automatically disqualify you from receiving a passport.

POSSIBLE SHORTCUT AVAILABLE: Some offices or shops near the police station sell a paketo for 80.00 + 1.80 euros, which includes a parabolo for payment of the passport fee without going to the eforia, plus a dilosi and application.

After your documents are inspected and your file is deemed complete, you will be given a receipt that must be presented upon pickup by you, a legal guardian or an appointed representative possessing a dilosi certified by police that he/she has authorization to receive your passport.

How long does it take to get my Greek passport? (in Greece)

The passport is typically ready in 7 working days, and your old passport will be canceled and returned (although I have seen cases where old passports are not canceled).

If you are a Greek passport holder abroad:

Greek Consulates worldwide are authorized by the Hellenic Republic to: a) Collect applications and supporting documents; b) safely forward documents to Greek Police; c) receive passports from the Greek Police; and d) deliver passports to their rightful owners.

In the USA, there are Greek Consulates located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington DC. Most consulates require those appearing in person to have an appointment in order to provide the best service and avoid long waits; therefore, it is best to call ahead AND inquire about the accepted payment methods for the $100 fee (fluctuates according to the dollar-euro exchange rate for 80 euros) per passport.

If you cannot appear in person, or there is no Greek Consulate located nearby, inquire about submitting your passport application via certified mail. Some allow it; some don’t.

The papers needed to apply are the same everywhere:

1. One (1) color passport photograph taken in the last 30 days, sized 40 x 60 mm (1.6 x 2.3 inches) with a white or neutral background, no shadows, no red eyes, and your mouth shut with an expression that is not smiling but not frowning. Women must show their face clearly with makeup applied modestly and hair pulled back.

2. Photocopy of your: a) Greek ID, front and back or b) papers granting you Greek citizenship if you staked a claim through an ancestor or c) a birth certificate certified by the municipality in Greece or Greek Consulate in cases where an ID has not been issued. Young adults under the age of 12 should have a photo attached to a birth certificate issued and certified by the municipality, which will then be certified by the Consulate.

3. Payment of $100 (fluctuates according to the dollar-euro exchange rate for 80 euros); inquire in advance about acceptable methods of payment. Fee is refundable if your passport is not processed.

4. Application provided by the Consulate.

5. All men aged 19-45 must present either certificate type ‘B’ if there is a deferment OR provide documentation of being a deserter by their military office in Greece. Documents must have been issued in the 6 months previous to date of application or be reissued.

6. Your current passport, if you have one. If you have one but it’s lost or stolen, you must present certified documentation attesting to this fact.

7. A statement of facts with the following text, which will be certified by the Consulate:

- Δεν εχώ/εχώ καταδικαστεί τελεσίδικα για πλαστογραφία, πλαστογραφία πιστοποιητικών, υπεξαγωγή εγγράφων, ψευδή ανώμοτη κατάθεση ή ψευδή δήλωση, εφόσον τα αδικήματα αυτά αφορούν την έκδοση, τη χρήση ή την απώλεια ή κλοπή διαβατηρίου.
- Δεν εχώ/εχώ ασκηθεί σε βάρος του ποινική δίωξη ή έχει παραπεμφθεί σε δίκη για τα παραπάνω αδικήματα.
- Δεν εχώ/εχώ έχει κηρυχθεί ανυπότακτος ή λιποτάκτης.
- Δεν εχώ/εχώ εκκρεμεί σε βάρος του απαγόρευση εξόδου από τη χώρα.
- Δεν είμαι/είμαι κάτοχος παλαιού τύπου διαβατηρίου σε ισχύ.

(Basically, this translates as:
- I have not/have been indicted for forgeries, forging documents, making false statements under oath or false testimony that concern a passport’s issuance, use, loss or theft.
- I have not/have been convicted or indicted by a jury for the above-mentioned offenses.
- I have not/have been declared as a draft evader or deserter.
- There is/is not an order that forbids me to leave the country.
- I am not/am a holder of an old passport still in force.)

*Be aware that stating the truth is important and does not automatically disqualify you from receiving a passport.

After your documents are inspected and your file is deemed complete, you will be given a receipt that must be presented upon pickup by you, a legal guardian or an appointed representative possessing a power of attorney.

How long does it take to issue my Greek passport? (outside Greece)

There is no predetermined delivery time, as speed is dependent on location, available staff and the number of applications being processed at the office and in Greece. Upon notification that your new passport is ready, the old passport (if applicable) must be presented to the Greek Consulate to be cancelled before being returned to you.

Exceptions

The “transition” period officially ended on April 1, 2007, and there are no exemptions being made. Your failure to secure a new passport or receive advanced permission to travel with the old passport is not the fault of any airline or country refusing to admit you.

Spouses of Greek citizens

Non-EU spouses of Greek citizens who are not Greek citizens themselves are of course not entitled to a Greek passport, unless they have been through the naturalization process. A Greek passport is useless to a anyone who is already an EU citizen, as it is redundant.

In order to qualify for naturalization, the non-EU citizen spouse must:

1. Be 18 or older
2. Be married to the Greek citizen for a minimum of 3 years;
3. Be living in Greece with a residence/work permit for 3 years if you have a child together or be living in Greece with a residence/work permit for 10 of the last 12 years if you do not have children.

If these basic qualifications are met, a number of other requirements follow, which are detailed in, “Acquisition of Greek citizenship by naturalization.”

Be aware that a residence/work permit for Greece for a non-EU spouse and the children of a Greek or EU citizen can be obtained with almost no waiting period and no fee if you apply and pass an interview. It carries the same weight as being an EU resident without the lengthy wait, extensive requirements or expense.

Having a Greek passport and Greek national ID carry no additional benefits. In fact, many Greek citizens in possession of another passport (Australian, American, Canadian) often do not use or even own a Greek passport by choice, since Greece is not part of the waiver program detailed below.

USA visas issued to Greeks

Although U.S. Homeland Security was satisfied with Greece’s progress upon visiting in February 2008, Greece is currently NOT a part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), however it is projected it may enter by the end of 2008 (see, “Greece to enter VWP by 2008?“). Therefore, all Greek passport holders wishing to visit the USA for any reason are still required to secure a non-immigrant visa. (All articles on this site are updated to reflect the latest information and changes).

Any previous unexpired visas are still honored by presenting the invalidated/old passport bearing the original visa along with the new passport. There is no need to secure another.

Related posts

“Greece to enter the visa waiver program in 2008?“
“The opposite is true in Greece“
“Deksi xeri, sas parakalo“

Sources

- National Passport Center of Greece Web site: Please note that the English version is not updated regularly to show the latest information, poorly translated and may be unreadable or difficult to understand, i.e. “The juveniles under the age of 12 submit a certificate at the municipal roll, on which is sticked a recent colorful photo, with an identification scrip.” I actually understood the Greek version better.
- Greek Consulates in the USA
- First-hand experience of my fiancé, who applied and received a new Greek passport in 2007
- My experience and personal accounts of Greek-American friends living in Greece and abroad in New York, California and Florida
- Photo courtesy of the Athens News

Article updated March 24, 2008

My Greek friends tell me, “think of the way the rest of the world does it, and the opposite is true here.” This is the answer I’d get when asking ‘why?’

A very kind and wise yiayia offered me another explanation after tapping me on the shoulder and gesturing in the air as if pointing to a prize behind a curtain; she said, “Ellada.” Hearing this answer and finding none of my own logic, which my friends constantly remind me is a Greek word, I stopped asking ‘why?’ and simply accepted. It’s a more peaceful and sane way to live life.

Some examples:

1. Cell phones
- In the USA, you can roam freely in other countries if you have a subscription (syndesi), make and receive calls, send and receive sms; you cannot roam abroad with a prepaid card phone (some USA telecoms let you roam a nearby country, i.e. Mexico, but not Europe).
- In Greece, you can roam freely in other countries only if you pay a substantial deposit (usually 450 euros) or ask special permission with a subscription (syndesi); you can roam freely, receive calls and send/receive sms if you have a prepaid card phone.

2. Justice system
- In America, and probably most other countries, a lower court decision can only be overturned by a higher court (i.e. Supreme).
- In Greece, lower administrative courts can overturn higher court rulings.

3. Bulk pricing
- In America, and most of the 35 other countries I visited, retailers give a discount to consumers that purchase a larger quantity of the same item to reward them for not only buying more, but saving the cost of packaging.
- In Greece, on many products (not all), I can buy 2 x 250 g much cheaper than purchasing a single 500 g product.

4. Petrol
- In most of the world, when the price per barrel decreases, petrol/gas also decreases.
- In Greece, when the price per barrel decreases, petrol/gas stays the same or increases in price.

5. IKEA
- In most of the world, IKEA is regarded as a cheap furniture option with questionable quality.
- In Greece, IKEA is considered by many to be trendy and good quality (Note: I say nothing about price because it’s actually 20-100% more expensive here for the same item in comparison to other countries).

6. Football
- In most of the world, the home team wears their colors proudly and the visiting team wears their boring white jerseys.
- In Greece, from what I’ve seen on TV and live on the pitch, the home team wears their boring white jerseys and the visiting team wears their colors. (Filoxenia?)

7. Passports
- In America and most of the world, the photo, vital details and biometrics are located in the front of the passport.
- In Greece, they’re in the back.

8. Door keys
- In America and many other countries, the teeth of keys face up when inserted in a lock.
- In Greece, and in some other countries I’ve seen, the teeth face downward.

9. Beef
- In America and most of the world, beef that has been cut into pieces is called beef strips.
- In Greece, beef that has been cut into pieces is labeled “Chinese.”

10. Jobs
- In America and most of the world, the best job candidates have a university degree, extensive experience and skills, are interviewed and usually hired.
- In Greece, the best job candidates are those who are connected, unproductive or easily controlled. Those with a university degree, extensive experience and skills are seen as a threat or liability because they will demand (and deserve) higher pay, be less willing to tolerate abuses ($exual advances, no IKA, free overtime, added responsibility) and are more likely to file a complaint at the epitheorisi.

11. Parental importance
- In America, banks and other companies will ask for your mother’s maiden name for identification purposes and as a security measure.
- In Greece, the first name of your father is normally the only name requested and carries a lot more weight for identification purposes.

12. Father Christmas
- In many nations, Father Christmas or Santa Claus is St. Nicholas because he was the patron saint of children and a notorious secret gift giver
- In Greece, Father Christmas is St. Basil (Ag. Vassili) even though he was a slim, pious theologian and patron saint of education, and has nothing to do with children or gift giving.

Anyone with different information is welcome to corrrect me, though I suppose there are different versions and exceptions for everyone. As the yiayia would say, “Ellada.”

13. Renovations
- In the majority of countries, renovations and improvements to public transport, museums and major streets are scheduled and done in winter to inconvenience less tourists and residents in off season. 
- In Greece, renovations and upgrades are scheduled for summer because it is interpreted as less of a hassle for commuters. It does not take 10 million tourists visiting in high season, repeat visits and income (current and future) generated from this into account, even though tourism is Ellada’s primary industry.

Related posts

For related articles, see “Personal.”