Updated: 20 May 2026.
⚠️ Important 2026 update — Greece: Golden Visa thresholds restructured, ETIAS coming Q4 2026
The Greek Golden Visa thresholds were restructured: €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete and Zakynthos; €400,000 elsewhere (minimum 120 m²); €250,000 only for renovation/conversion projects or the new Start-Up Investment route. The 5-year permit now runs from issuance, not application date. The European EES is fully operational since 10 April 2026.
Effective: Thresholds in force; backdating rule changed in 2026
Source: MFA Greece / Enterprise Greece
Greece Visa for US Citizens 2026
| Key Facts — Greece for US Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | Visa-Free — 90 days / 180-day period |
| ETIAS | Required once launched (expected 2026) |
| Fee | ETIAS approx. EUR 7 (waived under 18 / over 70) |
| Max Stay | 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Processing | Visa-free; ETIAS usually approved within minutes to 72 hours |
| Apply At | travel-europe.europa.eu (ETIAS official site, once live) |
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Greece?
US passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Greece and the entire Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. No visa application is required for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips.
ETIAS — Pre-Travel Authorisation
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to launch in 2026. Once operational, US passport holders will need to obtain ETIAS authorisation online before travelling to Greece and the wider Schengen Area. Until ETIAS is live, entry remains visa-free for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Fee: approximately EUR 7 (free for travellers under 18 or over 70)
- Validity: 3 years or until passport expiry
- Covers the entire Schengen Area (multiple entries)
- Application: online, approval usually within minutes to 72 hours
Entry Requirements
- Valid passport (recommended 3+ months validity beyond planned stay)
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Travel / health insurance (recommended)
- Accommodation proof (hotel booking or host invitation)
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify current requirements at Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gr) before travel.