Update
January 10, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Greece

Greece
Hellenic Republic

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 60 Months
A-2 None Multiple 60 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 120 Months
C-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-3 None Multiple 60 Months
CW-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
CW-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 120 Months
E-1 2 None Multiple 60 Months
E-2 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-1 None Multiple 12 Months
F-1 $80.00 Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 None Multiple 60 Months
G-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-3 None Multiple 60 Months
G-4 None Multiple 60 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 24 Months
H-1B None Multiple 11 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2A None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2B None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2R None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
I None Multiple 9 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 11 Months
L-2 None Multiple 60 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 60 Months
N-9 None Multiple 60 Months
NATO 1-6 10 None Multiple 60 Months
NATO-7 1 None Multiple 24 Months
O-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-1 None Multiple 11 Months
R-2 None Multiple 60 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
TD 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

ALL /

Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

ALL / ALL /

General Documents

The date and place of birth on your passport must read exactly as registered on your birth certificate.

Each person immigrating, regardless of age, requires a separate visa. Therefore, you must be prepared to pay in cash the variable fee mentioned on our forms in United States currency or the equivalent in local currency.

Document translations: Documents that will be submitted to the U.S. Embassy in Athens may be in either English or Greek and do not need to be translated, with the exception of court or legal documents.  Court or legal documents must be accompanied by an English official translation performed by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs at this location: Arionos 10, Psiri, 105 54 Athens.

For cases processed in Athens, all other documents not in Greek or English must be accompanied by official English translations.  Official translations must be done at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece, Arionos 10, Psiri, 105 54 Athens

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth

Available

Fees: Fees may apply

Document Name: “Lixiarchiki Praxi Geniseos” (Ληξιαρχική Πράξη Γέννησης)

Issuing Authority: Registrar’s office (“Lixiarhio” Ληξιαρχείο)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round wet seal of the Greek State and a signature, white color, printed format or handwritten.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: Birth document issued by the hospital is presented at the Registrar’s office (Lixiarchio or Ληξιαρχείο) of the region where the relevant Registry act is drawn up.

Procedure for Obtaining: The requestor must appear in person at Registrar’s office (Lixiarchio or Ληξιαρχείο) where the birth took place.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.

  • Alternate Documents: In rare cases, it may be impossible to obtain a birth certificate because records have been destroyed or the government will not issue one. In such cases, you should obtain a statement to that effect from the civil registrar's office and proceed to obtain secondary evidence of birth. A baptismal certificate may be submitted for consideration provided it contains the date and place of the applicant's birth and information concerning parentage, provided the baptism took place shortly after birth. Should a baptismal certificate be unobtainable, a close relative, preferably the applicant's mother, should prepare a notarized statement giving the place and date of the applicant's birth, the names of both parents, and the maiden name of the mother. The statement must be executed before an official authorized to administer oaths or affirmations. In such cases, please bring any secondary evidence you might have concerning your birth.

Exceptions: None

Comments:  None


Death / Burial

Available

Fees: Fees may apply

Document Name: “Lixiarchiki Praxi Thanátou” (Ληξιαρχική Πράξη Θανάτου)

Issuing Authority: Registrar’s office (“Lixiarhio” Ληξιαρχίω) or local city hall (“Dimarxhio” Δημαρχειο)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round wet seal of the Greek State and a signature, white color, printed format or handwritten.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel.

Registration Criteria: Medical certificate of death is presented at the Registry of the place of death.

Procedure for Obtaining: The requestor may appear in person at Registrar’s office (Lixiarchio or Ληξιαρχείο).

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available

Fees: Fees may apply

Document Name: Lixiarhiki Praxi Gamou

Issuing Authority: Local Registrar's office (Lixiarhio orΛηξιαρχείο)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round wet seal of the Greek State and a signature, white color, printed format or handwritten.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: Marriages are not legal until registered; you must record your marriage at the Vital Statistics Office (Lixiarcheio) of the city where the marriage is performed. All marriages, civil or religious, should be registered within 40 days following the ceremony. Late registrations require payment of revenue stamps. Marriages can be registered by either spouse, or by proxy with a power of attorney.

Procedure for Obtaining: You can reach the Athens City Hall offices at: 2103241816 and 2103240668. For marriages that took place abroad the address of the special Registrar's office of Athens is: Mitropoleos 60, 105 55 Athens, tel: 2103240737, 2103212308, 2103240344.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

 

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees: Fees may apply

Document Name: Diazefktirio (διαζευκτήριο)

Issuing Authority: The Greek First Instance Court (Protodikio or Πρωτοδικείο) of the place where the decision took place.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round wet seal of the Greek State, affixed square stamp and a signature, printed format.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge

Registration Criteria: After the issuance of a final divorce Judgment, the persons should proceed with the registration of the divorce in Greece with the competent registry and with their family's record in the competent municipality.

Procedure for Obtaining: The Protodikio (Πρωτοδικείο) for the Athens area is located at Palea Ktiria Sholis Evelpidon, Athens. Tel: 2108841618. Information for mutual consent divorces can be obtained at: tel: 2108822549.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments:  If the marriage was performed according to the Christian Orthodox religion, the court decree is presented to the Greek Church authorities (Mitropolis or Μητρόπολις) for the final pronouncement of the dissolution of the marriage. Both the court decree and the certificate of divorce from the Mitropolis (Μητρόπολις) are required as primary evidence of divorce in Greece. If the marriage took place in a civil ceremony, then the court decree together with the divorce certificate issued by the local City Hall (Dimarhio or Δημαρχείο) are required as evidence of the divorce. (If applicants want to have their final divorce certificates they also need to have official resignation of all legal means). 

Adoption Certificates

Available

Fees: Fees apply

Document Name: Πιστοποιητικά υιοθεσίας

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Welfare

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge

Registration Criteria: Contact  the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Welfare

Procedure for Obtaining: Contact the Ministry of Labor, Social Insurance and Social Solidarity of Greece.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Identity Card

Available

Fees: Fees Apply

Document Name: Δελτίο ταυτότητας  Greek identity card

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round seal of the Greek State and a signature.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: The authority handling the issuing is the Hellenic Police, and possession of this document is mandatory for all Greeks 12 years of age and older.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: The National ID card is laminated

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name:  Penal Record for Judicial Use (Ποινικό Μητρώο για Δικαστική Χρήση, or Piniko Mitro yia Dikastiki Xhrisi)

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Justice, Department of Criminal Records

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round seal of the Greek State and a signature

  • Note: as of Jan 2019 penal records submitted electronically to the U.S. Embassy from the Greek Ministry of Justice Office in Athens do not bear a signature.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: Apply for a Penal Record for Judicial Use at the Bureau of Penal

Procedure for Obtaining: The Greek authorities will not provide a Penal Record for Judicial Use to applicants directly. Rather, they will forward any such police certificate to the U.S. Embassy in Athens.  The following information must be included in the application for a Penal Record for Judicial Use for immigration purposes:

  • Type of Copy: Check the box for Judicial Use.
  • Reason for Issue: Write “Request for a Visa”
  • Description: Write “Request for a Visa from the U.S. Embassy, Athens”

Greeks born and/or residing in Athens can apply for a Penal Record for Judicial Use at the Bureau of Penal Records (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou) of the Ministry of Justice, Leoforos Alexandras & Degleri 2, Athens or through KEP (Center of Citizen Information Service). Greeks born and residing in Greece, but outside of Athens, should apply for a Penal Record for Judicial at the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Εισαγγελία - Isangelia) of the appropriate district administration.

Greek citizens residing outside of Greece may contact the Greek Embassy in their country of residence. In some circumstances, the Greek Embassy abroad is not compelled to accept the request for the penal record. In this case, the Greek-born citizen will need to apply directly in the appropriate hometown jurisdiction or authorize a representative to apply on their behalf. 

Non-Greek applicants residing in Greece and foreign-born Greek applicants should apply in person for a Penal Record for Judicial Use to the Bureau of Penal Records for Foreigners (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου Αλλοδαπών - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou Allodapon), at Mesogion 96, 101 79 Athens, Greece.

Non-Greek citizens residing abroad cannot apply for a Penal Record at a Greek embassy or consulate overseas. Such applicants will need to authorize a representative to apply on their behalf.  Authorizations must be notarized at a Greek embassy or consulate overseas.  Representatives for non-Greek citizens residing overseas can apply for in person at the Bureau of Penal Records for Foreigners (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου Αλλοδαπών - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou allodapon), Mesogion 96, 101 79

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Police certificates have a validity of 12 months from the date of issuance

 

Court Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: Δικαστική απόφαση

Issuing Authority: Court records are available from the Convicting Court and can be sent directly to the applicants.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round wet seal of the Greek State, affixed square stamp and signatures

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Presiding Judge

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should provide the court with the case number shown in the penal record.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: All Greek court/prison documents must be accompanied by an official ENGLISH translation performed by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs at this location: Arionos 10, Psiri, 105 54 Athens.  Applicant must request a full court transcript with detailed information ( praktika dikis)

Military Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: A military record type "A" (Pistopiitiko Stratologikis Katastaseos Typou "A" or Πιστοποιητικό Στρατολογικής Καταστάσεως Τύπου "A") is available to Greek males who are eighteen years of age or older and who have completed their military service.  Those who have been exempted from service or who have had their military duty deferred may obtain the Type "B" (Typou B') (Pistopiitiko Stratologikis Katastaseos or Πιστοποιητικό Στρατολογικής Καταστάσεως Τύπου "B") giving the reason for exemption or deferral.

Issuing Authority: The recruiting office (Stratologiko Grafio or Στρατολογικό Γραφείο) where they are registered.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round wet seal of the Greek State, the issuing authority and issuing personnel signatures

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The head of Personnel Recruitment Center

Registration Criteria: All males at age 18 were registered at the Recruitment Center  

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should apply to the recruiting office (Stratologiko Grafio or Στρατολογικό Γραφείο ) where they are registered. They can trace their recruiting office through the local Town Council Registry Office (Mitroa Arrenon tou Dimou or Μητρώα Αρρένων του Δήμου). For further information please contact the "Citizen Information Services" (Tilefono exipiretiseos tou Politi or Τηλέφωνο εξυπηρετήσεως του Πολίτη ) on the four-digit telephone number 1502. For general information please call 1564 (Citizen Information Services of the Ministry of Interior). 

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Passports & Other Travel Documents


Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic, Official passport

Fees: Fees apply 

Document Name: Διαβατήριο Diavatirio

Issuing Government Authority: National Passport Center

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a gold color seal of the Greek State on the front cover.  Color is dependent on the passport type. 

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: Requestor must appear in person at the Police Directorate.  The applicant is required to fill out an application form and their details are electronically registered by Passport Office personnel.

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants wishing to be issued a passport must apply, in person, at the Passport Office in their area of permanent residence.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: A Greek passport issued to a minor with “Avaptisto” (meaning not baptized) as the given name may be accepted for an applicant provided the applicant is 12 months old or younger and does not have another given name.  Applicants who are older than 12 months or who have been baptized must have a new passport issued in a given name other than “Avaptisto”.  

Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available.

Other Records

Not applicable.

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: Athens (Embassy)

Mailing Address:

Department of State
Immigrant Visa Unit
7100 Athens, Place
Washington, DC 20521-7100

Address:

Vasilissis Sophias 91
101 60 Athens, Greece

Phone Number: (30) (210) 7212-951-8

E-mail: athensconsul@state.gov

Comments / Additional Information: None

Fax: 2310-242927

Visa Services

All categories for all of Greece.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.