U.S. Recognized Greece for Visa Program Compliance
The Department of Homeland Security issued a formal letter of recognition to Greece for meeting visa requirements.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Immigration
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has formally recognized Greece for completing all compliance requirements for the Visa Waiver Program. This recognition follows a permanent exemption from annual program reviews granted in October 2025.
Why it matters
The formal acknowledgement solidifies the bilateral partnership regarding international security standards. It also reflects the successful implementation of shared protocols designed to combat terrorism and organized crime.
The U.S. granted Greece a permanent exemption from annual Visa Waiver Program reviews in October 2025. This follows Greece's initial entry into the program in 2010.
The players
Robert Law
He serves as the acting under secretary for strategy, policy and plans for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Michalis Chrysochoidis
He serves as the Greek Citizen Protection Minister responsible for internal security affairs.
Marco Rubio
He is a U.S. official who led the sixth Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in Athens.
The details
Robert Law, acting under secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, delivered the letter to Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis during the sixth Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in Athens. Both nations have agreed to deepen cooperation through faster information sharing and enhanced system interoperability.
Timeline
Greece joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2010.
The U.S. permanently exempted Greece from annual program reviews in October 2025.
The sixth Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue took place in Athens on October 6, 2026.
The letter of recognition was delivered on October 7, 2026.
Political Context
This development tracks with the expansion of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program to include long-term European partners who meet strict security benchmarks. Critics often raise concerns about the security risks associated with loosening visa restrictions, pointing to potential vulnerabilities in national border controls.
This policy adjustment simplifies travel logistics for Greek citizens by securing permanent eligibility for visa-free entry to the United States. It reduces bureaucratic friction for those participating in the program while maintaining oversight for security purposes.
The takeaway
The move highlights the importance of standardized international security protocols in maintaining frictionless cross-border travel. Travelers should remain aware that visa waiver participation depends on continuous compliance with U.S. security standards.
Further reading
Learn more about international travel policies in our Immigration section.
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