Demonstration Alert: Panhellenic General Strike on 21 September 2023

Public sector employees have announced a 24-hour General Strike throughout Greece for September 21, 2023. In Athens, demonstrations related to the strike are scheduled in Klafthmonos Square and Syntagma Square at 10:30 a.m. and in Piraeus in Karaiskaki Square at 10:00 a.m.  In Thessaloniki, demonstrations are planned at the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at 10:30 a.m.  Additional demonstrations are …

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Demonstration Alert: Maritime Strike

The U.S. Mission in Greece alerts U.S. citizens that a 24-hour nationwide strike for all categories of ships, including ferries, has been announced for Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 from 00:01 am until 11:59 pm  Please monitor  www.apergia.gr  and local media for strike notifications.  Contact your ferry company or travel company directly for assistance.    Actions to Take:  …

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Security Alert – U. S. Mission Greece

Location: Athens – Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium at 160 Alexandras Ave. Event: Soccer game with police presence on August 9, 2023 A soccer game will take place today August 09, 2023, at 21:00hrs, at  Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium  at 160 Alexandras Ave., Athens.  Heavy police presence will be in the area, conducting various checks to vehicles and pedestrians.  U.S. government …

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Natural Disaster Alert – Wildfires in Rhodes and Wildfire Risk Around Greece

The U.S. Mission in Greece alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing wildfires on the island Rhodes, and high risk of wildfires in many regions of Greece.  U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution in affected areas.  Civil Protection authorities are coordinating evacuations from the affected areas.  Wildfires may create additional disruptions in the wider areas, such as …

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Natural Disaster Alert – Wildfires in Attica and Wildfire Risk Around Greece

The U.S. Mission in Greece alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing wildfires in northeastern parts of Attica, and high risk of wildfires in many regions of Greece.  U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution in the affected areas, including Neo Kouvaras on Mount Panio, Lagonissi, Saronida and Anavyssos to Palaia Fokea beach in the southeastern suburbs of …

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Demonstration Alert – Transportation Strike and Demonstrations on May 1, 2023

Location: Athens and locations throughout Greece A transportation strike has been announced for the May 1 Labor Day holiday in Greece.  Public and private sector employees will hold demonstrations related to the Greek Labor Day holiday as well. In Athens, demonstrations are planned at 11:00 a.m. in Syntagma Square and at the same time in …

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Demonstration Alert: Panhellenic General Strike March 16, 2023

Public and private sector employees have announced a 24-hour Panhellenic General Strike throughout Greece for March 16, 2023. In Athens, demonstrations related to the strike are scheduled at the Propylaia (Central Athens) at 11:30 a.m., in Klafthmonos Square at 11:00 a.m. and Syntagma Square at 11:00 a.m.  In Thessaloniki, demonstrations are planned at the Statue …

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Visit by Athens Consular Officer to Thessaloniki and Kastoria in March 2023

U.S. citizens of Northern Greece can make appointments in Thessaloniki and Kastoria with a Consular Officer from the U.S. Embassy the week starting Monday, March 20. The consular services to be provided are the following: accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in passport renewal and registering birth abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s).  These services are available by appointment …

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Panhellenic General Strike on March 8, 2023

Public sector employees have announced a 24-hour Panhellenic General Strike for March 8, 2023. In Athens, demonstrations related to the strike are scheduled at the Propylaia (Central Athens) at 12:30 p.m., in Klafthmonos Square at 12:30 p.m. and Syntagma Square at 1:00 p.m.  In Thessaloniki, demonstrations are planned at the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Mission Greece

Location: Athens, Thessaloniki and locations throughout Greece Event: Transportation Disruption and Demonstrations Following Tempi Train Disaster Hellenic Train has temporarily suspended operations on the Athens-Thessaloniki railway line due to the train collision in Tempi, Greece on March 1, 2023.  Strikes and demonstrations related to this tragic disaster are planned for March 3 and likely to …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Mission Greece

Location: Athens, Thessaloniki and locations throughout Greece Event:  Groups protesting the shooting this week of a Roma teenager during a police pursuit have at times blocked traffic in different areas of Thessaloniki and Athens.  Some demonstrations have turned violent and led to the destruction of property.  There is a potential for tear-gas and anti-riot engagement between police and demonstrators. U.S. …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Mission in Greece

  Location:  Demonstration sites often include, but are not limited to, the following areas: U.S. Embassy Athens U.S Consulate General Thessaloniki Event:  The U.S. Mission in Greece is aware of reports of protests planned for November 17, 2022 in Athens, as well as in Thessaloniki.  Major demonstrations usually take place each year on November 17 …

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Demonstration Alert – Public sector and private sector employees announced a 24-hour Panhellenic General Strike for November 9, 2022.

In Athens, demonstrations related to the strike are scheduled at the Propylaia (Athens Center) at 10:30am, in Klafthmonos Square at 11:00am, and in Piraeus in Karaiskaki Square at 11:00am.  In Thessaloniki, demonstrations are planned at the Arch of Galerius (Kamara) at 10:00am, at the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at 10:30am, and at the Labor Center …

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Message to U.S. Citizens: Consular Section Closures on October 26 and October 28, 2022

  The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece will be closed two days this week due to a Greek holiday and an external office training day, as detailed below: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 – Closed Friday, October 28, 2022 – Closed for Greek OXI Day (Public holiday) We will be open for …

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COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Information Last updated: 04/05/2023 The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.  For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers . Check the CDC website for additional information and  Frequently Asked Questions .   Country-Specific Information: Greek authorities report COVID-19 case numbers weekly on the website of the …

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Public Transportation Strike Alert – U. S. Mission Greece

Location: Athens, Greece Event: The following strikes are scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, 2022 (12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.), unless otherwise noted: ·         Athens Metro (Lines 2 & 3) will be on a 24-hour strike. ·        Athens Green Line Train (Line 1) will be on a 24-hour strike. ·        Trams will be on a 24-hour strike. ·        Trolleys will be on …

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Health Alert Worldwide – Monkeypox in Multiple Countries

Event:  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for  Monkeypox in Multiple Countries .  The World Health Organization has determined the multi-country outbreak of  monkeypox  is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern ( click here  to view the WHO’s determination). Actions to Take:​ ·          Travelers should AVOID : o    Close contact with sick people, including those with skin lesions …

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Worldwide Caution: August 2, 2022

On July 31, 2022, the United States conducted a precision counterterrorism strike in Afghanistan that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy and successor as leader of al-Qa’ida.  Al- Zawahiri was one of the masterminds of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and had continued to urge his followers to attack …

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Message to U.S. Citizens:  Official Exchange Rate Increase and Adult Passport Renewal Payment Options

  Due to fluctuating exchange rates, the official USD-Euro consular exchange rate will be increased to 1.0 EUR from its current rate of 0.95 EUR.  This rate change will take effect on Monday, July 25, 2022. Adults eligible to renew their U.S. passports by mail can avoid any exchange rate complications by paying online, following the …

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Message to U.S. Citizens: Steps to Vote in 2022 U.S. Elections

Celebrate democracy this 4th of July by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2022 U.S. elections! In order to vote in the November 2022 elections, all overseas U.S. citizens need to have completed a  Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)  in 2022.  Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted absentee in past elections, you must complete …

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Visit by Athens Consular Officer to Thessaloniki May 26 and 27, 2022

  U.S. citizens of Northern Greece can make appointments in Thessaloniki with a Consular Officer from the U.S. Embassy on Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27 to request Consular Services. Consular services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in passport renewal, as well as registering birth abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s).  These services are available by …

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Greece – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Greece.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Greece has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.      If you decide to travel to Greece:  Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific …

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Message to U.S. Citizens:  New Online Fee Payment Option for Adult Passport Renewal By Mail

U.S. Embassy Athens is pleased to announce that there is a new online fee payment option for adults who are eligible to apply for a passport by mail. Effective immediately, adults renewing their U.S. passports by mail in Greece may now pay online when applying with a DS-82 application form.  By using the online fee payment …

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Weather Alert – U. S. Mission Greece

  Event: According to the  Hellenic National Meteorological Service , dangerous weather conditions are expected through Wednesday, January 26, 2022.  In many regions throughout Greece, frigid conditions and heavy snowfall are expected through Wednesday, January 26, 2022.  The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued a  recommendation  to exercise caution and avoid any unnecessary travel in the next …

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Message to U.S. Citizens:  Travel to the United States on Expired U.S. Passports

Subject: Travel to the United States on Expired U.S. Passports If you are overseas and your U.S. passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until March 31, 2022. You qualify to travel on your expired passport if all the following are true: …

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Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Passport Fee Increase December 27, 2021

Location:  Worldwide Event:  U.S. Passport Fee Increase December 27, 2021 Due to an increase in the security surcharge component of the passport application, the fee for obtaining a U.S. passport will increase by $20 effective December 27, 2021.  Plan accordingly if you will be applying for a U.S. passport after that date. The Department of State …

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Health Alert – PCR Test Required for Travelers to Greece Starting December 19

[Health Alert corrected to reflect details released by the Greek Health Ministry December 16, 2021] Event:  PCR Test Required for Travelers to Greece Starting December 19 Effective Sunday, December 19, 2021, travelers to Greece will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours or a laboratory rapid antigen test taken …

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Health Alert – Vaccination Developments in Greece

Event:  Vaccination Developments in Greece The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens residing in Greece of the following developments regarding COVID-19 vaccination in Greece.  For further information, please see the Greek government’s  COVID-19 vaccination website .  Please also review information about COVID-19 vaccines on the  Centers for Disease Control website , and monitor the U.S. Embassy’s  COVID Information Page  for further developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece. Registering Foreign Vaccinations in Greece Individuals who completed some or all prior COVID-19 vaccination doses in the U.S. or other countries may now  register their vaccinations in Greece  through a …

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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece

  Event: On December 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement a one-day COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers over age two coming to the United States. Regardless of vaccination status or nationality, any individual coming to the United States must show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they …

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Health Alert – Vaccination Requirements for Entry to Facilities in Greece

Event:  Vaccination Requirements for Entry to Facilities in Greece Increased Restrictions for Unvaccinated Individuals in Greece As of Monday, November 22, 2021, the Government of Greece is restricting access for unvaccinated individuals to many categories of businesses and public services if they cannot prove vaccination or recovery from COVID-19.  Customers seeking access to these facilities are required to …

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Public Transportation Work Stoppage Alert

  U. S. Mission Greece (November 19, 2021) Location: Athens, Greece   Event:  Transportation sector employees announced a 3-hour work stoppage for November 19, 2021 (unless otherwise noted).      The following disruptions are scheduled for Friday, November 19, 2021: ·        Buses and trolleys will operate on schedule.   ·        Athens Metro (Lines 2 & …

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Transportation Strike Alert – U. S. Mission Greece

Location: Athens, Thessaloniki, and locations throughout Greece Event:  Public sector employees announced a 24-hour Panhellenic General Strike for November 18, 2021. The following strikes are scheduled for Thursday, November 18, 2021 (12:00am to 11:59pm), unless otherwise noted: ·        Buses and trolleys will operate from 09:00 – 21:00. ·        Athens Metro (Lines 2 & 3) will be on …

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Demonstration Alert – 17 November Demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki

U. S. Mission Greece (November 15, 2021) Location: Expected gathering points are the Athens Polytechnic University, continuing to Syntagma Square and the U.S. Embassy and concluding in Exarchia.  For Thessaloniki, demonstrators will gather at the Venizelos Statue (78 Egnatia Street) and march to the Consulate General. Event:  Large demonstrations of 10,000 to 20,000 participants are expected …

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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Location: Worldwide: Global Air Travel Policy Taking Effect on November 8 Event: On October 25, President Biden announced the United States will adopt a global air travel policy.  This policy prioritizes public health, protecting U.S. citizens and residents as well as those who come to visit us.  Effective November 8 all non-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, …

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Health Alert – FAQ on Positive COVID-19 tests and quarantine in Greece

Health Alert – U.S. Mission Greece, August 13, 2021 Location: Greece Event:  FAQ on Positive COVID-19 Tests and Quarantine in Greece   The U.S. Department of State recently assessed and reissued the Travel Advisory for Greece, raising it to Level 4 – Do Not Travel.  This Travel Advisory was updated based primarily on the science-based …

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Natural Disaster Alert: Increased Wildfire Danger in Greece

Natural Disaster Alert– U.S. Mission Greece, August 6, 2021 Location: Greece Event: Increased Wildfire Danger in Greece The Greek authorities report that there is currently extreme danger for wildfires throughout Greece.  U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution in the affected areas, including in Evia, the area of Ancient Olympia in Ilia, Eastern Mani, Fthiotida, and around Kapandriti …

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Natural Disaster Alert: Wildfires in Greece

Natural Disaster Alert– U.S. Mission Greece, August 3, 2021 Location: Greece Event: Wildfires in Greece The U.S. Mission in Greece alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing wildfires throughout Greece.  U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution in the affected areas, including in Evia, Kos, and around the Varymbobi area in the northern suburbs of Athens.  Civil Protection authorities are …

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Travel Advisory: Greece – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Greece due to COVID-19. Read the Department of State’s  COVID-19 page  before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a  Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Greece due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country.  Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an …

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Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy Athens Consular Section Closure July 23-26, 2021

Event:  U.S. Embassy Athens Consular Section Closure July 23-26, 2021. This notice is to advise U.S. Embassy patrons that the Consular Section in Athens will be closed due to an office move on Friday, July 23 and Monday, July 26, 2021.  We will re-open for normal business at 8:30 am on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.  We will …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Consular Visit to Thessaloniki in June 2021

Location:  Thessaloniki Event:  Visit by Athens Consular Officer to Thessaloniki June 16 and 23, 2021 U.S. citizens of Northern Greece can make appointments in Thessaloniki with a Consular Officer from the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, June 16 and Wednesday June 23, to request Consular Services. Consular services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for …

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Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Mission Greece

Event:  U.S. citizens may directly return to the United States with certain expired U.S. passports. If you are overseas and your passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until December 31, 2021. You qualify for this exception if all the following are true: …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Mission Greece

Location: Athens, Thessaloniki and locations throughout Greece  Event:  Activist groups have increased the frequency of protests in support of convicted murderer and 17th November (“N17”) terrorist, Dimitris Koufontinas. These protests are resulting in greater acts of violence against Hellenic National Police and Government of Greece facilities, and are likely to continue.  In the past, some demonstrations have turned violent and led to the …

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Health Alert – U.S. Mission Greece

Health Alert – U.S. Mission Greece, January 20, 2021  Location: Countrywide – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director has signed an order requiring all airline passengers traveling to the United States, including U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test or recovery from COVID-19.  Event: Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide either a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar …

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Health Alert

Health Alert – U.S. Mission Greece, January 7, 2021  Location: Greece  Event: COVID-19 Update: Restrictions, Vaccinations, Economic Impact Payments   COVID-19 Restrictions in Greece:  The Greek authorities have extended lockdown measures through January 11, 2021 to combat the spread of COVID-19.  These measures include 24-hour movement restrictions, mandatory PCR tests in advance of travel and preventive quarantines for travelers arriving from abroad, nighttime curfews, suspension of many …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Location: Athens and locations throughout Greece Event:  Public sector and private sector employees announced a 24-hourPanhellenic General Strike for November 26, 2020.  Demonstrations related to the strike are also expected in Athens at Klafthmonos Square at 10:30 a.m., and at the Ministry of Health at 12:00 p.m., as well as other possible locations and times.  The …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Mission in Greece

Demonstration Alert – U.S. Mission in Greece (November 17, 2020) Location: Demonstration sites often include, but are not limited to, the following areas:  U.S. Embassy Athens U.S Consulate General Thessaloniki Event: The U.S. Mission is aware of reports of protests planned for November 17, 2020 in Athens, as well as in Thessaloniki.  Major demonstrations usually take …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – Travel Restrictions and Consular Operations

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece, November 6, 2020 Location: Greece Event: Travel Restrictions and Consular Operations in Greece The Greek authorities announced a series of restrictive measures affecting travel within and to/from Greece.  Beginning at 6:00am on Saturday, November 7, 2020, travel between regions in Greece is allowed only for health reasons, business, family reunification, …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Greece – Nationwide Lockdown in Greece Beginning November 7, 2020

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece, November 5, 2020 Location: Greece Event: Nationwide Lockdown in Greece Beginning November 7, 2020 Beginning at 6:00am on Saturday, November 7, 2020, Greece will reimpose a lockdown through November 30, 2020 to combat the spread of COVID-19.  In general, travel outside the home should be avoided, but is permitted …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens – Expanded COVID-Related Restrictions

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece, November 3, 2020 Location: Greece Event: Expanded COVID-Related Restrictions Beginning November 3, 2020 On November 2, Greek authorities announced an expansion of both countrywide and  region-specific restrictions  to combat the spread of COVID-19 beginning Tuesday, November 3.  In the regions of Thessaloniki and Serres, authorities have instituted the following measures: ·         Re-introduction of …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Location: Announced gathering points around Greece include, but are not limited to, the following areas: ·         Athens, at the Ambelokipi Metro Station ·         Athens, at the Court of Appeals near Alexandras Ave and Loukareos St ·         Thessaloniki, at Archaias Agoras Square Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place on October 7, 2020 beginning at 9 a.m.  The demonstrations …

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Don’t let the Elections Pass You By: Act Now

The Department of State is committed to assisting overseas voters in casting their ballots.  If you plan to vote in the November 2020 election it is important to ACT NOW!  Don’t wait, return your voted ballot right away! Remember U.S. embassies and consulates are not polling places; same-day in-person voting is not available outside the …

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Message for U.S. citizens: 96 days until the November 3rd General Election

Registering to Vote and submitting a ballot is fast, easy, and can be done from anywhere in the world!  Here is the  link  to our July 4th message with step by step instructions on how to request an absentee ballot from your state.  For further information regarding absentee voting please visit   https://gr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/voting/ . Learn more at the Federal Voting …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: July 4th Voting Message

July 4th Voting Message Celebrate democracy this 4th of July by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2020 U.S. elections! In order to vote in the November 2020 elections, all overseas U.S. citizens need to have completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in 2020.  Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens – ban on non-EU citizens extended to July 1

Ban on Entry of non-EU Citizens Extended to July 1:  Greece, along with other EU member states, is limiting entry to EU citizens and residents until July 1.  Non-EU citizens may not enter Greece for non-essential travel, which includes tourism.  Exceptions include spouses or minor children of EU/Schengen nationals, long-term residents, members of government delegations and …

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Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Greece – updated entry dates for U.S. citizens

Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Greece – updated entry dates for U.S. citizens The Greek government announced an update to its tourism plan first released on May 29.  U.S. citizens are permitted entry to Greece beginning June 15, but you may be subject to COVID-19 testing and quarantine depending on where your travel originated.  Please see …

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Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Athens – tourism travel update

Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Athens – travel from US to Greece banned until July 1 Tourism Travel Update:  Travel from the United States to Greece is banned until July 1.  The Greek authorities announced a list of 29 countries from which it will accept tourists starting on June 15.  The countries are Albania, Australia, Austria, …

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Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – social distancing reminder

Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – social distancing reminder Social distancing reminder:  With some movement restrictions lifted, police report a tendency of gatherings in parks, particularly among crowds of youth.  The police will continue to enforce social distancing requirements.  Avoid crowds and keep a low profile. Flights:  Several airlines announced their summer plans for direct …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment ($1,200)

COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment ($1,200) Information The COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment is administered by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States.  Their website is the only official source of information.  We provide links below to the IRS website for the most common questions.  The Embassy does not have an IRS representative and cannot help you …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – gradual re-opening beginning May 4

The Greek authorities announced a gradual re-opening schedule beginning May 4. May 4:  Masks are mandatory in supermarkets, taxis, hair salons, hospitals, public transportation, hospitals and enclosed places.  Those in violation may be fined 150 Euros.  Movement certificates will no longer be required; however, restrictions remain in effect until May 18 that ban movements outside …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens – Easter weekend and travel to the airport

Movement restrictions are in place throughout Greece through April 27 and will be enforced this Easter weekend.  Media reports indicate that if you are caught traveling for the Easter holiday for entertainment or a visit to friends/family, you will be fined 300 Euros and your license plate taken for 60 days.  For necessary local travel, …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Passport and Report of Birth Abroad Applications

Message to U.S. Citizens:  Current Status of Passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad Applications (April 8, 2020) Effective April 2, the Department of States ceased printing and shipping full validity passports (five year passports for minors under 16, 10 year passports for those aged 16 and older) and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad to …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – residency permits

Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece (April 6, 2020) Location:  Greece Event:  Daily COVID-19 update to U.S. citizens in Greece – New information on applying for Greek residency permits International commercial flight options currently exist in Greece.  U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – stimulus checks

Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece (April 3, 2020) Location:  Greece Event:  Daily COVID-19 update to U.S. citizens in Greece – Where to find information on COVID-19 stimulus checks International commercial flight options currently exist in Greece.  U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – extension of 90 days

*May 19, 2020 UPDATE:  You may now submit your application for an extension online prior to your appointment with the Aliens Bureau.  See this page for updated instructions.* Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece (April 2, 2020) Location:  Greece Event:  Daily COVID-19 update to U.S. citizens in Greece:  How to apply for an extension of your 90 day visa-free entry The Department of …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – departure flights

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece, March 31, 2020 Location: Greece Event: Daily message to U.S. citizens in Greece regarding COVID-19:  Departure flights U.S. citizens intending to return to the United States should do so immediately. Aegean, Air France, Qatar, and Swiss Air operate flights departing from Athens that connect through cities with flights to …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens – what the government can/can’t do in a crisis

Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece Location:  Greece Event:  Today’s daily update to U.S. citizens in Greece regarding COVID-19 and local conditions:  What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis Commercial flights continue to operate.  If you would like to return to the United States, possible flight options are available on our COVID-19 website.  …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – departure flights

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece Location:  Greece Event:   Today’s daily update to U.S. citizens in Greece regarding COVID-19 and local conditions:  A list of airlines and possible flights options for your purchase and return to the United States.  Please be advised that there are no direct flights from Greece to the United States.  The list below …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – movement permits

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece Location:  Greece Event: The U.S. Embassy in Athens will be sending a daily update to ensure that all U.S. citizens in Greece have the latest information on COVID-19 and local conditions in Greece. Greece has confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the country.  U.S. citizens who live in the United …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – do not travel

Location:  Greece   Event: On March 19, the Department of State issued a  Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19  advising all U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the impact of COVID-19.    U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.  Travelers should be …

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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece – emergency consular services only

Location:  Greece Event:  In keeping with Greek government guidelines on social distancing, only emergency American Citizen Services and emergency visa services will be available at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, and all consular services will be suspended at the Consulate General in Thessaloniki as of March 19. The  CDC advises travelers to avoid nonessential travel to Europe  and  State Department currently recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel . See CDC information regarding  high-risk traveler categories.  See also the Global …

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Update on Travel Restrictions to the United States

Updated March 13, 2020 For the most current information regarding COVID-19, the March 11 Presidential proclamation, and its impact on travel to the United States, please visit  www.dhs.gov  and  www.whitehouse.gov /.  You will find information about President Trump’s March 11 proclamation regarding the travel restrictions on foreign nationals who have been in the Schengen zone. The restrictions …

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Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki 

Location:  Lesvos, Chios, Samos, and Evros land border Event:  Large numbers of migrants and refugees are gathered at multiple locations along the Greek-Turkish border.  Roadblocks and protests—including some violent clashes—have broken out and continue to occur on the island of Lesvos and the land border in the Evros region. The Embassy has received reports of …

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Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Thessaloniki, February 26 and 27, 2020

American citizens of Northern Greece can meet with representatives from the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 27, as they provide Consular and Federal Benefits Services. Consular services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in application services and registering birth abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) and are available …

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Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens and Consulate General Thessaloniki

Location: Greece Event: Heightened Middle East Tensions There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. The State Department is advising U.S. citizens of heightened security risks worldwide. U.S. Embassy Athens reminds U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security.  The Embassy will …

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Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens

Location: Greece, countrywide Event:  During the holiday season, security measures in Greece remain heightened due to ongoing threats posed by transnational terrorist organizations and individuals inspired by violent extremist ideology throughout Europe.  Violent extremists continue to focus on locations such as Christmas holiday markets, shopping malls, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, and …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki, Greece Location:  Expected gathering points are the Athens Polytechnic University, continuing to Syntagma Square and the U.S. Embassy and concluding in Exarchia; in Thessalonki, the Venizelos statue (78 Egnatia Street) in Thessaloniki with a march to the Consulate General. Event:  Large demonstrations with 10,000 to …

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Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Thessaloniki, October 23 and 24, 2019

Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Thessaloniki, October 23 and 24, 2019 American citizens of Northern Greece can meet with representatives from the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24, as they provide Consular and Federal Benefits Services. Consular services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in application …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens and Consulate General Thessaloniki, Greece

Location: Throughout Greece Event: Public sector transportation employees plan to strike beginning at 5:00 a.m. on October 2, 2019.  Lines 2 and 3 of the Athens metro, railways, and trains will strike 24 hours; buses and trolleys will not operate 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. – midnight in Athens and reduced schedules in …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece (September 23, 2019) Location: Throughout Greece Event: Public service employees, municipal employees, mass media employees, public school teachers, public transportation, ferries and air traffic controllers plan to hold a 24 hour strike, beginning at 06:00 on Tuesday morning, on September 24, 2019. Public hospitals and ambulance service will operate …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece (September 23, 2019) Location: Throughout Greece Event: Public service employees, municipal employees, mass media employees, public school teachers, public transportation, ferries and air traffic controllers plan to hold a 24 hour strike, beginning at 06:00 on Tuesday morning, on September 24, 2019. Public hospitals and ambulance service will operate …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Consular Outreach to Karpathos on September 25 & 26, 2019

Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Karpathos on September 25 and 26, 2019       Residents of the Dodecanese are invited to join representatives from the U.S. Embassy Athens on Wednesday, September 25, and Thursday, September 26, as they provide Consular and Federal Benefits services.  Consular services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki

Location:  Expected gathering points include The Arch of Galerius (Kamara), Aristotle Square, Venizelos statue, the University campus, the White Tower, and the Thessaloniki International Fair grounds (International Exhibition and Congress Center). Event:  Large demonstrations potentially reaching in the tens of thousands of participants are expected in Thessaloniki during the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) September 7-15 related to …

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Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Ferry Strike in Greece

Strike Alert:  One-day strike of the Greek Seamen Union (July 3, 2019) Locations:  Athens and locations throughout Greece with ferry service Events:  All ferries in Greece scheduled for Wednesday July 3 have been cancelled due to a strike by the Seamen Union.  According to information available to the U.S. Embassy in Athens, this strike will run twenty-four hours. Actions …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Consular Outreach to Chios on May 22, 2019

Northern Aegean residents are invited to join representatives from the U.S. Embassy Athens on Wednesday, May 22 as they provide Consular, Federal Benefits and Immigration services.  Consular Services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in application services, documenting children’s births in Greece to U.S. citizen parent(s), and providing limited notarial services. …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Location:  Expected gathering point is Eleftherias Park adjacent to the Megaro Mousikis with a march to the U.S. Embassy. Event:  A demonstration with hundreds of participants or more is expected to take place beginning at 6:00 p.m. today, Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Anarchist groups intend to protest U.S. policy on Venezuela. U.S. government personnel have been advised …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (May 1, 2019) Location:  Expected gathering points in Athens are at or near Syntagma Square with a possible march to or by the U.S. Embassy. Event:  Multiple demonstrations with up to 1,000 or more participants are expected to take place beginning at 12:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 1, 2019, to …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Consular Outreach to Iraklio, Crete on April 3 and 4, 2019

  Residents of Crete are invited to join representatives from the U.S. Embassy Athens on Wednesday, April 3 and Thursday, April 4, 2019, as they provide Consular, Federal Benefits and Immigration services at the Municipal building on 2 Androgeo Str., Iraklio.  Services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in application services, …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Consular Outreach to Thessaloniki, March 20 and 21, 2019

  Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Thessaloniki, March 20 and 21, 2019       American citizens of Northern Greece can meet with representatives from the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21 as they provide Consular, Immigration and Federal Benefits Services. Consular services will include accepting passport applications for persons ineligible for mail-in …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Consulate General Thessaloniki, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Consulate General Thessaloniki, Greece (February 14, 2019) Location:  Expected gathering points are the Venizelos statue (78 Egnatia Street) and the Arch of Galerius – Kamara with a possible march to the U.S. Consulate General continuing to the Port of Thessaloniki. Event:  Demonstrations with up to 1,500 or more participants are expected to …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens and Consulate General Thessaloniki, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens and Consulate General Thessaloniki, Greece (January 24, 2019) Location:  Expected gathering points in Athens are the U.S. Embassy, Eleftherias Park and Syntagma Square; in Thessaloniki, the White Tower, the Venizelos statue (78 Egnatia Street), and the Arch of Galerius – Kamara with a march to the U.S. Consulate General. Event:  …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (January 18, 2019) Location:  Expected gathering points in Athens are Syntagma Square and Athens University in Propylea, with staging points at the Katehaki metro and the Temple of Zeus. Event:  Large demonstrations with 150,000 or more participants are expected to take place beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, …

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Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Location:  Greece, countrywide Event:  During the holiday season, there are ongoing threats posed by transnational terrorist organizations and individuals inspired by extremist ideology throughout Europe, including, but not specific to, Greece.  Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations such as, shopping malls, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, and other soft targets frequented by Westerners. …

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Demonstration Alert-U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate Thessaloniki

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki, Greece (November 16, 2018) Location:  Expected gathering points are the Athens Polytechnic University, continuing to  Syntagma Square and the U.S. Embassy and concluding in Exarchia; in Thessalonki, the Venizelos statue (78 Egnatia Street) with a march to the Consulate General. Event:  Large demonstrations with 10,000 …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Consular Outreach to Thessaloniki, October 4 and 5, 2018

American citizens of Northern Greece can meet with representatives from the U.S. Embassy on Thursday, October 4 and Friday, October 5, as they provide Consular and Federal Benefits Services. Consular services will include accepting passport applications for persons ineligible for mail-in application services and registering birth abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) and are available by …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki

Demonstration Alert – U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki (May 17, 2018) Location:     Announced gathering point is Venizelos statue (78, Egnatia St.) followed by a march to the U.S. Consulate General Event:           A demonstration protesting the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel is expected to take place May 17, starting at 7:00 p.m. Actions to Take:  Keep …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki

Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki (May 15, 2018) Location:      Athens – Announced gathering point is Megaro Mousikis metro station followed by a march to U.S. and Israeli Embassies Thessaloniki –  Announced gathering point is Arch of Galerius – Kamara (142, Egnatia St.) followed by a march to the U.S. …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki (April 30, 2018)

  Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki (April 30, 2018) Locations: Athens – Announced gathering points are Syntagma Square followed by a march to U.S. Embassy Athens, Omonia Square, Klafthmonos Square, Archeological Museum, Areos Park, and Karaiskakis Square in Piraeus. Thessaloniki – Announced gathering points are Agias Sofias Square, Arch of …

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Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens

Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens (April 17, 2018) Locations: Announced gathering point is Syntagma Square followed by a march to U.S Embassy Athens Announced gathering points are Arch of Galerius (Kamara) and the Venizelos statue (78 Egnatia St.) followed by separate marches to U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki. Events: Athens – A demonstration is expected to take …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (April 16, 2018) Location:  Announced gathering point is Athens University (Propylaia- Panepistimiou Ave.) with a march to U.S. Embassy Athens. Event:  A large demonstration is expected to take place today, April 16, 2018, beginning at 12 noon.  Greek leftist groups intend to protest U.S. coalition action in …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (April 13, 2018) Locations: Megaro Musikis station and park to the U.S. Embassy Downtown Thessaloniki – Venizelos Statue (78, Egnatia Street) Event: Athens – Greek leftist and anti-war groups plan to protest possible U.S. action in Syria and military presence in the Aegean and Mediterranean starting at …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (April 3, 2018)

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (April 3, 2018) Location:  Announced gathering point is U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece with a march to the Israeli Embassy. Event:  A demonstration is expected to take place on April 3, 2018, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Greek leftist groups and Palestinians living in Greece intend protest U.S. policy …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Consular Outreach to Hania, Crete

Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Hania, Crete on March 23, 2018       Athens – Residents of Crete are invited to join representatives from the U.S. Embassy on Friday, March 23, 2018, as they provide Consular, Federal Benefits and Immigration services.  Consular Services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in application services, …

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Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Chios on March 15 and 16, 2018

Athens – Residents of Chios are invited to join representatives from the U.S. Embassy on Thursday, March 15 and Friday, March 16, 2018, as they provide consular, federal benefits and Immigration services in Chios. Consular Services will include accepting passport applications for persons NOT eligible for mail-in application services, documenting children’s births in Greece to …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (February 27, 2018)

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (February 27, 2018) Location:  March from Athens’ Syntagma Square up Vasilissis Sofias Avenue to the U.S. Embassy Athens. Event: PAME (Greek Trade Union Front) and the Communist Party (KKE) have announced plans to protest U.S. government policies starting at 18:30, Tuesday, February 27.  Reports indicate the participants …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (February 4, 2018)

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (February 4, 2018) Location:  Announced gathering point is Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece. Event: Large demonstration (upwards of 500,000 participants according to media reports) expected to take place on February 4 beginning at 2 p.m. The group intends to protest the use of the term ‘Macedonia’ by …

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Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (February 3, 2018)

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Athens, Greece (February 3, 2018) Location: Announced gathering point is Rigillis Square Square in Athens, Greece. Protesters will march to 131 Mesogion Avenue, political party Golden Dawn’s offices. Event: Demonstration by anarchists expected to take place on February 3 beginning at 6 p.m. The group intends to protest Golden …

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Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Thessaloniki, February 1 and February 2

Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Thessaloniki, February 1 and 2, 2018 * U.S. Embassy Athens was unable to send this message until now because of the budget uncertainty and federal government shutdown.  We plan to be in Thessaloniki again in late May (dates TBD).* American citizens of Northern Greece can meet with representatives from the U.S. …

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Security and Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Health and Safety Announcements

    U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece Security and Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens:  Health and Safety Announcement from Hellenic Food Authority on Possible Tainted Food December 20, 2017   The Hellenic Food Authority (EFET) published an announcement concerning the claims of the Anarchist Group “Blackgreen Arsons” that it has poisoned specific brands and products in random …

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Worldwide Caution, December 6, 2017

December 6, 2017 As part of the Department of State’s continuous efforts to provide U.S. citizens traveling abroad with information about safety and security events, we are updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions, political violence, and criminal activity against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. This replaces the Worldwide …

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Visit by Athens Consular Personnel to Thessaloniki, June 8 and June 9

Athens –    Residents of Northern Greece are invited to join representatives from the U.S. Embassy on Thursday, June 8 and Friday, June 9 as they provide consular, federal benefits and immigration services at the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki.  Consular services will include accepting passport applications for persons ineligible for mail-in application services and …

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July 4th Voting Message, June 29, 2016

Celebrate democracy this 4th of July by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2016 U.S. elections!  To vote in the November 2016 elections, U.S. citizens overseas must submit a completed Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in 2016 requesting an absentee ballot.  Whether you are a first-time voter or have already voted absentee in past elections, you must complete …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Seminar on U.S. Tax Issues, January 20, 2016

SUNY Empire State College, and New York College in cooperation with the U.S. Commercial Service & the American Legion cordially invites you to attend a seminar by Mr. Bryan Larson, Commercial Counselor, Embassy of the United States of America, and Dr. Chris Holidis, U.S. Tax, Financial & Intl Business Advisor on “Investing in the United States …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Ferry Strike, November 2-4, 2015

*Please Note: The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation has extended its nationwide port strike effective at 6:00 am on November 2 to continue until 6 am on November 6, 2015. The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation has announced a 48-hour nationwide port strike effective at 6:00 am on November 2 to November 4, 2015.   According to information available to …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: IRS Webinar on Overseas Filing for U.S. Taxpayers: May 24, 2016

May 24, 2015 On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will hold a free online, web-based information session to assist U.S. overseas taxpayers in understanding their filing obligations.  The following guidance is made available from the IRS.  For further information, please contact the IRS directly . The webinar for Greece will be held 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on …

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