The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Athens is responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States.
Effective Saturday June 17, 2023, there will be an increase in the below fees:
- Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E category) will increase from $160 to $185
- H, L, O, P, Q and R category nonimmigrant visa will increase from $190 to $205
- E category nonimmigrant visa will increase from $205 to $315
- Border crossing card – age 15 and over (10-year validity) will increase from $160 to $185
For more information please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.
NEW: Mail-in Visa Applications:
For complete mail-in instructions visit Mail-in Visa Instructions.
IMPORTANT: Applicants must register with the Global Support Services (GSS) website and pay the fee before sending their mail-in applications. Please do not send us your application without registering on the GSS website, paying the fees, and following all instructions. Failure to do so may result in your application being returned.
The average processing time for mail-in applications is 10 business days from the time the Embassy receives your application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to track the package prior to arrival and after departure from the Embassy.
Visa Interviews:
Please note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the vaccine requirements for international air travelers. As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to board a flight to the United States. Important: We strongly recommend travelers contact their airline regarding vaccination requirements for their customers, as it is at the airline’s discretion to board passengers.For further information, please refer to the following link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-change-to-us-travel-policy-requiring-covid-19-vaccination-for-nonimmigrant-travel.html
Due to pandemic-related operational changes, at this time U.S. Embassy Athens has limited non-immigrant visa operations. We are opening limited in-person appointments on a rolling basis and will open more appointments as local conditions and consular operations allow. You may check the website https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gr/niv to fill out an application and obtain an appointment, when available.
Need Help?
For the detailed information on how to apply and assistance with scheduling an appointment please contact our authorized call-center at +30 211 198 3241.Student Visa Reciprocity Fee: Successful student visa applicants may pay the $105 reciprocity fee for a 60-month validity visa at the Embassy only on the day of the interview.
Return of Passports: As of July 26, 2021, there is a new process to return passports with approved nonimmigrant visas. Courier Service: At the time of your interview, please provide a plain 16 x 23 cm self-addressed envelope which includes your name, local address and your mobile or home/work phone number. The courier will be paid by you upon receipt of the passport. For status updates on courier deliveries, please contact Courier Center at 210-751-2000 three business days following your nonimmigrant visa interview.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment for a visa interview, please visit the GSS Contact Us page for full information or use contact information below:
- Email: To reach a customer service representative via email, please write to esee_contactus+gr+info+en@visaops.net.
- Telephone: Please contact a customer service representative using one of these telephone numbers:
- Callers in Greece: Call +30 211 198 3241.
- Callers in the United States: Call 1 703 520 2216.
Skype: To use Skype to speak to a customer service representative during regular hours of operation, add a new contact to your Skype account with the Skype name usvisagreece.
Diplomatic and Official Visas
Any diplomats or foreign government officials traveling to the United States to engage in official duties or activities on behalf of their national government or international organization must obtain a diplomatic or official visa prior to entering the United States.
Those travelling for official purposes are not permitted to enter the United States using visitor visas or under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).
Apply for a diplomatic or official visa:
- Complete an Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for each applicant: Form DS-160
- Obtain a diplomatic note or note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs containing all of the following information:
- the government official’s or employee’s name, date of birth, position and title, place of assignment or visit, purpose of travel, a brief description of his or her duties, travel date, and the anticipated length of the tour of duty or stay in the United States, and
- the names, relationships, and dates of birth of any dependents and other members of household who will be accompanying or joining the government official or employee.
- Submit the following documents to the visa section of the U.S. embassy
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Photo (Photograph Requirements)
- The diplomatic note (note verbale)
Please allow at least five business days to process your diplomatic or official visa. Inquiries may be directed to AthensUSConsul@state.gov. The required documents can be submitted to our office for a diplomatic visa either by the applicant himself or by a third party, without an appointment from Monday to Thursday 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Our office remains closed to the public on the last Wednesday of each month and on official American and Greek holidays. For more information, please visit American and Greek Holidays at https://gr.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/
More information is available at the following links:
