Greece travel guide for Americans

US citizens do not need a visa for Greece for tourist stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You can enter with a valid US passport and stay for up to 90 days. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly; it is not a visa and costs about €7 (check).

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area (check). You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so US citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business and short family visits. If you plan to stay longer, work, or study, you must apply for a national visa before arrival.

From 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be required for visa-free travellers. It is an online application, valid for three years or until your passport expires, and costs about €7 (check). Apply before booking flights, as approval is not guaranteed instantly.

At border control, have your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. Officials may ask for evidence of funds, so carry a bank statement or credit card. Overstaying the 90-day limit can lead to fines or a ban from the Schengen Area.

The US Embassy in Athens is the main point of contact for US citizens in Greece. It can help with lost passports, emergencies, and legal issues. The consular section is open by appointment only; check the embassy website for current hours and services.

If you are in another part of Greece, the embassy can still assist by phone or email. For urgent issues, call the embassy's emergency line. Register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and make it easier for the embassy to contact you in an emergency.

A 10-day trip to Greece for one person typically costs $1,800–$2,500 including flights, accommodation, food, and local transport. Flights from the US to Athens range from $600–$1,200 round-trip depending on season and departure city. Accommodation: budget hotels $50–$100 per night, mid-range $100–$200, luxury from $300.

Food: a meal at a taverna costs $10–$20, street food like souvlaki $3–$6. Ferries between islands cost $30–$60 for a standard seat. Museums and sites: the Acropolis ticket is about $25 (check). Budget for extra costs like tours, drinks, and souvenirs.

To save, travel in shoulder season (May–June, September–October), book ferries in advance, and eat where locals eat. Athens has excellent budget options, and island prices rise in July–August.

Direct flights from the US to Athens (ATH) operate from New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), and other major cities. Flight time is about 9–11 hours from the East Coast, 12–14 hours from the West Coast. Airlines include Delta, United, American, and Emirates (via Dubai).

From the West Coast, you may need a connection in a European hub like London, Frankfurt, or Istanbul. Thessaloniki (SKG) has fewer direct options, mostly via European cities. Use the flight-time planner to compare routes from your home city.

Book 2–3 months ahead for the best prices. July–August is peak season; May–June and September–October offer lower fares and better weather.

Greece uses plugs types C and F, with a standard voltage of 230 V and frequency 50 Hz. US devices (120 V) will need a plug adapter and, for most electronics, a voltage converter unless they are dual-voltage (most phone chargers and laptops are). Check your device labels.

You can buy adapters at airports or electronics stores in Greece for about $5–$10. Power outages are rare but can happen on islands during storms.

Tipping is not required in Greece, but it is appreciated. For good service, round up the bill or leave 5–10% in restaurants and tavernas. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is common. For hotel staff, €1–€2 per bag or per night is a nice gesture.

Service charges are usually included in hotel bills, so additional tips are optional. In bars, leaving small change is fine.

In an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire – this works across the EU and operators speak English. Other numbers: 100 police, 166 ambulance, 199 fire, 1571 tourist police, 108 coast guard.

Save these numbers in your phone. For non-urgent issues, the tourist police (1571) can help with lost items, scams, or disputes. The US Embassy can assist with serious emergencies.

Do Americans need a visa for Greece? No, for tourism up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, an ETIAS authorisation is required.

How much does a trip to Greece cost in USD? A 10-day trip typically costs $1,800–$2,500 per person including flights, accommodation, food, and transport.

Where is the nearest US embassy in Greece? The US Embassy is in Athens at 91 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. It provides consular services by appointment.

Information on this page is based on official US government travel advice and the parent country facts for Greece. Always check the latest entry requirements before booking, as rules can change.