Do Americans Need a Visa for Greece?

Dreaming of Santorini sunsets, Athenian history, or island hopping through the Aegean? The good news is that Americans don't need a visa to visit Greece for short trips. US citizens can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so your time there counts toward a shared 90-day limit across 29 European countries. Here's what you need to know about the entry requirements, a few unique situations to be aware of, and your options for staying longer.

The Short Answer: No Visa for Short Visits

According to the US State Department, American citizens can enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

This 90-day limit follows the Schengen Area's standard rule: you can stay for 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. The window isn't based on calendar months. Immigration officials look back 180 days from any given date to calculate how much time you've spent in the zone.

Because Greece is part of Schengen, time spent in Italy, France, Spain, or any other member country counts toward your 90 days.

Entry Requirements for Greece

The State Department lists these requirements for entering Greece:

• Valid US passport with at least 6 months validity recommended (though Greek law requires only 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen area)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (credit cards are typically accepted)
• Return or onward travel ticket

Official and Diplomatic Passports

If you're traveling on a US official (red) or diplomatic (black) passport, you must obtain a Schengen visa before arriving. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that Greece enforces this requirement strictly. Passengers without the proper visa will be held at the airport and returned to their point of departure.

Special Situations to Know

The "Macedonia" Passport Situation

Due to historical naming disputes, Greek immigration officers will not place entry stamps in passports that list "Macedonia" or "Skopje" as a place of birth. Instead, they'll ask you to complete a short form on which the entry stamp will be placed. Keep this form with your passport throughout your stay and present it when you leave. If you lose the form, you'll need to file a police report before you can depart the country.

Carry Identification at All Times

Unlike some European countries where carrying ID is optional, Greece requires you to have your passport or photo identification on you at all times. Police may detain you for questioning if you don't have proper identification.

The EES and ETIAS Changes

European border systems are changing. As of October 2025, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) started rolling out at Schengen borders, including Greek airports and ports. This system collects your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) and automatically tracks how long you stay.

Later in 2026, Americans will also need to register through ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling. This online application costs €20 and is valid for three years. It's not a visa, just a pre-screening requirement.

Neither system changes the 90-day limit. They just make tracking more automated.

Tracking Your Days

The 90/180 rule can get confusing, especially if you're visiting multiple Greek islands or combining your trip with other European destinations.

Remember:

• Days in Italy, Spain, France, and other Schengen countries all count toward your 90
• The 180-day window is rolling, not based on calendar dates
• Time in the UK, Ireland, or Croatia does NOT count (separate from Schengen)

If you're planning multiple trips to Europe, use our free Schengen calculator to see how many days you have available. For ongoing tracking, the Days Monitor app automatically calculates your remaining days based on your travel history.

Staying Longer: Greece's Digital Nomad Visa

If 90 days isn't enough, Greece offers one of Europe's most attractive Digital Nomad Visas. The country's pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, and beautiful scenery make it popular with remote workers.

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

According to Citizen Remote, here are the key requirements:

You'll also need health insurance, a clean criminal record, proof of accommodation, and documentation showing you work for non-Greek employers. The visa specifically prohibits working for Greek companies.

Tax Benefits

Greece offers significant tax incentives for digital nomads who commit to staying longer. If you agree to reside in Greece for at least two years, you may qualify for a 50% tax reduction for up to seven years. For stays under six months, there are also tax exemptions available.

Other Long-Stay Options

Greece also offers a Golden Visa for those investing €250,000 or more in Greek real estate (requirements vary by location). Student visas are available for those enrolled in Greek educational institutions, and employment visas require a job offer from a Greek employer.

Planning Your Greece Trip

For most American visitors, 90 days provides plenty of time to explore Athens, the islands, and the mainland. If you're considering a longer stay, Greece's Digital Nomad Visa is one of the better options in Europe, with attractive tax benefits and a manageable income requirement.

Keep track of your time if you're combining Greece with visits to other Schengen countries. Our free Schengen calculator can help you plan, and the Days Monitor app handles ongoing tracking automatically.