United States lift visa requirements for Greeks

in Diaspora, Greece / by Admin / on May 19, 2009 at 2:07 pm /

Greek citizens will no longer need a visa to visit the United States, starting from September 2009. Negotiations conducted between the Greek government and Washington have been finalised and an agreement has been reached, whereby starting this autumn, Greeks will be able to visit the US freely, Greek Kathimerini daily has reported.

A Washington spokesperson said that Greek head of state Karolos Papoulias and prime minister Kostas Karamanlis had expressed a desire to visit the White House. During that visit, according to Kathimerini, documents are expected to be signed to seal the new travelling arrangements between the two countries.

The meeting could coincide with Greece’s participation in the general assembly at the United Nations, set to commence on September 22.

During George Bush’s presidency, the American stance towards Greece was very different. Bush had said that Greece did not fulfil requirements and could not be considered for a visa-free regime.

Source: Sofia Echo