First Greeks inaugurate visa-free travel to U.S.

ΑΝΑ-ΜPA/Passengers leaving Athens on Delta Airlines' Wednesday morning flight for New York were no doubt surprised when U.S. Ambassador to Athens Daniel Speckhard suddenly arrived at the airline's check-in desk to check on their progress, surrounded by a bevy of reporters and cameras. Several among them were also surprised to learn that theirs was the first flight leaving Athens on which Greek citizens were able travel to the United States without a visa.

Greece was formally added to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program on Monday, allowing Greeks to forgo the often laborious process of getting a visa via the embassy. Those wanting to visit the U.S. can now simply fill in an online application called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that gives them clearance to travel.