Greece Joins US Visa Waiver Program

Greece will join 35 other nations on the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), President Barack Obama announced Wednesday.

Obama used a Greek Independence Day reception at the White House to announce the US decision. Joined by the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Obama said the solidarity between the US and Greece continues.

"As the Prime Minister and I discussed this afternoon, Greece's participation in the Visa Waiver Program will strengthen security in both our countries -- and whether it's to do business or visit family and friends, it will now be easier for our Greek friends to visit the United States" Obama continued.

According to the State Department, participation in the VWP enables Greeks to travel to the US for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Greece joins countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Baltic countries in the VWP, Bulgaria however remains outside the program despite its declared interest.

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