Information about how to travel to the USA
When you fly to the United States, special regulations apply. One of these is that airlines are required to collect ‘Secure Flight Data’ (personal details from passengers) which include your gender, date of birth and your first and family name exactly as stated in your passport. If you book your flight via a travel agent, be sure to provide this information.
If you are not required to have a visa, you will need to request an electronic travel authorization (ESTA), and you will have to supply Advance Passenger Information (API). For more information, see below.
Greece has been added to the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). As of April 5th, 2010 all nationals of Greece will be able to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme for a maximum stay of 90 days, provided they hold a biometric e-Passport.
However, they will need to apply for a supplementary travel authorisation (ESTA).
Apply for ESTA travel authorisation.
Passport
All travellers to the United States must have a biometric e-passport that has a digital photo and a built-in chip, and can be read by machine (also known as an MRP or machine-readable passport). Infants and toddlers must also have their own passports; they may not travel on the passport of one of their parents.
If you have a temporary or emergency passport that is not an e-passport, you are no longer permitted to travel under the Visa Waiver Programme. You must then apply for a visa for your trip to the United States.
Advance Passenger Information
If you travel to the United States, we are required to collect various personal data. We recommend you provide this Advance Passenger Information (API) to your travel agent.
Otherwise, our staff will register the data on your passport at the check-in desk. You may also download the API form before you travel.
The API data includes:
- Family name and first name
- Date of birth and gender
- Passport number
- Country that issued the passport
- Passport expiration date
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Temporary address where you will be staying. This address must include the house number, street, city/town, abbreviation used for the state, and the zip code.
You do not have to provide the temporary address information if:
- You officially reside in the United States or are a holder of a U.S. passport.
- You will only transfer in the United States to a destination outside the United States and this transfer lasts 8 hours or longer. When filling in your address, please enter ‘Transit to Non-US country’, and the flight number of the final part of your journey.
- You will go on a cruise. When filling in your address please enter: ‘Transit to Cruise Line’, adding the name of the ship and the city and state where your cruise will start.
- You will travel through the United States in a motor home. If possible, please give an indication of your planned location.
Download the Advance Passenger Information form
