press releases
New Rules on Interviews For U.S. Visas From August 1, 2003
Athens July 23, 2003 -- Beginning on August 1, some Greek visa applicants will no longer be required to make a personal appearance at the United States Embassy in Athens.
Under new rules, those applicants renewing their visas within 12 months of the date of expiry, those applicants under 16, and those over 60 will be able to drop off their applications rather than wait for an interview with a consular officer.
In fact, visa applicants who fall in any of these three categories have three choices. They may still appear for same day service during regular operating hours, from 7:30 to 10 a.m., Monday to Friday. If they are able to wait a day before pick-up, they may drop off their applications with supporting materials at the Embassy’s Consular Section, between 12 noon and 1 p.m., for pick up the next day. Finally, applicants in these categories may submit their applications by mail under the mail-in program. Only individuals or immediate family members will be able to drop off applications; no deliveries from travel agents or commercial vendors will be accepted. The Embassy reserves the right to require an interview for all drop-off cases.
The new regulations apply only to Greek citizens who meet the criteria outlined above. All other Greek non-immigrant visa applicants, as well as citizens from other countries who are not members of the visa waiver program, are required to appear for an interview between 7:30 and 10 a.m. daily.
Beginning August 1, the Embassy will cease accepting applications for other categories of visas through the mail.
For more information, please call the Non-Immigrant Visa Section at the U.S. Embassy at 210.720.2442/3 between 3 and 5 p.m. daily.