Expert: Roberto Gomes - 1/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am trying to book a group of Greek athletes to New Zealand via the USA.  They arrive and depart from LA on the same day and will not be leaving the airport.  Is Greece a country that is eligible to complete the ESTA online?  I could not find it in the VISA waiver list. Please help.

ANSWER: Dear Jacqui,

Greece is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, therefore is not on the ESTA.

Best Regards,
R.Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So does that mean they cannot travel at all in transit without applying in advance for a visa?  Or does it mean they do not require an ESTA?
Thankyou very much for the prompt reply.

Answer
Dear Jacqui,

Since Greece is not a participant country of the Visa Waiver Program, it means that all its citizens must have a visa to enter or transit the US.
The ESTA Program is only for participant countries of the VWP.

Hope this clarifies your question.
Best Regards,
R.Gomes