As weve seen, there are wide differences between airports when it comes to the amount of time youll spend standing in line! Greek Police will conduct tougher passport controls at Athens International Airport also for EU citizens coming from or departing for non-Schengen countries. Your email address will not be published. For flights to Europe, Atlanta and Washington-Dulles offer the smoothest re-entry to the United States. According to this press release, domestic flights, as well as those to and from inland Schengen still fall outside the provisions of this directive. These new systematic checks for all European Union citizens traveling from or to non-Schengen countries have been introduced because of the EU Regulation 2017/458, which Greece implements with a delay of two years. If a traveler cannot be matched to a photo on record using the Simplified Arrival process, the traveler will proceed through the traditional inspection process consistent with existing requirements for admission into the United States. The app is free to download and enables you to submit your passport and customs declaration information via your smartphone instead of the traditional paper form. Reason for this is the implementation of EU directive 458/2017, which Greece implements with a delay of two years. But, they can stop you. As one of the busiest airports in the world, this innovative technology will provide our millions of passengers each year an enhanced customer experience upon their return to the U.S.. The month with the shortest average wait times is February. In an announcement, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos informs passengers that as of April 7th, 2019, the Hellenic Police will implement EU Regulation 2017/458 which requires systematic checks against relevant databases, for all European citizens travelling to/from Non-Schengen destinations., Tags arrivals athens International Airport countries departures non-schengen passport controls. The regulation instructs the Member States to carry the following checks on EU members traveling from or to a non-Schengen country: Barcelona and Amsterdam will further tighten connections through a new sleeper train that is set to launch in the Copyright 2013 - 2021 SchengenVisaInfo.com. April 2, 2019 As well as border control duties, the Marechaussee also helps keep our airport safe. One is directly after the passport control right in front of luggage belt number one. Paris-Orly, Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, and Palma de Mallorca airports have been named the worst offenders, with travelers waiting as long as four hours to clear passport control. AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media. If youre not a US citizen, and you come from a country that does require visas to visit Schengen countries, this means that the visa you get for your visit to one Schengen country will also allow you to visit any other country in the zone. On the other hand, the Satellite terminal has two levels, one for arrivals and one for departures. However, the number of airports on the list continues to grow. At a smaller airport, there will typically be fewer US Customs and Border Patrol agents on duty checking passports, which means that just one or two large flights arriving can cause backups in the immigration lines. There are currently 31 airports and 4 cruise ports in the United States that have Mobile Passport lines. The EU Regulation 2017/458 has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 15 March 2017. CBP is expanding the use of facial biometrics at Charlotte Douglas International Airport to provide travelers a safe, touchless international arrival process that further secures and modernizes air travel, said Barry Chastain, CBP Area Port Director Charlotte. I was at Athens airport 3 hours early because of wanting a cushion since returning a car. It is impossible to miss! The regular passengers had a very long line up as there was one line for two flights one to Toronto and one to Montreal. 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For all other states, you may contact the department of vital records for the State in which you were born, or go to www.vitalchek.com, or call 1-800-255-2414. If you fly from and to airports within the Schengen Zone, head to Gates B1-B31. I would say you probably would want to be at the airport 3 hours before your return flight. Sanborn, May, 18 free admission policy at all of Greeces Museums & Sites, Early Christian Basilica church at Delphi, Delphi the forgotten Apokria events for 2023, the Gentlemen and Gavogiannos: an attractive and stimulating Delphi folk carnival event, Parnassos Ski Resort will extend 2022 Ski Season, All visitors to Greece must present negative PCR test, as of Sunday, Parnassos Ski Center opens for season 21-22, Under the Light of Apollo: The Louvre in Delphi exhibition, Archaeological sites will be closed due to heat wave. Once the applications leave our facility, we have no control over the passport-issuing process. Apart from the Athens Airport, other airports in Greece that have customs control are: Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania, Corfu and Rhodes. LockA locked padlock In 2019, last time I came, it was longer because a big jumbo jet from China came in same time but as u know, no tourism from china now. If the last name has changed because of marriage, the applicant must show I.D. Those two minutes per traveler add up quickly, especially when you consider that just one arriving flight may contain 500 or more passengers! The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. When you fly in to any Schengen country in Europe, your passport will have to be checked against multiple databases of information, including Interpol records of lost and stolen passports. This is particularly true if you are traveling as a family with tired, cranky kids in tow, even a short wait can feel like hours. What is my allowance and cost of additional baggage? Mobile Passport Control, (Mobile Passport)which CBP launched in 2014, is a free app that lets travelers use a dedicated, and often shorter, customs line in U.S. airports and cruise ports. Click Share This Page button to display social media links. Popular Destinations with Visa Requirements. 356, or email the Reference desk at refdesk@athenslibrary.org. Baggage claim is what took time. For more information, upon arrival at the Athens International Airport, feel free to contact AEGEANs representative in the blue waistcoat with the Connection Ambassador sign. Register to genAIRation. It is a privately operated website portal for informational purposes only. See here: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/airport-passport-queues-british-holidaymakers-eu-alicante-malaga-palma-barcelona-schengen-area-a7872106.html. In Athens airport I saw very few lines of any note and 3 hours is more than enough. The odd man out will likely have to get his bags in Athens, clear customs there, and check in for the flight to Mykonos as if he was originating in Athens. New or Replacement Passport Card, or Renewal of Passport Card: Please note that passport cards are valid only for travel by land or sea to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean. FTC Disclosure: We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site. This means you have not been vetted in the same way that Global Entry users have been. 4 is overkill at Athens. We were on Air Canada which arrived a bit late and we had 55 minutes to catch our onward flight which was on a separate ticket. The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office has informed its citizens that they too, will be a subject of the new tougher checks at the Greek airports. check with the Greek Embassy or consulate in the United States, the Customs office at Athens International Airport (+30 210-3542126) . A certified birth certificate must also be presented when renewing a childs passport when the child is still under 16 years of age. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel. I've never had to wait for more than a few minutes in the non-EU line, but it will likely be longer if there are. Passport Control (immigration) took all of 5 min for the family. 11035 Golf Links Dr. Charlotte,North Carolina 28277-8007. Its a surprisingly small and efficient airport for such a major destination. Apart from the Athens Airport, other airports in Greece that have customs control are: Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania, Corfu and Rhodes. The EU directive does not refer to domestic flights and those to Schengen countries. 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The line you wait in is for "Passport control" one line for EU/Shengen, the others for all the rest. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. This means you can expect to spend more time in line at the airport at both ends of your trip! General Measures What general precautionary measures are in place? Customers are encouraged to visit the U.S. Department of States website for the most up-to-date information regarding processing times. Passport control had a long line up but it moved steadily and we were through in 16 minutes. In order to make your trip even smoother and more comfortable, we have created a special guide that will help you easily find the way to your next flight at Athens International Airport. Like Global Entry, Mobile Passport can only be used for arrival in the United States. in Athens, or only the odd man out? Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which receives nearly 5 million international arrivals every year, has an average wait time of just 12 minutes! New Yorks John F. Kennedy airport, which receives 14.6 million travelers arriving from overseas each year, and Miami International Airport, which gets more than 10 million international arrivals annually, are among the airports with the longest average wait time to clear passport control. The Mobile Passport Control app will help speed you through Customs and Border Patrol lines when you arrive back in the States. Privacy, // < ! I would not arrive more than three hours early. All applicants, including children, must be present when applying for a U.S. Passport. So, many may wonder if they need to go through customs for their connecting international flight through Europe. Once at the airport, drop off your baggage at the SKY express check-in counters and head to your gate at least 20' before your scheduled departure time. Overall, the answer depends on how many tickets . Thank you in advance to all seasoned travelers for helping me figure out logistics for my trip (we leave in 9 days!). New photos of U.S. citizens will be deleted within 12 hours. Required fields are marked *. Once youve indicated your arrival airport and airline, and submitted the form (the process takes about a minute), the app creates a QR code that you show to an immigration officer inside the airport. 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Arrivals and departures are all in the same terminal building so its very quick to go from Arrivals to departures. This allows you to opt for whichever line is shorter once you reach border control. An official website of the United States government. They are required to follow all Federal rules and regulations with no exceptions. You might have a long wait at the airport Starbucks counter in November, but at least youll clear immigration quickly! Are you flying directly from the US or UK to a Schengen Zone country like France or Italy? How do I check-in online? February 24, 2023 Migration Tougher passport controls are being carried out at the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" on EU nationals since April 7, by the Greek Police. Heres how Mobile Passport works and what you need to know before using it. Is 3 hours enough time to do it? Of course, I would only do this with a close friend or a family member. Much easier than it sounds - no lines in the bag check or security. If you fly from an airport outside the Schengen Zone to a destination within the Schengen Zone*, after passing through passport and security control and claim your baggage, head to Gates B1-B31. Travelers to Latin America may want to look at flights that utilize Dallas or Atlanta rather than Miami. These original documents will be returned with your new passport. Get the best out of your travel experience with the Aegean App. Passengers travelling to Non-Schengen destinations are kindly requested to allow for extra time at the passport control for the checks to be conducted by the Hellenic Police, the announcement says, adding that in order to accelerate the checks, it is advisable to hold a passport document rather than an ID card.. The Athens International Airport warns passengers of the possibility of increased waiting times at check points, and calls on timely presence at the departure gates. With summer travel at its peak, travelers are reporting long lines to clear immigration at airports in a number of popular destinations. Acceptance of U.S. Passport Applications. covid-19 information airlines departing from athens security procedures customs control prohibited items passenger rights vat refund baggage information passport control lost & found lost property travelling with pets special assistance Security procedures wont be any different when you board your flight, but expect to face long lines when you arrive. Register to Miles+Bonus, Don't have an account? We went through passport control which took no more than 5 minutes then took the escalator up to departures level. You must provide the ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE, or a Certified copy (a copy with a raised seal), or an expired passport. 1997-2023 USPassportHelpGuide.com All Rights Reserved, USPASSPORTHELPGUIDE.COM IS NOT OPERATED, MAINTAINED BY, OR AFFILIATED WITH ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES OR PASSPORT OFFICES. >> Next: TSA PreCheck Versus Global Entry: Which Is Best for You? We are excited to partner with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to offer Simplified Arrival at CLT, said Acting Aviation Director Haley Gentry. The EU directive does not refer to domestic flights and those to Schengen countries. Why not? How toGet a Passport Name Change on U.S. Passport? Udi Onyile contributed reporting. Passport Card: How to Apply and Get a U.S. Passport Card. It may take you longer than normal to clear immigration and get out of the airport. A recent study has analyzed the wait times for international arrivals at airports across the US, and has revealed that the amount of time youll spend in line will vary depending on which airport you use. Please visit our FAQ page for updated information about Passport Services. "script","oiopub","https://thedelphiguide.com/mediashop/zones.js"); Greek Police will conduct tougher passport controls at Athens International Airport also for EU citizens coming from or departing for non-Schengen countries. Which are the necessary documents for passengers arriving in Greece from abroad? The new rules and procedures are already causing hours-long lines to form at some airports in popular European destinations. If you are a naturalized U.S. Citizen you must provide your CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION. Average wait times were all in excess of 20 minutes. Customs is a thing but it relates to your goods, not you. If you fly to and from airports outside the Schengen Zone, after passing through passport control, head to Gates A1-A23. Ten minutes? But, considering required interviews can be cumbersome to schedule and it comes at a cost of $100 every five years, its not for everyone. The Airport warns passengers of the possibility of increased waiting times at check points, and calls on timely presence at the departure gates. Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on twitter @CBPSoutheast and @DFOAtlanta. For an international airport, its not large. Very few passengers only 11% wind up waiting more than 30 minutes to go through passport control. CBP officer at Charlotte Airport uses. A few questions about arrivals and departures at the Athens Airport: 7 people booked the same flights in two different ways, and we're unsure of what to expect when we arrive in Athens. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. If you have Global Entry, you can still use Mobile Passport. Tell us in the comments! Adults may submit their current valid Drivers License, government-issued ID card, or other forms of identity (call 706-613-3650, ext. 3 Comments No one likes waiting in line, especially not when youve just disembarked from a long international flight. And waited. Can I change or cancel my ticket after booking? The Mobile Passport Control app will help speed you through Customs and Border Patrol lines when you arrive back in the States. DS-82 Application for Passport Renewal Form, DS-3053 Statement of Consent or Special Circumstance for Minor Passport, DS 64 Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement Application Form, DS-5504 Application Form for Name Change and Data Corrections, DS-2029: Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad for a U.S. Citizen, DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special family circumstances, Passport Information for U.S. Passport Applicant. A scant 8% of passengers have to wait 30 minutes or more. Athens Regional Library System 2025 Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606 706-613-3650, travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/forms.html, Selected Classics of Americas 100 Most Beloved Books Available via GLS. Your email address will not be published. For departure look at when your airline opens its check in desk. An hour? The Mobile Passport app is available for iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the app store. Your passport details will be checked and recorded once again when you depart. Athens International, Hall A. Airside - after Passport Control and Security Checks in the main terminal building. Online check-in will be available up to 3 hours prior to your departure. When you first use it, you must upload a headshot and enter your passport details (its as simple as scanning your passport page). Customs control will be available temporarily (26 April 2022 until 30 October 2022) also at Santorini, Mykonos, Ioannina (exception applies to flight OA160), Samos,Kavala,Kos,Chios,Mytilene, Zakynthos and Skiathosairports. Please visit our FAQ page for updated information about Passport Services. Applicants must have been at least 16 years of age when last passport was issued. All it takes is one morning flight to arrive a bit early, and the lines can get out of control! Those of you on one ticket, Im not sure what the procedure is. U.S. travelers and foreign nationals who are not required to provide biometrics and wish to opt out of the new biometric process can simply notify a CBP officer as they approach the primary inspection point.