The Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed yesterday the US government has started procedures to include Greece in its visa-waiver program.

Spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos told reporters that US Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson met Greek Ambassador to the USA Alexandros Mallias on Friday to discuss how ready Greece is to be included in the program.

“This positive development comes as a result of intense efforts by the Foreign Affairs Ministry,” said Koumoutsakos.

“Before the end of the year, US government officials will visit our country to move ahead with the next step in the necessary procedure,” he added.

It was not clear when exactly the visa requirement for Greek travelers will be lifted.

Greece last year introduced new passports, which contain microchips and stricter photo requirements, in a bid to improve passport security.

The passports are considered to be of the most secure in the world.