The latest update from the Foreign Office regarding travel to Greece brings positive news for British travelers. The full implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has led to significant travel disruptions across Europe, with long queues and delays reported at airports, causing some passengers to miss flights.
To address the chaos, Greece has decided to exempt British passport holders from the EU requirement to provide fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls. This exemption was announced by the Greek Embassy as part of the EES implementation, effective from April 10, 2026, although the duration of the exemption was not specified. Subsequently, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Greece in response to this development.
The FCDO confirmed on April 20 that Greek authorities will not collect biometric data from UK travelers as part of the EES. This move by Greece aims to alleviate the travel disruptions caused by the new biometric security measures, which had been affecting holidaymakers. By relaxing the EU rules, Greece hopes to facilitate smoother travel experiences for British visitors, reducing wait times and unnecessary delays.
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, expressed disappointment over the delays some passengers faced due to the EES implementation. He highlighted the importance of proactive measures to prevent such delays, including contingency plans for busy periods and adequate staffing.
The EES, which was fully rolled out on April 10, 2026, requires British travelers entering the Schengen area to register their biometric details for a digital record. This registration is mandatory upon first arrival in the Schengen area and remains valid for three years. Countries in the Schengen area include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, and others.
Greece stands out as the only country to relax the EU requirements for British travelers, as the EES is not applicable to travel to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus. For more details on the EES system, visitors can refer to the government website for information.