Greece Abandons EU Biometrics for British Travelers Entry-Exit
Greek authorities have announced an exemption for British passport holders from biometric registration at border crossings. The move aims to speed arrivals and cut airport congestion.
Official announcement
Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek national tourism organisation in the UK, posted the change on LinkedIn. She said the measure will ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece.
Skarevli added the policy is expected to significantly reduce waiting times at airports. No formal end date for the measure was given.
Background on the EU entry-exit system
Since 10 April, Schengen frontiers were due to apply the EU entry-exit system. The system requires fingerprints and a facial biometric at first registration.
On later crossings, one biometric — usually the face — is checked. The rules cover all third-country nationals, including Australians, Canadians and Venezuelans.
Why Greece acted
British travellers to Europe outnumber other third-country nationals combined. Some Greek island airports see more than 2,000 UK arrivals and departures on busy days.
Greek authorities cited staffing constraints and the need to keep queues moving. Officials judged the economic risk of delays greater than strict EES compliance.
Recent disruptions and EU rollout issues
Calamitous outbound queues have already affected travellers elsewhere. At Milan Linate, hold-ups at passport control disrupted over 100 easyJet passengers bound for Manchester last Sunday.
Brussels acknowledged that several locations would miss the EES deadline. At the three UK juxtaposed controls — Dover, Folkestone and London St Pancras — EES kiosks remain unconnected to the French IT system.
A recent assessment warned the rollout problems could persist through the summer for about 150 more days, to Monday 7 September.
Practical effects for travellers
Greek officials say entry checks will follow the pre-EES routine. Expect a passport check, a stamp and a short interaction at arrival.
Departure processing remains a concern, however. Long outbound lines can still cause missed flights and major disruption.
Wider implications
The unilateral Greek decision may prompt other countries to consider similar steps. The priority for Athens was protecting holiday flows and the tourism economy.
Observers expect the easing could extend beyond the EU deadline. For many travellers, the change will mean faster arrivals this summer.
Travel columnist Simon Calder has written about travel for Filmogaz.com since 1994. The phrase Greece Abandons EU Biometrics for British Travelers Entry-Exit captures the policy shift in practice.
