The Foreign Office has issued an update regarding travel to Greece for Brits, and it’s good news.
Since the European Union‘s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out earlier this month, widespread travel disruption has ensued. Holidaymakers have reported significant queues and delays at airports across Europe, with some lasting up to four hours, while hundreds have missed flights as they attempt to navigate the new digital border system.
In an effort to alleviate the travel chaos, Greece has opted to waive the EU requirement for Brits to provide fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls. In a statement from the Greek Embassy, they announced: “Update for British passport holders travelling to Greece.
“In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.” While there was no indication of how long the exemption would remain in force, shortly afterwards, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) revised its travel guidance for Greece.
In an update on Monday, 20 April, the FCDO stated: “Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are a resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.”
Greece chose to abandon the new biometric security measures following concerns about the substantial travel disruption they were generating at airports, seriously affecting holidaymakers. The eased EU regulations from Greece are now expected to enhance travel for Brits entering the country, facilitating a more seamless journey without arduous waiting periods and needless hold-ups, reports the Mirror.
Commenting on the EES impact, Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, said: “While for many the travel experience remains smooth, we’re disappointed and frustrated to see some passengers being caught up in delays due to EES.
“ABTA has been warning destinations and the (European) Commission for some time about the need for proactive steps to be taken to avoid delays, including the full use of contingency measures to stand down biometric checks at busier times, and adequate staffing, especially at peak times.”
The EES was fully rolled out across European airports on April 10, 2026, requiring all Brits travelling to the Schengen zone to “create a digital record” and register their biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph. It’s required for their initial arrival at the airport border within the Schengen area, and following the first registration, the EES remains valid for three years.
Countries in the Schengen area include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
At present, Greece remains the only country to have eased EU entry requirements for British travellers. The EES system is not required for travel into the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as they fall outside the Schengen area.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
