The latest update from the Foreign Office regarding travel to Greece brings positive news for British travelers. Following the full implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) earlier this month, significant travel disruptions have been reported, leading to long queues and delays at airports across Europe, with some lasting up to four hours and resulting in missed flights.
To alleviate the travel chaos, Greece has decided to exempt British passport holders from the EU requirement to provide fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls. The Greek Embassy announced this exemption, stating that British passport holders are no longer required to undergo biometric registration at Greek border crossing points as of April 10, 2026. Subsequently, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel guidance for Greece.
In its latest update on April 20, the FCDO confirmed that Greek authorities will not collect biometric data from UK travelers as part of the EES. This move by Greece aims to enhance the travel experience for British visitors, eliminating grueling wait times and unnecessary delays caused by the new biometric security measures.
Luke Petherbridge, the director of public affairs at ABTA, expressed disappointment over the delays some passengers faced due to the EES implementation. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent delays, including the use of contingency measures to suspend biometric checks during peak times and ensuring adequate staffing levels.
The EES, which became fully operational on April 10, 2026, mandates that all British travelers to the Schengen area must register their biometric details for a digital record. However, Greece is currently the only country relaxing these requirements for Brits. Notably, the EES is not mandatory for travel to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as they are not part of the Schengen area.
For further details on the new EES system, individuals can visit the government website.
