The latest update from the Foreign Office regarding travel to Greece is positive news for British travelers. Following the full implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) earlier this month, there have been significant travel disruptions reported by holidaymakers across European airports, with lengthy queues and delays of up to four hours, leading to missed flights.
To alleviate the travel chaos, Greece has decided to exempt British passport holders from the EU’s requirement to provide fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls. The Greek Embassy announced this exemption, stating that as of April 10, 2026, British passport holders are not required to undergo biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) subsequently updated its travel guidance for Greece on April 20, confirming that Greek authorities will not collect biometric data from UK travelers as part of the EES. This move aims to streamline the travel process for Brits entering Greece, eliminating long wait times and unnecessary delays caused by the new biometric security measures.
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, expressed disappointment over the delays some passengers have faced due to the EES implementation. The EES, which became fully operational on April 10, 2026, requires all British travelers heading to the Schengen area to register their biometric details upon arrival, including fingerprints and a photograph, with the registration remaining valid for three years.
While Greece has relaxed the EU requirements for British travelers, other Schengen area countries such as Austria, France, Germany, and Spain are still enforcing the EES system. 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 information on the EES system, individuals can visit the government website.