Greece EES relaxation ‘in place in practice’ despite confusion

Senior industry figures indicate Greece is pressing ahead with plans to exempt UK passport holders from registering biometric data within the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), despite some confusion over the implementation of the move.

The Greek Embassy in London gave notice of the exemption on its website and in posts on social media on April 17, stating in an “update for British passport holders travelling to Greece” that: “As of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”

The news was widely welcomed by the trade, with the UK Foreign Office updating its advice on Monday, noting: “Greek authorities have indicated they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES.”

However, it also noted “Greece follows Schengen area rules” which require EES registration, and there was some confusion over the implementation of the plans when the official statements were removed from the Greek Embassy website and social media channels.

Despite the confusion, Sunvil Group managing director Chris Wright confirmed UK arrivals were not being required to carry out biometric registration, as indicated by the Embassy.

Another senior UK industry source added: “Our understanding is the Greek position hasn’t changed. They’ve suspended biometric checks. They’re able to suspend [EES] for six hours and could roll that over.”

European airports association ACI Europe, which last week warned EES registration “is going to be simply unmanageable over the peak summer months”, described the Greek decision as “an indication that the system’s rollout remains challenging”.

But a spokesperson said: “Rather than relying on ad hoc national measures, the priority should be to address the outstanding technical and operational issues, while retaining the option to fully suspend the system.”

 When Travel Weekly sought EC clarification, an EC spokesperson referred to a statement by “the Greek authorities” confirming: “Greece has successfully started full operation of the EES, with the registration of third-country nationals.”

The EC spokesperson added: “Suspension of the collection of biometric data is possible at specific border crossing points and for a limited amount of time in cases of exceptional circumstances. The legal framework does not foresee blanket exemptions for nationals of specific third countries.”