Greece ‘exempts Britons from biometric registration’ under EES scheme

British passport holders will not be required to go through biometric registration on arrival in Greece under the EU’s Entry/Exit System, according to the Greek government.

A statement on the website of the Greek Embassy and posts on official social media channels late on Friday (April 17) said: “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.”

There was no further detail of how long the exemption would last, and FCDO travel advice for Greece had not been update by 7.30am on Monday.

Commenting on the embassy announcement, which was also shared by Britain’s ambassador to Greece, Eleni Skarveli, UK director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, posted: “When good news arrives in the midst of a crisis, its impact is even greater.

“The exemption of British passport holders from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points, effective from 10 April 2026, is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports.”

She added: “UK travellers will no longer need to undergo additional EES biometric procedures, ensuring a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece.

“The Greek National Tourism Organisation remains committed to ensuring a seamless and welcoming journey for all visitors from the UK.”

Sunvil Group managing director Chris Wright said on social media: “This is the news I’ve been waiting for.

“At a time when there’s been plenty of media noise around queues, delays and missed flights linked to new border processes, Greece has taken a pragmatic approach - allowing British travellers to pass through without EES biometric checks while systems to streamline the process are still being implemented.”

He added: “Les friction. Smoother arrivals. Exactly what customers want - especially at a time when there are already plenty of other reasons people might hesitate to travel. But this can’t mean the foot comes off the pedal.

“This window should be used to get the pre-registration/app side right so when biometrics do come in for UK travellers, it’s slick, fast and invisible.

“We don’t want to be back here in six months. For now though - Greece just got even more compelling.”

• The UK Foreign Office said on Monday (April 20) in an update about its travel advice for Greece: “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 resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.”