Greece Stops EU Border Scans for UK Tourists to Avoid Summer Delays

Greece has paused EU border tech for British tourists, unlike other EU countries facing delays. This aims to speed up travel for UK visitors this summer.
By Newsroom | Travel, Europe |

Greece has effectively suspended biometric data collection for British passport holders at its border crossings, a move that deviates from the European Union's newly implemented Entry/Exit System (EES). This decision, confirmed by the Greek Tourism Minister, aims to preemptively alleviate potential delays during the peak summer travel season.

The exemption, which took effect in early April, means that British visitors will not be subjected to fingerprint and facial scans upon arrival in Greece. This stance has led to some disruption and delays for travelers at other European airports. Officials insist this is not a blanket exemption for all nationalities, but rather a specific measure to manage anticipated congestion at Greek entry points. The EES system, designed to enhance border security and track entries and exits for non-EU citizens, officially launched on April 10th, requiring digital registration and biometric data collection.

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While Greece carves out this exception for British travelers, other EU nations continue to implement the EES as mandated. Reports indicate significant queues and missed flights elsewhere in Europe due to the new system's procedures. The Greek government’s decision is seen by some observers as a pragmatic response to safeguard its vital tourism industry, which relies heavily on visitors from the UK.

Background: EES Rollout and Greek Pragmatism

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) represents a significant overhaul of border management for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. The system digitizes border crossings, replacing traditional passport stamps with electronic records and biometric data. This includes fingerprints and a photograph, intended to streamline processing while bolstering security and identifying individuals who may have overstayed their visas.

The rollout has been met with challenges, as evidenced by the delays experienced by travelers at various European airports since its full implementation. Greece, a popular tourist destination heavily dependent on international visitors, appears to be prioritizing the smooth flow of travelers, particularly from the UK market. The exemption for British tourists positions Greece as a notable outlier, being the first Schengen country to implement nationality-based flexibility within the harmonized border control framework. Industry observers suggest this pragmatic approach prioritizes economic interests and tourist convenience over strict adherence to the new digital system, especially during the critical summer months. Other Mediterranean countries may consider similar measures if faced with comparable border congestion issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Greece not collecting biometric data from British tourists?
Greece has stopped collecting fingerprint and face scans from UK visitors to prevent long waiting times at airports during the busy summer holiday season. This decision is to help manage the expected large number of travelers.
Q: When did Greece start this exemption for British tourists?
The exemption for British passport holders began in early April. This means they will not have their fingerprints and faces scanned when they arrive in Greece.
Q: How does this affect other European countries?
While Greece is not collecting this data from UK citizens, other EU countries are following the new Entry/Exit System (EES). This has caused travel delays and long queues at airports in other parts of Europe since the system started on April 10th.
Q: What is the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a new system that records non-EU citizens' entries and exits into the Schengen Area. It uses digital registration and biometric data like fingerprints and photos to track travel and improve border security.
Q: Will this exemption apply to all tourists visiting Greece?
No, Greek officials have stated this is not a general exemption for all nationalities. It is a specific measure to help ease congestion at Greek border crossings, especially for travelers from the UK.
Q: What happens next for British tourists traveling to Greece?
British tourists traveling to Greece this summer should expect a smoother and faster entry process at the border, as they will not be subject to the new biometric scans. This aims to protect Greece's important tourism industry.