Greece eases entry checks

Greece will suspend biometric Entry/Exit System checks for British passport holders to speed arrivals and reduce summer airport queues. (euronews.com) The Greek Embassy in London posted that “British passport holders are excluded from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points,” effective from 10 April 2026. (connexionfrance.com) The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 10 April 2026; its rollout has already produced multi-hour queues at some European airports. (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu) Spain, Italy, France and Portugal have each taken operational steps to ease EES pressures — from local “manual stamping” options in Spain to postponed biometric checks at some French Channel ports. (visahq.com) Athens officials flagged the move as an operational measure to protect Greece’s summer tourism flows after nearly 4.9 million British visitors arrived in 2025. (greekreporter.com) The European Commission has said member states may use temporary flexibility — including short suspensions or modified procedures — to prevent congestion during peak periods. (biometricupdate.com) Under EES, border authorities record non‑EU short‑stay arrivals’ travel-document data plus a facial image and fingerprints, replacing routine passport stamps. (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu) Athens has not announced how long the UK exemption will last; travellers are advised to check official embassy and national guidance before travel. (businesstravelnewseurope.com)