The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a significant update to its travel guidance for British holidaymakers heading to Greece, following the country's decision to suspend a key European Union rule. This move comes as a relief to travellers who have faced substantial disruptions since the full rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) earlier this month.
Greece's Exemption from Biometric Registration
In a bid to alleviate travel chaos, Greek authorities have announced that British passport holders are now exempt from submitting fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls. This exemption, effective from April 10, 2026, was confirmed in a statement from the Greek Embassy, which noted that it applies to all Greek border crossing points. The FCDO promptly revised its travel advice on Monday, 20 April, to reflect this change, advising UK travellers to follow local authorities' instructions and ensure residents show documentation to avoid EES registration.
Background on the Entry/Exit System Disruptions
The EES, fully implemented across European airports on April 10, 2026, requires British travellers to the Schengen area to create a digital record by registering biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph, upon their first arrival. This system is valid for three years after initial registration. However, its rollout has led to severe travel disruptions, with holidaymakers reporting queues lasting up to four hours and hundreds missing flights due to delays at airports.
Countries in the Schengen area include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Notably, Greece is currently the only Schengen country to relax these EU requirements for Brits, while the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are exempt as they are not part of the Schengen area.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, expressed disappointment over the delays caused by the EES, stating that while many travellers have had smooth experiences, some have been significantly impacted. He emphasised the need for proactive measures, such as using contingency plans to suspend biometric checks during peak times and ensuring adequate staffing, to prevent further disruptions. The relaxation of rules by Greece is hoped to streamline travel for Brits, reducing wait times and making journeys into the country smoother.
There is no indication of how long Greece's exemption will remain in place, but it represents a temporary reprieve from the broader EU regulations. The FCDO's updated guidance serves as a crucial resource for travellers navigating these changes, highlighting the ongoing adjustments in post-Brexit travel protocols across Europe.
