Britons heading to Greece are encountering modifications to the newly implemented digital Entry/Exit System (EES). This development alleviates concerns regarding the impact of the new system on their airport experience.
The EES was officially launched in certain European regions on April 10, leading to extended wait times for UK travelers at EU borders before reaching popular vacation destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. There have been instances where passengers missed their flights due to prolonged processing queues.
To address the delays, EasyJet has advised passengers to allocate sufficient time at the airport during the spring and summer seasons. The airline emphasized that it might not be able to accommodate delayed passengers, even if the wait times are longer than usual.
The EES has faced criticism from various countries, prompting Greek authorities to suspend the process for British tourists. Instead of digital registration, UK passengers arriving on flights will undergo manual passport stamping to avoid lengthy airport lines and ensure a smoother entry process.
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni acknowledged initial delays at airports and emphasized the importance of providing a seamless experience for travelers. She highlighted the simplification of the system for British citizens to facilitate hassle-free entry and exit processes within Greece.
Although there were expectations for the European Commission to intervene following Greece’s actions, no immediate measures have been taken as of May 11. Kefalogianni reiterated Greece’s commitment to complying with regulations while prioritizing a welcoming environment for visitors.
The EES is an automated system aimed at digitally registering non-EU nationals entering the Schengen zone for short stays. It eliminates manual passport stamping by utilizing biometric verification methods such as fingerprints and facial scans.
Implemented across 29 European nations as of April 10, 2026, the adjustment announced by Greece on May 11 specifically impacts the United Kingdom. In contrast, Cyprus and Ireland will continue manual passport stamping as they are not part of the Schengen area despite being EU members.
