Greece Suspends Biometric Checks for UK Travelers This Summer

TL;DR: British visitors will not undergo biometric checks at Greek borders this summer, a move aimed at speeding entry and avoiding queues.

Greece announced that it will forgo biometric screening for UK nationals throughout the peak tourist season. The decision follows a temporary suspension in early April after long lines formed at Corfu airport.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni told the BBC the government wants to “facilitate” travel rather than grant a formal exemption. She emphasized that the measure is a practical response to congestion, not a breach of EU rules that normally require short‑term visitors from outside the EU to register fingerprints or facial data under the Entry‑Exit System (EES).

The EES, launched across the EU in April, obliges non‑EU travelers to submit biometric data each time they cross a Schengen border. While the system operates smoothly in many member states, some airports have reported queues lasting up to three hours, prompting Greece to act.

By eliminating the biometric step for British tourists, Greek authorities aim to keep border processing under two minutes. The minister stressed that the change applies only for the summer months and will be lifted if congestion eases.

Other EU nations, such as Portugal and Italy, have confirmed they will continue applying the EES to UK travelers, rejecting reports of a broader exemption. The European Commission is reviewing Greece’s approach to ensure compliance with existing regulations.

The move arrives amid broader travel concerns, including reports of jet‑fuel supply constraints that have made some tourists hesitant. Kefalogianni noted that despite these worries, Greece remains an attractive destination due to its price‑performance balance and upgraded tourism infrastructure.

For UK holidaymakers, the immediate benefit is a smoother arrival experience, potentially encouraging higher visitor numbers during the busiest months. The tourism ministry expects a steady flow of British guests as the season progresses.

What to watch next: Monitor EU feedback on Greece’s temporary suspension and any adjustments to the Entry‑Exit System that could affect other non‑EU travelers.