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Greece exempts British travelers from biometric border checks
Greece will not enforce biometric registration for UK holidaymakers this summer, its tourism minister announced, aiming to prevent lengthy queues at border crossings.
EU's new entry system sparks delays
The European Union's Entry-Exit System (EES), launched in April, requires non-EU visitors to submit fingerprints and facial scans upon entering or leaving the Schengen zone. While some EU countries report smooth operations, others-including Italy and Portugal-have faced hours-long waits, leading to missed flights.
Last month, over 100 passengers missed an EasyJet flight from Milan to Manchester after being stuck in passport control lines described as "unacceptable" by the airline. Ryanair travelers at Milan Bergamo also faced similar disruptions.
Greece's temporary suspension
Greece initially implemented the EES but suspended biometric checks for UK visitors in early April after congestion at Corfu Airport caused delays. Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni told the BBC the country has "facilitated procedures" to avoid burdening travelers, though she denied granting a blanket exemption.
"What we're doing is not actually an exemption. It's just that we have made sure visitors are not burdened,"
Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Tourism Minister
The EU has since contacted Greece to "clarify the situation" and reiterate compliance with EES rules, which permit temporary suspensions only during extreme congestion-not for specific nationalities.
Jet fuel concerns add to travel uncertainty
Kefalogianni acknowledged that reports of potential jet fuel shortages, driven by reduced Gulf supplies amid regional conflicts, have made tourists more cautious. However, she emphasized Greece's competitive pricing and upgraded tourism offerings.
The UK government last week assured travelers there was "no need" to alter plans, citing sufficient domestic fuel reserves and contingency measures.
Outlook for summer travel
Despite concerns, Kefalogianni noted strong early-season bookings and expressed optimism for a busy summer. Greece's decision to waive biometric checks for UK visitors contrasts with Portugal and Italy, which have not announced similar exemptions.
