From October 12, British travelers heading to Greece will encounter a small but important change at passport control, as the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) comes into effect across the Schengen Area. While the new procedures may mean slightly longer queues at airports in the early weeks, there’s no cause for concern – Greece remains as welcoming as ever to its millions of British visitors.

The EES is a digital system designed to strengthen security and modernize how non-EU citizens enter and exit the Schengen Zone. It will replace the current practice of manually stamping passports. Instead, on arrival in Greece (and in the 28 other Schengen countries), UK passport holders will have their biometric details – a photo and fingerprints – recorded electronically. This only needs to be done on the first trip after October 12, with the data stored securely for three years.

Once registered, the process will be much quicker on subsequent visits: travelers will simply have their fingerprints or photo checked at the border, and their entry and exit will be logged automatically. The EU says the new system will make travel “simpler, safer, and faster” once it’s fully in place.

That said, passengers are advised to allow a little extra time at passport control during the roll-out phase, especially at busy airports like Athens and Heraklion. The system is being introduced gradually across Europe, so not all ports of entry will use it immediately. Children aged 11 and under will not have their fingerprints taken but may have their photo recorded.

As always, British citizens should ensure their passports meet Schengen validity rules:

• The “date of issue” must be less than 10 years before the date of arrival in Greece.
• The “expiry date” must be at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area.

If your passport does not meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding or entry, so check early and renew if necessary. The UK Government also reminds travelers that using a lost or stolen passport, even by mistake, will result in denial of entry.

For most visits – holidays, family trips, business meetings, or cultural events – Britons can still stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area, which includes Greece. Longer stays, or work-related travel, require a national visa issued by the Greek authorities.

While any change at the border can feel daunting, this one is mainly a technical upgrade. Greece’s azure beaches, historic sites, and famous hospitality are still just a short flight away – with perhaps only a few extra minutes at the arrivals hall before your holiday begins.

For the latest official information, visit the UK Government’s page on entry requirements for Greece.