British holidaymakers heading to Greece this summer can breathe a sigh of relief. In a move designed to ease pressure at border control and keep airports running smoothly, the Greek government has confirmed that UK passport holders will skip biometric checks under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).

The decision, announced via the Greek Embassy in London, means that British travelers will not need to register fingerprints or facial data upon arrival in Greece – sidestepping a process that has already caused disruption elsewhere in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy.

“Update for British passport holders travelling to Greece,” the official statement reads. “In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”

The timing is critical. Since the EES rollout earlier this month, reports of long queues – sometimes stretching to three hours – have emerged at major EU airports, with some passengers missing flights. Greece’s decision is widely seen as a pragmatic step to avoid similar bottlenecks during the busy summer season.

It also reflects the continuing importance of the UK market. Nearly 4.9 million British visitors traveled to Greece in 2025, a 7.6 percent increase on the previous year, with popular destinations including Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Eleni Skarveli, Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization in the UK, highlighted the immediate benefits for travelers. “The exemption of British passport holders from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points, effective from 10 April 2026, is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports,” she said, adding that the country remains “committed to ensuring a seamless and welcoming journey for all visitors from the UK.”

Beyond improving the arrival experience, the move is also being interpreted as a strategic buffer during the system’s early implementation – helping to manage peak-season flows while avoiding operational strain. It may also give Greece a competitive edge over other Mediterranean destinations where the new procedures are fully in place.

Early reactions from travelers suggest the new policy is already shaping holiday plans. “Great to see Greece halting EES for now,” one user wrote online. “Looks like Greece this year!” Another added: “Well done Greece. We’ve just booked a holiday to Crete.”

The announcement comes amid broader geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, yet Greece continues to project stability and reliability as a destination. Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni emphasized this in a recent interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), noting that “this image is built through constant vigilance, seriousness and coordination,” alongside close cooperation with international tourism partners.

Reflecting on recent challenges, she added: “The expertise we have gained allows us to respond to every challenging situation with greater readiness, knowledge and maturity. This is why Greece remains a strong and safe destination even during periods of international uncertainty.”

With strong early indicators for 2026 – including rising arrivals and increased connectivity – the outlook for the season remains highly positive. For UK travelers, one thing is clear: getting to Greece just became a whole lot easier.