The Greek government has announced that British passport holders will no longer be required to register for the Entry/Exit System (EES) when entering the country. This move is expected to make travel easier and more convenient for thousands of UK tourists each year.
Introduced in 2023, the EES required all non-EU visitors to undergo biometric registration, which involved providing fingerprints and a facial scan. However, Greece has now decided to exempt British citizens from this requirement.
The decision is seen as a significant boost for the Greek tourism industry, which relies heavily on visitors from the UK. Greece is a popular destination for British tourists, with many visiting the islands of Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu each year.
For UK travellers, this change means that they will no longer need to undergo biometric registration when entering Greece. This will save time and reduce the administrative burden of travel.
However, it's essential for UK travellers to check the latest requirements before travelling to Greece, as these may change. Additionally, travellers should consider purchasing travel insurance that covers them for unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises British citizens to check the validity of their travel documents, including their passport, before travelling to Greece.
According to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, British citizens will still need to meet the standard entry requirements, including holding a valid passport and having sufficient funds for their stay.