Britons ‘exempt from biometric registration in Greece’ under EES scheme

British passport holders will not be required to go through biometric registration on arrival in Greece under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), according to the Greek government.

A statement on the website of the Greek Embassy and posts on official social media channels late on Friday (April 17) said: “Update for British passport holders travelling to Greece. 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.”

There was no further detail of how long the exemption would last, and FCDO travel advice for Greece had not been update by 9.30am on Saturday.

Commenting on the announcement, which was shared by Britain’s ambassador to Greece, Eleni Skarveli, UK director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, posted: “When good news arrives in the midst of a crisis, its impact is even greater.

“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 added: “UK travellers will no longer need to undergo additional EES biometric procedures, ensuring a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece.

“The Greek National Tourism Organisation remains committed to ensuring a seamless and welcoming journey for all visitors from the UK.”