Greece's Biometric Entry System Raises Travel Concerns

Greece's new biometric screening system for non-EU travellers is now operational despite previous reports suggesting a summer exemption for UK citizens. The system can be suspended during high traffic but applies to all nationalities, potentially affecting UK travelers and impacting Greece's tourism sector.

Greece has announced that its biometric entry system for non-European Union citizens is fully functional, dismissing claims of a formal exemption for British travelers during the summer. The system is part of the EU Entry-Exit System (EES) which commenced on April 10, replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric data like photos and digital fingerprints to boost security.

Despite earlier suggestions that British tourists might be exempt, both European and Greek officials clarified there is no such country-specific exemption. However, the system may be paused during peak periods at busy airports, thus potentially allowing some travelers to pass without additional biometric checks in the early rollout phase.

Concerns have emerged among private tour operators that the added airport checks could deter UK travelers, exacerbating the existing travel privileges disparities between EU and non-EU citizens. This year-around 38 million tourists visited Greece, a significant contribution to the country’s economy, with Britain forming one of the major market segments.