Heard whispers of longer queues at EU airports? You’re not alone. The new EU-wide border system is in effect, but recent developments have changed the situation significantly for UK travellers to Greece.
Breaking News (19th April 2026): In a move to avoid airport chaos, Greek authorities have officially relaxed the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rules for British travellers. As reported by The Independent, Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, confirmed that UK passport holders are now exempt from biometric registration (fingerprints and facial scans) at Greek border points.
This means the entry process remains largely unchanged from the previous “stamp and go” system, specifically aimed at ensuring a smoother arrival experience during the busy summer season. However, rules can change quickly.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering travellers from third countries (including the UK) each time they cross an EU external border. While it was designed to replace manual passport stamping and track the 90/180-day stay allowance, Greece has chosen to prioritise tourist flow by suspending these biometric requirements for British holidaymakers. This decision comes after reports of significant delays across European hubs since the full operational launch on 10th April 2026.
To give you a real-world perspective, our British co-founder, Dan, recently flew into Corfu. Despite not being last off the plane, and roughly halfway through the queue, he waited for around 1.5 hours in the non-EU passport queue as each passenger underwent the new, more detailed checks. Those at the back of the queue would have faced significantly longer wait times.
This experience was common during the first week of implementation and is exactly what the Greek government is now working to prevent with their recent relaxation of biometrics. On departure, Dan also noted an extra 20-minute wait at passport control – likely due to the manual processing of travellers who entered before the exemptions were clarified.
Note: Fingerprints and facial scans were not taken a second time on departure for those who had given them on arrival.
Ultimately, a little extra time at the airport is a small price to pay for the incredible beauty that awaits you in Corfu. By planning ahead, you can make the new process a stress-free part of your journey.
For more island inspiration, check out our other blog posts!
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