Australians travelling to Greece on UK passports can now avoid biometric screening under a recent rule change linked to the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES).
From April 10, the EES requires travellers entering nearly 30 Schengen countries, including Greece, to undergo fingerprinting and facial scans, replacing passport stamping and causing delays at borders.
However, an estimated 200,000-300,000 Australians who hold or are eligible for a UK passport are now exempt.
A statement from the Greek Embassy in London confirmed: “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.”
This means eligible travellers can bypass fingerprint and face-scan checks, though they remain subject to the standard 90/180-day Schengen rule and cannot work without a visa.
The Greek National Tourism Organisation said the change would ease congestion, noting: “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.”
“UK travellers will no longer need to undergo additional EES biometric procedures, ensuring a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece,” it added.
Source: Travel Weekly.
