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Greece Entry Requirements 2026: EES Biometric Checks, ETIAS and Passports

What happens at Greek passport control in 2026: the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) fingerprints and photo, who must register, queue times, UK travellers, and when ETIAS starts.

By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10 · 3 sources listed below

Quick answer

Since 10 April 2026, non-EU visitors entering Greece (including UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders) are registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System: fingerprints, a face photo and passport details, instead of a passport stamp. It takes about 70 seconds per person off-peak, but peak queues have reached two to three hours at busy airports. ETIAS, the €20 online travel authorisation, has not started yet and is now expected in 2027. EU citizens are not affected.

Who has to register in EES?

  • Non-EU citizens on a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180) entering or leaving Greece or any Schengen country.
  • Not EU citizens, and not people with an EU or Schengen residence permit or long-stay visa.
  • Children 11 and under give a photo but no fingerprints.
  • UK travellers: Greece briefly said Britons would be exempt, then confirmed at the end of May 2026 that UK passport holders go through the same checks as everyone else. Plan for full registration.

What happens at the border

  • First entry: a border officer or self-service kiosk scans your passport, takes four fingerprints and a face photo. Keep your passport open at the photo page and take off glasses and hats.
  • The record is valid for three years. On later trips you only give a face photo or fingerprint to confirm it's you.
  • Leaving Greece is also an EES check, so allow time at departure too.
  • During exceptional queues, border police may pause the fingerprints and photo at one crossing for up to six hours; your entry is still recorded.

How long are the queues?

Reported EES waits in 2026 (vary by hour and airport)
SituationTypical wait
Off-peak, per personAbout 70 seconds for the check itself
Peak hours at busy Schengen airports2–3 hours, up to 5 at the worst moments
Small island airports in AugustUnder the most pressure; allow extra time
Athens airport advice for departuresArrive 2.5 hours before your flight

ETIAS: do I need it?

  • Not yet. ETIAS is an online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, costing €20 (free under 18 and over 70, but they still apply).
  • The official ETIAS site still mentions the last quarter of 2026, but in July 2026 the EU was reported to be delaying it to 2027 after the problems with EES.
  • Ignore websites selling ETIAS today: there is nothing to apply for yet. When it starts, apply only on the official EU site.

Passport and visa basics

  • US, UK, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area without a visa.
  • Your passport should be valid for at least three months after the day you leave the Schengen area and issued within the last 10 years.
  • EU citizens can travel with a national ID card.

Tips to get through faster

  • Avoid tight connections through Greek airports, especially in July and August.
  • On island trips, arrive at the airport early: small terminals have few booths.
  • Travelling on to Albania? Albania isn't in Schengen, so leaving Greece by land or ferry is an EES exit, and coming back is a new entry.

FAQ

Do I need ETIAS to visit Greece in 2026?

No. ETIAS hasn't started; in July 2026 the EU was reported to be delaying it to 2027. When it starts it will cost €20 and is applied for online on the official EU site.

Do UK citizens have to give fingerprints in Greece?

Yes. After first saying Britons would be exempt, Greece confirmed at the end of May 2026 that UK passport holders go through the same EES registration as other non-EU visitors.

How long does the EES check take?

About 70 seconds per person off-peak. Peak queues at busy airports have reached two to three hours, and up to five hours at the worst moments.

Do children need to give fingerprints?

Children aged 11 and under give a face photo but no fingerprints.

Do EU citizens need to register in EES?

No. EES only applies to non-EU citizens on short stays.

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Sources

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Updated 2026-10. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.