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Greece is introducing a flexible approach to implementing the European Union's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), following recent issues with border control delays caused by the system. Despite the EU's efforts to streamline the process, some British passport holders missed flights home due to the system's implementation on April 10th.
Greece is introducing the European Union's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) flexibly, following issues faced by British passport holders. The UK government updated its travel advice to state that Greek authorities will not collect biometric data from British travellers as part of EES. EES regulations allow flexibility in suspending biometric data collection at specific places for limited periods. Around 100 passengers experienced border control delays due to the system, including EasyJet flights. Airport operators and airlines are calling for authorities to be allowed to fully suspend EES when waiting times become excessive. The European Commission reports over 52 million entries and exits, 27,000 denied entry, and 700 security risks as of April 10th.
Greece is taking a flexible approach to introducing the European Union's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), after some British passport holders missed flights home following the system's implementation on 10 April. The Hellenic Police announced that they had started fully deploying EES, with Greece planning to utilize all necessary measures to manage traffic at border crossings in accordance with regulations.
The UK government updated its travel advice on the same day, stating that Greek authorities would not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for British travellers as part of EES. However, passengers were advised to follow the guidance of local authorities.
Simon Calder, a travel correspondent from The Independent, pointed out that EES regulations allow flexibility in suspending biometric data collection at specific places for limited periods of time. Nevertheless, the European Commission does not anticipate blanket exemptions for citizens of specific countries for extended durations.
The EES went live last October, resulting in launch-day queues at Prague's international airport. As the system became compulsory on April 10th, some Brits experienced border control delays due to the system, including approximately 100 passengers who were supposed to board an EasyJet flight from Milan Linate to Manchester on April 12th and a smaller number attempting to travel with Ryanair from Milan Bergamo to Manchester on April 16th.
Easyjet expressed its discontent with the issues faced by some of its passengers, stating that they would transfer passengers delayed by EES to other flights for free. The airline provided this service to a Register staffer and his family when they were delayed trying to fly from Paris to London Gatwick on April 10th. Due to the lack of replacement flights available until 15 days later, the staffer opted to catch a Eurostar instead.
Airport operator group ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe, which comprises Easyjet, Ryanair, and International Airlines Group (which includes British Airways), stated that some passengers had waited two to three hours due to the system. The heads of these organizations emphasized the need for border control authorities to be allowed to fully suspend EES when waiting times become excessive.
"This is essential not only in the coming weeks but also throughout the peak summer travel season," they said.
The European Commission reported that EES had registered more than 52 million entries and exits as of April 10th, denied entry to over 27,000 individuals (about 0.1 percent of those attempting to enter), and identified more than 700 as security risks.
A Travel to Europe app has been created by the EU for those required to use EES, allowing them to undertake some aspects of the process in advance. However, so far only Sweden and Portugal have accepted its use.
As of April 10th, the European Commission stated that EES had registered more than 52 million entries and exits, refused entry to over 27,000 individuals (about 0.1 percent of those trying to enter) and identified more than 700 as security risks.
The EU has built a Travel to Europe app allowing those required to use EES to undertake some of the process in advance. However, so far only Sweden and Portugal are accepting its use.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Greece-Relaxes-Biometric-Border-Entry-Rules-Amid-Airport-Chaos-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/04/24/greece_ees_rules/
https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/24/greece_ees_rules/
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/greece-eu-entry-exit-system-ees-biometrics-british-travellers-b2960369.html
Published: Fri Apr 24 05:31:18 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
