Foreign Office Updates Greece Travel Guidance for British Holidaymakers
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued revised travel advice for UK tourists with summer holidays booked to Greece, a leading European Union destination for British travellers.
Changes to Entry Requirements for UK Visitors
On Monday, April 20, the FCDO announced updated information regarding Greek implementation of the European Entry-Exit System (EES) on its official entry requirements page. The key change involves biometric data collection procedures for British nationals arriving in Greece.
Greek authorities have indicated they will not collect biometric data—specifically fingerprints and photographs—from UK travellers as part of the EES process at this time. The FCDO advises all visitors to follow instructions from authorities on the ground and recommends that UK residents in Greece present their residence documentation at passport control to avoid being registered in the EES system.
Background on the European Entry-Exit System
The Entry-Exit System is a new EU initiative requiring all travellers from non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom, to be photographed and fingerprinted at EU airports and border crossings. The system aims to enhance border security and monitor visitor movements within the Schengen Area.
Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, emphasized that this temporary exemption for British tourists would "ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece" and "significantly reduce waiting times" while alleviating congestion at airports during the busy summer season.
Impact on Summer Travel Plans
Greece has not confirmed an end date for this EES exemption for British travellers, but it is expected to remain in place throughout the peak summer months. This development comes as Europe experiences increased interest as a holiday destination due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
A spokesperson for the travel association ABTA commented: "I think it's too early to say what this change might mean for the number of people visiting, particularly as decisions on where to go are based on a number of factors."
Popular Greek Destinations for UK Tourists
Greece remains a favourite holiday spot for British visitors, with numerous islands attracting tourists each year. Key destinations include:
- Crete
- Corfu
- Kos
- Rhodes
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Kefalonia
- Lemnos
- Lesbos
- Naxos
- Euoboea
Public Reaction to the Announcement
The updated travel advice has generated positive responses from prospective holidaymakers. One traveller wrote on social media: "Greece for me this summer then, was thinking of Tenerife, but no way I'm putting up with those queues and chaos."
Another posted on X: "Perfect – off to the Greek islands this summer – common sense prevails!"
The FCDO continues to monitor the situation and advises all UK travellers to check the latest guidance before departing for Greece or any other international destination.
