Popular airline Jet2 has announced that new identification checks are suspended in Greece for passengers, following confirmation from Greek authorities that the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks for UK tourists are on hold.
On its website, Jet2 issued an announcement on Tuesday, April 28, that will affect travellers with flights and holidays booked to the European country. The airline praised Greek authorities for prioritising customers by putting the controversial new checks on hold.
Background on EES Rollout
The new EES has faced intense criticism following its April 2026 rollout, with reports of travel chaos, long queues, and missed flights, particularly for UK passengers. Jet2 says it has written to and lobbied authorities extensively, including those in Greece, to delay the rollout of EES.
As summer approaches, Jet2 has said it is working closely with officials in many locations to consider pausing EES checks until the system is properly set up.
Greek Embassy Confirmation
The Greek embassy has stated in an update for British passport holders travelling to Greece that as of April 10th, 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points. Jet2 says this move is expected to significantly improve the arrival and departure experience.
Impact on Travel
The airline has many flights and holidays on sale via 15 Greek airports this summer, offering over 3.5 million seats for passengers. This suspension is expected to boost demand for Greek holidays.
Reactions from Jet2 and Greek Officials
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: 'We applaud the Greek authorities for acting in the best interests of UK holidaymakers. Our customers work and save very hard for their holidays, and we will always do everything in our power to ensure they have the very best experience when they travel with us.'
'We believe that pausing EES checks, until systems and processes are ready, will result in a much better experience for our customers and we are pleased to see that the Greek authorities agree. We expect a quick response in terms of demand for holidays to Greece as a result of this move, and we urge other countries to follow this common-sense approach and put holidaymakers first.'
Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourist Organisation, said: 'Following Jet2's recent announcement welcoming Greece's decision to temporarily suspend biometric checks for British travellers under the EES system, Greece reaffirms its commitment to providing a smooth and visitor-friendly travel experience.'
'Tourism remains a top government priority and a key pillar of the Greek economy. Special thanks are due to Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis for his swift and effective intervention, which helped ensure efficient procedures for UK visitors. UK holidaymakers are vital to Greek tourism, and facilitating their travel to Greece remains a strategic priority for the country.'
Jet2's Surcharge Policy
Last week, Jet2 became the first UK airline and tour operator to confirm it will not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases, for instance, jet fuel. It assured customers that the price they book with Jet2 is the price they will pay.
In an industry-leading move, Jet2 confirmed that it has removed the surcharge provision across all flights and holidays, even though the company says it has never previously applied them.
