EES in Greece: What British Sailors Need to Know
Travel advice · Greece
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is changing how British travellers arrive in Greece. In spring 2026, there were reports that UK passport holders would be exempt, but the picture has since changed. Here is what EES is, what Greece has said, and what to expect at passport control before your sailing holiday.
In short
EES in Greece applies to British travellers on short stays, so plan to register your fingerprints and photo the first time you arrive. Greece’s Foreign Ministry said in May 2026 that no nationality is exempt, although checks may be paused at busy times. The UK government’s advice still says Greek authorities may not collect biometric data from UK travellers, so check the gov.uk Greece entry requirements before you fly.
Oct 2025
when EES started across the Schengen area
£0
cost of EES registration
3 years
how long your EES record stays valid
90 / 180
days you can stay in any 180-day period
The basics
What is EES?
EES is the EU’s digital border system for non-EU visitors on short stays. It started on 12 October 2025 and is replacing the old system of stamping passports by hand. Instead, border staff create a digital record of each traveller.
The first time you register, you may be asked to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken at a dedicated booth. Children aged 11 or under do not have their fingerprints taken, although they may have a photo taken.
Good to know
There is no cost for EES registration, and your digital record is valid for three years, according to the UK government’s EES guidance.
Greece
Do British travellers have to register for EES in Greece?
Yes, you should plan to. The messages from Greece changed during 2026, so here is what was said, and when.
April 2026
An exemption is announced
The Greek Embassy in London and tourism officials said UK passport holders would not need to give biometric data at Greek borders.
May 2026
Greece clarifies
Greece’s Foreign Ministry said it had no information that any nationality was exempt. Checks may be paused at busy entry points, but not for one nationality.
October 2026
UK advice
The UK government’s Greece travel advice still says Greek authorities have indicated they will not collect biometric data from UK travellers.
Our advice
Plan to register on arrival, and check the gov.uk Greece entry requirements a few days before you travel in case the advice changes.
On arrival
What to expect at passport control in Greece
For most British sailors, arriving in Greece follows the same pattern as before, with one extra step the first time.
Join the passport queue
Head to passport control as usual. Some airports use dedicated booths or kiosks for EES.
Register your details
On your first visit, give your fingerprints and have your photo taken. Children aged 11 or under have a photo only.
Travel more easily next time
Your record stays valid for three years, so later trips should be quicker.
Registration can add time at passport control, especially at busy times. Build a little extra time into your plans on arrival day, so a queue at the airport does not eat into your first evening on board. If it is your first flotilla, our advice for first-time sailors explains how the first day works.
Before you fly
A quick checklist before your Greece sailing holiday
EES is only one part of the entry rules for Greece. Before you fly, check these with the gov.uk Greece entry requirements.
Your passport
- Issued less than ten years before the day you arrive
- Valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area
Your stay
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa
- Days spent in other Schengen countries count towards the 90
Before you go
- Check the gov.uk advice a few days before you travel
- ETIAS, a separate EU travel authorisation, has not started yet
Common questions
EES in Greece: your questions answered
Do British travellers need to register for EES in Greece?
You should plan to. Greece’s Foreign Ministry said in May 2026 that no nationality is exempt, although the UK government’s advice still says Greek authorities may not collect biometric data from UK travellers. Check the gov.uk Greece page before you travel.
Does EES registration cost anything?
No. There is no cost for EES registration, according to the UK government’s guidance.
Do children have their fingerprints taken?
No. Children aged 11 or under do not have their fingerprints scanned, although they may have a photo taken.
Do I need to register every time I travel?
No. Your digital EES record is valid for three years, so you should not need to register again on every trip within that time.
Is EES the same as ETIAS?
No. EES records your biometrics at the border. ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation that the EU has not started yet. The UK government says the EU will announce its start date before launch.
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