A major change is coming to Europe’s borders as the EU prepares to launch the Entry/Exit System (EES). The system will replace manual passport stamps with biometric records for travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area.
The system will become operational across all Schengen countries, including Greece, starting October 12, 2025, as confirmed by the European Commission. A six-month transition period will follow as border authorities adapt their infrastructure and procedures.
The EES will store each traveler’s entry, exit, fingerprints, and facial image to make border checks faster, strengthen security, and prevent overstays.
What Travelers Should Expect
For visitors from outside the EU or Schengen Area, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, border crossings into Greece and other Schengen countries will soon follow a new digital process.
- First-time travelers will present their passport, provide fingerprints, and have their photo taken.
- Border officers will verify details and record the entry digitally.
- On departure, the system will automatically register the traveler’s exit and confirm the length of stay.
- Future trips will use stored biometric data for faster processing, though document and security checks will continue.
- Children under 12 will have only their photograph taken, with no fingerprints required.
Note: There is no need to register online or pay a fee. Biometric data are collected at the border as part of the normal entry procedure.
However, travelers should expect initial delays during the first months of the rollout as border agents and systems adjust to the new procedures.
Who the System Applies To
The EES applies to non-EU citizens visiting Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes tourists, business travelers, and family visitors.
It does not apply to:
- Citizens of the EU and Schengen countries, including Greek citizens
- Holders of long-term visas or residence permits
- Family members of EU citizens traveling under EU family-reunification rules
- Researchers, students, or au pairs covered by specific EU programs
- Holders of diplomatic, service, or Vatican passports
In short, anyone using a non-EU passport for short-term travel will be registered under the EES. Dual citizens should use their EU passport when entering or leaving Greece to avoid unnecessary checks.
Why the EU Is Introducing the EES
The Entry/Exit System is part of the EU’s plan to modernize and secure border management. Its goals are to
- Replace manual passport stamps with accurate digital records
- Improve efficiency at airports and land borders
- Prevent irregular migration and detect overstays more easily
- Strengthen data sharing between national border authorities
EU officials say the system will make border crossings both faster and more consistent throughout the Schengen zone once the initial adjustment period ends.
Data Retention:
The system will keep biometric data for three years for compliant travelers and five years for those who overstay their permitted 90-day period.
Mobile App Rollout
To reduce congestion, the EU is also launching a mobile pre-registration app that allows travelers to submit certain information before arrival.
During the initial rollout, the app will be available only in Greece, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden, before expanding to other Schengen countries.
Separate Change for Greek Citizens Traveling to the UK
Starting April 2, 2025, Greek citizens must have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the United Kingdom.
The ETA works similarly to the U.S. ESTA program and must be obtained online before travel, even for short visits or transit. According to the UK Home Office, the fee is £16.
What This Means for the Greek Diaspora
For Greek-American and Greek-British travelers, these changes mark a new era of digital border management on both sides of Europe. Dual citizens traveling with a Greek passport will continue to enjoy the same EU entry rights as before, but those using a U.S., U.K., Canadian, or Australian passport should plan for slightly longer processing times at Greek airports once the system launches.