Greece, together with the other countries belonging to the Schengen area, started using the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) from 12 October 2025, replacing manual passport stamps with a digital border control system for third-country nationals.

The EES records travellers’ biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial images) as well as dates and locations of entry/exit, to simplify border controls and prevent overstays.

What is the EES?
The EES is a new automated IT system designed to monitor and record border crossings for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for short stays.

When was it implemented?
The EES started operations on 12 October 2025, with Greece being one of the first countries to implement the system. It will be gradually implemented at border crossing points with full implementation by 9 April 2026.

What does this mean for travellers?
Biometric data: The first time you cross the external border of a Schengen country (including Greece), you will need to give your fingerprints and have your photograph taken at the border. This data will be stored for three years, so you will not need to do this every time you travel.
Digital record: Instead of manual passport stamps, a digital record of your entry and exit will be created.
Purpose: The EES aims to increase efficiency at borders, prevent irregular migration and make it easier to detect travellers who have overstayed their authorised stay.

Which countries does it apply to?
The EES applies to third-country nationals travelling for short stays to Schengen countries (i.e. the EU Member States, except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway).
It replaces the traditional passport stamping procedure for these travellers at the external Schengen borders.

What you need to do:
You do not need to register before reaching the border. The process takes place upon arrival.
There are no costs associated with registering with the EES.
Failure to comply with the biometric data collection requirement could result in a refusal of entry into the Schengen area.

UK citizens do not need to apply for the Entry/Exit System (EES) in advance; it is a registration process completed upon arrival in the EU. You will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a facial photo) at the border on your first entry to the EU.

For full information, go to the European Union’s EES website at the link below:

Link to European Union website