Greece's New Border System Is Causing Longer Queues

Greece’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026, when the Schengen area rolled it out across all member states. The system records biometric data — fingerprints and a facial scan — for non-EU visitors at every border crossing, replacing the old passport stamp with a digital record. For travellers arriving at Greek airports and ferry ports, the practical effect in June 2026 is noticeably longer queues at passport control.

At Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, which handles the highest international volumes, passport-control waits of 30 to 60 minutes during peak arrival windows have been widely reported — roughly double what was typical during summer 2025. Non-EU passport holders — including UK, US, Australian, Canadian, and most other nationalities — are processed through EES lanes and affected by the additional biometric registration step.

Mykonos and Santorini — the busiest island airports in summer — are also seeing longer queues. At smaller island airports, EES equipment is limited relative to passenger volumes, producing some of the longest per-passenger waits. Ferry arrivals at major ports including Piraeus, Heraklion, and Mykonos port are similarly affected for non-EU arrivals.

EU and EEA passport holders pass through dedicated EES lanes quickly and are not meaningfully delayed. The longer processing time applies specifically to non-EU citizens arriving from outside the Schengen area.

Some practical steps can help. Arriving at the airport with a minimum of three hours before any connecting flight — rather than the standard two — provides useful buffer. Planning ferry crossings during early morning off-peak sailings rather than peak evening departures reduces queue exposure. Checking current wait-time reports via airport apps or social media on the day of arrival gives a real-time picture.

The EES does not alter visa eligibility. Nationalities that were visa-exempt before April 2026 remain visa-exempt — they simply have their biometric data registered on first entry. Our Greece visa guide explains which nationalities qualify for visa-free entry and any other Schengen conditions that apply. For flight planning ahead of your trip, see our flights to Greece guide.