Confusion over EES checks in Greece Ian Taylor


There was confusion as to whether Greece has exempted UK passport holders from registering biometric data, in line with the EU Entry/ Exit System (EES), as Travel Weekly went to press. The Greek Embassy in London


gave notice of the exemption on its website and in posts on social media on April 17, stating in an “update for British passport holders travelling to Greece” that: “As of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.” It gave no further details, but


the news was shared by Britain’s ambassador to Greece and by Greek National Tourism Organisation UK


director Eleni Skarveli, who said the exemption would “significantly reduce waiting times at airports”. The UK Foreign Office updated


its advice on entry to Greece on Monday, noting: “Greek authorities have indicated they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES.” However, it also noted “Greece follows Schengen area rules” which require EES registration. The news was widely welcomed.


However, all mention of the exemption had been removed from the Greek embassy site by Monday, although Sunvil Group managing director Chris Wright noted: “UK arrivals are not being subject to biometric registration at present.” European airports association ACI


Trade told demand remains firm despite ‘pressure stack’


Andrew McQuarrie Atas Leaders’ Dinner, London


Challenges facing the trade represent “a pressure stack, not a demand collapse” and will ultimately be overcome, according to industry accountant Chris Photi. Global conflict, rising costs and


fuel prices were cited among current pressures by White Hart Associates’ head of travel and leisure, but he stressed ongoing disruption would be navigated, insisting the long-term outlook was strong. “The biggest challenge is the fact we’re all being affected by one man’s


6 23 APRIL 2026


view of the world – and that man just happens to be the most powerful man in the world,” he said at the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas) Leaders’ Dinner in London. Photi said UK airlines would not


be as affected by jet fuel challenges as their EU counterparts, noting extra reserves as well as freedom from anti-tankering rules, but long-haul flying was increasingly inefficient. “Flight times have been extended


by one to four hours for certain long-haul services because you can’t run the usual routes,” he said. The short-haul market would


likely build on its dominance, he said, The legal framework


[for EES] does not foresee blanket exemptions for nationals of specific third countries


Europe, which last week warned EES registration “is going to be simply unmanageable over the peak summer months”, described the Greek decision as “an indication that the system’s rollout remains challenging”. But a spokesperson said: “Rather


than relying on ad hoc national measures, the priority should be to address the outstanding technical and operational issues, while retaining the option to fully suspend the system.”


When Travel Weekly sought EC


clarification, an EC spokesperson referred to a statement by “the Greek authorities” confirming: “Greece has successfully started full operation of the EES, with the registration of third-country nationals.” The EC spokesperson added:


“Suspension of the collection of biometric data is possible at specific border crossing points and for a limited amount of time in cases of exceptional circumstances. The legal framework does not foresee blanket exemptions for nationals of specific third countries.” Yet a senior UK industry source


said: “Our understanding is the Greek position hasn’t changed. They’ve suspended biometric checks. They’re able to suspend [EES] for six hours and could roll that over.”


Chris Photi


adding that 77% of UK outbound trips are already to Europe. Despite short-term challenges


and some unwelcome trends, Photi said the market was generally healthy and pointed to forecasts suggesting outbound annual growth up to 2035 is expected to be “extremely buoyant”. Outlining travel trends, he said


demand for experience-led trips continues to grow, and he encouraged niche agents and operators to broaden their product offering. “Don’t put all your eggs in


one basket,” he advised. “If you’re involved in hiking or diving or whatever and you specialise in one


destination, you’re open to major geopolitical problems and upheaval. You need to have the ability to adapt.” Also speaking at the event, Niel


Alobaidi, Newmarket Holidays chief and Atas chair, argued Atas members were particularly well-placed to emerge from the ongoing global challenges as their customers are generally older and more capable of enduring economic downturns. Atas director Claire Brighton said


agent membership had increased by about 15% in the past year, while members’ 2025 figures for booking


and revenue both rose year on year. i Atas Leaders’ Dinner, page 12


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PICTURE: Steve Dunlop


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