All travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries are required to be fingerprinted and photographed at European airports and border crossings under the new EU Entry-Exit System (EES), which was fully rolled out after Easter following a six-month phased launch.
However, Greece has decided to drop the measures to "ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival experience" into the country for Brits.
Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, insisted the last-minute move would "significantly reduce waiting times" while easing congestion at airports.
She said: "The exemption of British passport holders as of 10 April 2026 from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports.
"UK travellers will not need to undergo additional biometric procedures for EES and they will have a smoother arrival experience in Greece."
She added: "Travel agents can reassure their customers visiting Greece will not have to spend additional time on their entry to the country."
Chris Wright, managing director of Sunvil Travel Group, said: "This is the news I've been waiting for. At a time when there’s been plenty of media noise around queues, delays and missed flights linked to new border processes, Greece has taken a pragmatic approach – allowing British travellers to pass through without EES biometric checks while systems to streamline the process are still being implemented.
"Less friction. Smoother arrivals. Exactly what customers want – especially at a time when there are already plenty of other reasons people might hesitate to travel."
But Wright urged Greece to use this window to get the "pre-registration/app side [of EES] right so when biometrics do come in for UK travellers, it's slick, fast and invisible".
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Greece to reflect the decision. "Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES," reads the updated advice.
"Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES."
Earlier this year, Abta said it was "frustrated" EU border authorities weren't using every contingency measure at their disposal to avoid long delays at passport control.
The association wrote to the European Commission about the "challenges" with EES after a commission spokesperson reminded the 29 European countries participating in the scheme they have measures available to them to avoid delays.
