New era begins for passport control at entry to Greece
Greece is preparing to implement the biometric border control system for non-European Union citizens as part of the EU’s efforts to tighten external border security.
OFFICIAL LAUNCH DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
According to Greek media reports, the long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to be launched in the Schengen Area in October 2025, although the final date will be officially announced later.
BIOMETRIC DATA WILL BE STORED
The EES will replace manual passport stamping for third-country nationals, including British passport holders who, following Brexit, are treated as third-country citizens. Instead of stamping, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans will be collected and stored upon arrival and departure.
THREE-YEAR VALIDITY FOR NON-EU CITIZENS’ DIGITAL RECORDS
The digital records of non-EU travelers will remain valid for three years, facilitating easier re-entry for registered travelers during this period.
CRUCIAL FOR BORDER SECURITY
The EU considers this system vital for enhancing security, tackling overstays, and modernizing border control procedures.
The Schengen Area — a zone of free movement consisting of 29 European countries that have abolished passport checks at mutual borders — enables over 400 million people to travel freely within member states. However, this freedom can pose security challenges, especially concerning non-EU citizens.
The EES is expected to provide a safer and more automated framework for monitoring those entering EU territory.
