Greece has made a bold move by announcing that British passport holders will be exempt from providing fingerprints and facial biometrics under the new EU Entry-Exit System (EES) this summer. This decision is aimed at ensuring a smoother and more efficient arrival experience for British tourists, who will instead have their passports manually examined and stamped at Greek airports.
EU Expresses Dismay Over Greek Exemption
The European Commission has expressed significant dismay at Greece's announcement, stating that the EES legal framework does not permit a blanket exemption for nationals of specific third countries for an extended period. Brussels is actively seeking clarification from Greek authorities, emphasising that the system is designed to apply uniformly to all third-country nationals, with only temporary suspensions allowed under exceptional circumstances.
Special Lanes for British Arrivals
Despite the EU's firm stance, Greece is anticipated to implement special lanes at busy airports to segregate British arrivals. This measure recognises that British tourists constitute a substantial portion of non-European visitors to Greece, highlighting the country's commitment to maintaining strong tourism ties post-Brexit.
The move by Greece reflects ongoing tensions within the EU over immigration and border control policies, particularly in the context of Brexit. It underscores the challenges of balancing security protocols with economic interests, as Greece prioritises tourist convenience amid potential legal disputes with Brussels.
