Popular holiday destination scrapping new EU regulations for UK passport holders
The new activation of biometric screening in EU countries has long been warned for many British travellers. Since its implementation on the 10th of April, if you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you may be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive.This change has led to major queues at passport control, with people having to register details on their way into the country in the Schengen area. However, one country is breaking with the regulations ahead of the summer holidays.Late on Friday, Eleni Skarveli, the director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, revealed that British passport holders are now exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points. She said the move is aimed at “ensuring a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece”.This unilateral move, she said, “is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports”. Ms Skarveli told The Independent that “Practically, this means that the entry process in place before the implementation of the EES will remain unchanged."This means that the traditional process of getting your passport stamped will still be in place. Border control checks will still be carried out across all passengers.This is a major move going against the rest of the EU, with the main motivation being to encourage British tourists despite the cumbersome entry requirements, and to cut the wait times ahead of the busy summer season. However, as Greece drops the requirement, other countries could still see heavy delays for travellers.Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at Abta, the travel agent and tour operator association, said: "What we have said to customers is that, because of the checks, you might need to prepare for delays with extra water and snacks."The purpose of the new entry system, known as EES, is to replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.The UK Government advises that on your first visit to the Schengen area, you may be asked to create a digital record at the port or airport on arrival. You may be asked to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.You don’t need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. The checks may take slightly longer than previously, so be prepared to wait during busy times.You may also be asked to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you exit the Schengen area.The clashes between British passports and the EU system boil down to Brexit. The system was designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries and to automate border control checks.However, since Brexit, UK passport holders no longer have freedom of movement inside the EU Schengen area.
