The Foreign Office has issued a crucial update for holidaymakers travelling to one Mediterranean destination ahead of a significant change taking effect this weekend. In its entry requirements guidance for those planning to visit Turkey, officials have warned that tourists considering a day trip to Greece may encounter complications.
This stems from Greece’s membership of the Schengen Zone, meaning it will start implementing the European Union’s Entry Exit System (EES) from Sunday, October 12. The new digital framework will mandate that travellers from non-EU nations, including the UK, provide biometric data at border crossings.
This encompasses fingerprints and facial photographs which will subsequently be connected to the traveller’s passport. Should you find yourself in Turkey from this weekend and decide on a day excursion to Greece, you may need to brace yourself for these additional checks.
In its guidance, the Foreign Office stated: “If you are considering a day trip to a Greek Island, be aware that Greece is in the Schengen Zone and will be introducing the new European Union (EU) Entry Exit System (EES) from 12 October.
“This applies to any non-EU national travelling from Turkey into the EU by land, sea or air (excluding airport transit). EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.”
All the countries that will implement the new system
The new system won’t just affect Greece, but will be gradually introduced across numerous countries over the coming months, with full implementation anticipated by 10 April 2026. The following countries are set to adopt these changes:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland