ATHENS, Greece — Greek authorities have activated a new biometric identification system for travelers from outside the European Union at the nation’s airports, dismissing claims that British visitors would receive a formal exemption during the summer months. However, airport officials indicate the scanners may be temporarily disabled during busy periods.
“We have not received any further update or clarification as to whether, for example, specific nationalities are temporarily exempt from the relevant procedure,” the Foreign Ministry said Thursday in response to a question from The Associated Press.
The European Union’s Entry-Exit System, known as EES, launched at Greek airports and border crossings on April 10 during a continent-wide implementation. The technology substitutes traditional passport stamps with biometric information gathered through facial photography and electronic fingerprinting.
Greek representatives visiting the United Kingdom had previously indicated the biometric requirements might be suspended this summer for British tourists, who represent a crucial segment of Greece’s travel sector.
Present travel advisories from the U.K. Foreign Office indicate: “Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travelers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground.”
However, European and Greek officials subsequently explained that halting the system is only authorized during times of heavy passenger volume at particular border locations and does not exempt any specific nation or citizenship.
Despite official statements, numerous travelers will likely continue passing through airports without undergoing the new biometric procedures, since EU regulations permit temporary halts during the initial implementation phase.
Greek police recently characterized the electronic entry system as operating at “full operation,” while noting they would implement “all necessary measures to ensure the smooth flow of visitors … making full use of provisions in (European) Union legislation.”
Tourism industry operators worry that enhanced airport screening procedures might deter travel from the United Kingdom — particularly last-minute reservations — to European Union destinations and increase the advantage enjoyed by EU citizens, who can travel throughout the bloc without passport verification.
Greece welcomed almost 38 million tourists last year, who contributed 23 billion euros ($25 billion) to the nation’s 204 billion-euro economic output.
German visitors topped the list at nearly 6 million, with British travelers ranking second at 4.9 million.
