Greece to Permit Temporary EES Use Without Biometric Data Amid Border Congestion

Greece’s Deputy Minister for Citizen Protection, Ioannis Lambropoulos, told parliament that when traffic at land border checkpoints becomes exceptionally high, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) can be partially suspended. During such periods, registration may proceed without collecting biometric data such as photographs or fingerprints to keep passenger flow normal.

The temporary concession is in force until 8 July 2026 and will automatically extend to 6 September 2026 if the high‑traffic situation persists. Full mandatory biometric registration began on 10 April 2026, but EU Regulation 2017/2226 allows member states to invoke the alternative procedures outlined in article 21 when waiting times become excessive, for example at the Evzonoi crossing.