EU country scraps border system which has caused 4-hour delays

EU country suspends border system which has caused 4-hour delaysThe country has chosen to abandon the new biometric security measures over concerns about queue chaos and flights taking off without passengersCommentsTravelBen Hurst07:21, 20 Apr 2026Updated 07:45, 20 Apr 2026View ImageThe new entry and exit system (EES) has led to huge delays for passengers, with some missing flights(Image: Getty)Greece has suspended EU fingerprint and facial scans for British holidaymakers. The country has chosen to abandon the new biometric security measures over concerns about queue chaos sweeping across the continent. Queues have been hitting the country with four hours reported in many destinations, including Greece.‌All travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries are supposed to be photographed and fingerprinted at EU airports and border crossings under the new entry and exit system (EES) introduced by Brussels.‌Holidaymakers have been cautioned that the new security measure, which is now fully operational, could trigger airport delays of up to four hours. Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, stressed that the decision would "ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece" and would "significantly reduce waiting times" while alleviating congestion at airports.‌The EES is intended to replace manual passport stamping and better monitor the 90-day visa-free limit, but its introduction has caused havoc at some of Europe's busiest airports.A statement on the website of the Greek Embassy and posts on official social media channels said: “Update for British passport holders travelling to Greece. “In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”There was no further detail of how long the exemption would last, and FCDO travel advice for Greece has not been updated....