Most U.S. citizens traveling to Greece will soon experience new border procedures as the European Union introduces its Entry/Exit System (EES). Beginning October 12, 2025, travelers should expect their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, to be digitally collected at the border when arriving in or departing from Greece. The EES will be implemented in stages over a six-month period.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Athens, "The European Union (EU) recently launched the Entry/Exit System (EES) system, which is being rolled out incrementally and will apply to most foreign visitors traveling to Greece. Effective October 12, 2025, most U.S. citizens visiting Greece for short stays should expect to have their biodata, including fingerprints and facial images, digitally collected at the border (upon arrival and departure). EES will be deployed gradually over a period of 6 months."
Travelers can find more information about the EES on the European Union’s official website at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees.
The U.S. Embassy encourages all citizens traveling to or living in Greece to register at step.state.gov to receive safety and security alerts relevant to their destination. For more details about travel to Greece, individuals are advised to consult travel.state.gov/destination.
The embassy and consulate provide assistance through their respective contact points, and further information about the EES and travel requirements is available through official channels.