EU launches new border controls – What non-EU travellers can expect
Non-EU nationals in possession of a Greek residence permit through Greece’s Golden Visa program fall into the category of nationals who are expected to be exempt from the new Entry/Exit System (EES).
On its website, the European Commission outlines that the new rules do not affect those in possession of residence permits and long stay-visas , however, local travel authorities have yet to officially confirm this will apply to Greek Golden Visa holders.
As with all new regulations, there will be an implementation period, and further updates will be announced in due course.
As of September 10, the European Union began implementing the EES, replacing traditional passport stamping with automated biometric registration – a major step toward fully digital border management.
According to the European Union’s official Travel to Europe site which explains the new system, the “EES does not apply to holders of residence permits and long-stay visas.”
(For full text click here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply)
It further clarifies that the EES does not apply to:
1-Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediate family members of an EU national; and
2-Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen.
What exactly is the EES?
EES is an automated IT system for non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries using the system.
It involves registering fingerprints and facial images of all non-EU travelers entering or leaving the Schengen Area, including visitors from the United Kingdom, the United States, and other third countries.
First-time travelers entering the Schengen Area must present their passport and provide biometric data, including a facial scan and fingerprints. Border officers will verify the information and digitally record the entry.
Each entry and exit will be recorded electronically, providing an automatic check on visa overstays and helping authorities combat identity fraud and irregular migration.
According to the European Commission, the digital system will strengthen border security and streamline procedures for both travelers and officials.
“The Entry/Exit System is the digital backbone of our new common European migration and asylum framework. With its launch, we are modernising how we manage our external borders,” said EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner.
“Every person who arrives at an external border will – without exception – undergo identity verification, security screening, and registration in the EU databases,” he added.
Rollout in Greece
The implementation of the plan is expected to be completed across the EU by April 10, 2026.
In Greece, the rollout has started at key points of entry including Athens International Airport, Thessaloniki Airport, and major ports such as Piraeus and Patras. Border officers are collecting travelers’ biometric data during their first entry into the Schengen bloc.
While Greece has begun integrating the system, Cyprus remains exempt as the EES applies only to countries participating in the Schengen Zone.
Cyprus will continue manual passport controls for all travelers, while aligning its border technology with EU standards in preparation for eventual accession to the Schengen area.
At Varnavas Law Firm, we bring over 45 years of experience in helping non-EU residents obtain residency permits in Greece. With a dedicated team of 40 expert lawyers and notaries, our specialized Golden Visa Desk is committed to addressing each client’s unique needs. See what our clients are saying about us.
Contact Varnavas Law Firm team for any inquires regarding your Golden Visa process
