Corfu, Greece – British travelers visiting Greece have reported significant delays and lengthy queues at several airports, including Corfu and Zakynthos, despite Greece’s decision to temporarily suspend biometric border checks for arrivals from the United Kingdom. This move was intended to alleviate congestion caused by the new pan-European Entry/Exit System (EES), which was implemented last month.
Queueing persists despite biometric check waiver
Responding to a post on X by prominent British travel journalist Simon Calder, numerous users shared their experiences of prolonged waiting times. One traveler reported waiting approximately 30-35 minutes at Corfu Airport, even without the biometric checks being conducted.
Zakynthos Airport: The worst affected?
The situation appears to be even more challenging at Zakynthos Airport. One X user claimed to have waited for 90 minutes, stating that only two counters were staffed to process passengers from four arriving aircraft. Another user reported an astonishing 2.5-hour wait at Zakynthos. Concerns were raised about the welfare of travelers, with one user noting, “A solution must be found urgently, as they cannot leave arrivals outside in the impending summer heat.”
Rodos also affected; Athens offers priority
British travelers are also reportedly encountering queues at Rodos Airport, with one user describing the situation as a “nightmare.” In contrast, a British passenger reported receiving priority service at Athens Airport, while the queue for non-EU passengers was described as “huge.”
Mixed experiences across Europe
Experiences with EES checks in other European countries have been varied. One traveler reported no queues in Malta, while another described the situation in Girona, Spain, as “a massacre.” A third user claimed that EES checks were not being conducted at Pisa Airport in Italy.
Greece’s decision to waive biometric checks
Greece decided to waive biometric border checks for UK arrivals until the new pan-European system improves. This measure was put in place to mitigate potential delays and facilitate smoother entry for British tourists, a vital segment of Greece’s tourism industry.
Impact on tourism and local operations
The ongoing issues at airports could potentially impact Greece’s crucial tourism sector, especially as the busy summer season approaches. While the waiver of biometric checks was a proactive step, the continued delays suggest that underlying operational challenges, such as staffing levels, need to be addressed to ensure a positive experience for visitors.
Looking ahead: Solutions needed for summer season
With the summer tourist season rapidly approaching, there is an urgent need for Greek airport authorities and relevant government bodies to implement effective solutions to manage passenger flow. Addressing staffing shortages and optimizing processing procedures will be crucial to prevent further disruptions and ensure that British travelers, and indeed all international visitors, can enjoy a smooth and efficient entry into Greece.
