Updated: March 18, 2026
Greece › Itineraries for First-Timers
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
My wife and I in Athens, Greece.
In 2026, the way many non-EU travelers enter Greece and the rest of the Schengen Area is changing. The two main updates are the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
If you are visiting Greece from a visa-exempt country such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, this is what you need to know in practical terms.
What’s the Difference Between EES and ETIAS?
- EES is the new border system that records your entries and exits digitally when you cross into or out of the Schengen Area.
- ETIAS is a separate pre-travel authorization that visa-exempt travelers will need before traveling once that system officially launches.
These are related systems, but they are not the same thing. Most confusion comes from mixing them up.
The Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EES is a digital system that replaces manual passport stamping for many non-EU travelers. It records your entry and exit data and helps enforce the 90-day rule (90 days of stay within any 180-day period).
- Rollout Timing: The EES began operating in October 2025 and is being introduced gradually. Manual passport stamping continues during the rollout period, which lasts until April 9, 2026. From April 10, 2026, the EES is expected to be fully in use and passport stamping should end.
- What Happens on Arrival: On your first entry under EES, border authorities may collect a facial image and four fingerprints, along with your passport details.
- Future Trips: On later visits, the process may be quicker because your information is already stored in the system.
- Expect Some Delays: During the rollout period, processing can take longer than travelers are used to, especially at major airports and ports during busy periods.
- Important: Even if you use a kiosk or pre-register information in advance, a border officer may still need to check your documents and complete the process in person.
Can I Use the “Travel to Europe” App?
The official “Travel to Europe” mobile app allows some travelers to pre-register passport details and a facial image before arrival.
- Availability Varies: The app is only available at selected border crossing points. Do not assume it will be available for every arrival point in Greece.
- Timing: You can begin the process before travel, but the final pre-registration is generally submitted within 72 hours of arrival or departure.
- What It Does: The app may save time at the border if your arrival point supports it.
- What It Does Not Do: It does not replace passport control, and it does not guarantee entry.
My advice: Before your trip, check whether your specific airport or port in Greece supports the app. If it does, it is worth using. If it does not, simply follow the normal border process when you arrive.
The ETIAS Authorization
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization, similar to the United States’ ESTA or the United Kingdom’s ETA. It is not a visa, but it will become a required step for many travelers who currently enter visa-free.
- Not Live Yet: ETIAS is not currently in operation. Travelers do not need to apply yet.
- Expected Launch: The current plan is for ETIAS to start in the last quarter of 2026.
- Who Will Need It: It will apply to many visa-exempt travelers, including visitors from the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia.
- Planned Fee: The official planned fee is €20 for adults aged 18 to 70. It is expected to be free for travelers under 18 or over 70.
- Validity: It is expected to be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Where to Apply: Only use the official EU ETIAS website when the system opens. Avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees or pretend to be official.
- Processing Time: Many applications are expected to be approved quickly, but some may take longer if additional checks are required.
My advice: Once ETIAS officially launches, apply well before your trip instead of leaving it to the last minute.
Who This Affects
- Short-stay visitors entering Greece from outside the EU/Schengen Area on a non-EU passport
- Travelers using Greece as their first point of entry into the Schengen Area
- Visa-exempt travelers who will eventually need ETIAS once it goes live
Who This Usually Does Not Affect in the Same Way
- EU and Schengen citizens
- Travelers with an EU residence permit or long-stay visa
- Some other exempt categories under EU rules
Cruises and Greek Ports
If your trip includes a cruise beginning or ending in a Greek port such as Piraeus, Heraklion, or Rhodes, the same general EES rules can apply at sea borders.
- First Entry Matters: If Greece is your first point of entry into the Schengen Area, that is generally where your EES registration will happen, whether you arrive by air or sea.
- Don’t Assume the Cruise Handles Everything: Procedures can vary, so follow instructions from the cruise line, the port, and border authorities.
ETIAS Transition Period
When ETIAS launches, there is expected to be a transition period before enforcement becomes strict. That should make the initial rollout smoother, but travelers should still plan to comply as soon as the system officially opens.
Bottom line: Once ETIAS is live, do not rely on grace periods or last-minute exceptions. Treat it as part of your standard pre-trip checklist.
Passport Scams and Fake Websites
Be careful with look-alike websites. There will be only one official EU application process for ETIAS. No official EU or Greek authority will ask you to pay through WhatsApp, a random text message, or an unofficial email link.
If a website looks unofficial, charges inflated “processing fees,” or pressures you to apply before ETIAS has even launched, avoid it.
Checklist for 2026 Greece Travel
- Check Passport Validity: Your passport should generally be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, and it should not be more than 10 years old.
- Understand the 90/180 Rule: If you spend time elsewhere in the Schengen Area before or after Greece, those days count too.
- Know Whether EES Applies: If you are a non-EU traveler entering Greece from outside Schengen, expect digital border registration instead of the old stamping system.
- Check the App Before You Fly: See whether your specific arrival point supports the Travel to Europe app. Use it if available, but do not worry if it is not.
- Watch the ETIAS Start Date: If your trip is before ETIAS officially launches, you do not need ETIAS yet. Once it launches, many travelers will need it before boarding.
- Track Your Schengen Days: Use an official short-stay calculator if you are close to the 90-day limit.
About Santorini Dave