New EU Border Rules: What Aussie Travellers to Greece Need to Know
From 12 October 2025, Australians heading to Greece or anywhere in the Schengen Zone will face new border entry checks. The change is part of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces the manual passport stamp process.
What changes for Australians?
Biometric data required: On arrival, you’ll need to register your face and fingerprints at the airport or ferry port.
Basic travel details logged: You’ll also provide details of your trip such as accommodation and intended length of stay.
Valid for three years: Once registered, your data will be kept for up to three years, so future trips are quicker.
Visa-free stays remain: Aussies can still stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
What to expect at the airport or port
Longer queues at first: Allow extra time for border checks, especially in peak travel months (June–September).
One-off process: The biometric registration only needs to be done the first time you enter after the system begins.
No pre-registration required: Unlike some systems (like the US ESTA), you don’t need to apply before you travel.
How this affects travel to Greece
Most Aussies will arrive in Greece via Athens International Airport before continuing on to the islands, or via direct European connections. Here’s how the new rules play into your trip:
Island hopping: Once you’ve cleared EES at your first EU entry point (Athens, Rome, Paris, etc.), travel between islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros won’t be affected.
Ferry connections: Domestic ferry routes remain the same, but delays at your first EU airport might affect tight connections.
Multiple trips: If you plan to return within three years, your EES record makes re-entry smoother.
Key tips for Aussie travellers
Arrive early: Build in at least an extra hour for border control when landing in Europe after 12 October.
Check your passport: Make sure it has at least six months’ validity. This rule hasn’t changed.
Keep accommodation details handy: Some travellers may be asked for proof of bookings at the border.
Plan connections carefully: Avoid booking same-day ferries or regional flights with short transfer windows.
Travelling beyond Greece
The new rules apply across the Schengen Zone, which covers 27 EU countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal. If you’re combining a Greek island holiday with stops in other European countries, the process is the same: one initial registration, then smoother entries afterwards.
Bottom line for Aussies: From October 2025, expect a bit more admin at the border when you first land in Europe. Once you’ve done it, your future trips to Greece and the rest of Europe will be faster and more streamlined.
