New EU Border Rules: What Aussie Travellers to Greece Need to Know
From 12 October 2025, Australians entering Greece (or anywhere in the Schengen Zone) will start seeing the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) rolling out at borders.
New EU border rules, quick summary (for Aussies)
EES starts: 12 October 2025 (phased rollout across Europe)
What it is: fingerprint + face scan when you first enter the Schengen Zone
ETIAS starts: last quarter of 2026 (not required yet)
90/180 rule stays the same: Australians still get 90 days in any 180 visa-free
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.
Staying in Athens first? Where to Stay in Athens
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.
What about ETIAS?
ETIAS is a separate system and it’s not live yet. It’s expected to start in the last quarter of 2026, and it’ll work more like an online travel authorisation for visa-free travellers.
So for now, if you’re travelling to Greece in 2026, you’re dealing with EES at the border, not an ETIAS application.
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.
Planning the full trip? Travelling to Greece from Australia
Travelling beyond Greece
The new rules apply across the Schengen Zone, so they’ll affect travel to Greece plus other popular stops like Italy, France, Spain and Germany. The key thing to know is it’s a one-time registration when you first enter, then it’s smoother on your next entries.
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.
ETIAS FAQs
Do Australians need ETIAS for Greece in 2026?
Not yet. ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026, so most travellers won’t need it for early or mid-2026 trips.
What is EES (Entry/Exit System)?
EES is the EU’s new border system that records non-EU travellers digitally, including facial scans and fingerprints, instead of manual passport stamps.
When does EES start?
EES began rolling out from 12 October 2025, with countries introducing it gradually.
Will EES affect island hopping in Greece?
No. Once you clear the border at your first entry point (like Athens), travel within Greece works the same as normal.
Will airport queues be longer?
At first, yes. The EU has warned it may take longer in the early rollout phase, especially during peak season.
