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Greece Extends UK Fast Track as EU Biometric Border Rollout Snarls Airports

The pledge underscores mounting pressure on the EU's new border checks from airports, carriers, tourism officials.

Overview

  • Greece, which confirmed the UK fast track on Monday, will keep British visitors out of biometric queues until the entry‑exit system is improved.
  • The EU Entry‑Exit System replaces passport stamps by taking a facial image and four fingerprints on a traveller’s first trip, with a digital record used for up to three years after.
  • Airports have seen long lines and some missed flights, and easyJet warned it may not be able to wait for customers delayed at passport control and urged earlier arrivals.
  • Portugal is moving people through faster during peak queues, and Italian authorities are reported to be preparing to use passport stamps when lines build.
  • Spain has logged heavy congestion in the Canary Islands and at Alicante, with police and local politicians calling for more staff or a pause, while Ryanair urged a summer suspension and travel groups pressed for contingency use.