We get the same question almost daily: “do I need an ETIAS to travel to Italy?” The short answer is no — and it’s worth explaining why, because the misinformation around Europe’s new border systems has got out of hand.

The short answer

If you hold a Greek passport or ID card, neither EES nor ETIAS applies to you. Both systems are aimed at non-EU nationals. As an EU citizen you continue to travel within the Schengen area exactly as before.

What EES is

The Entry/Exit System is the automated registration system replacing passport stamps. It electronically records every entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — at the external borders of 29 European countries, Greece included.

On the first crossing the traveler provides a facial image and fingerprints; on later crossings it’s only a verification, which is faster. Children under 12 do not have their fingerprints scanned.

The progressive rollout finished on 9 April 2026. Since 10 April 2026 the EES has been fully operational at all external border crossing points.

What ETIAS is — and why you haven’t applied for one

ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU nationals (the USA, Canada, the UK, Serbia, Albania and dozens more). It costs €20, is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, and is tied to that specific passport.

The crucial point: ETIAS is not yet in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance.

That means any website asking you for money today to “issue an ETIAS” is selling something that does not exist. The same holds after launch: applications are made only through the official website or the official app.

Where it does touch you

There are three situations where the new border rules affect you, directly or indirectly:

• You’re travelling with a non-EU national. A partner, friend or relative holding a US, UK, Serbian or other third-country passport will go through the EES process — a different queue, and a little more time on the first crossing. Factor it in, especially on tight connections.
• Airport queues. Cameron Hewitt of the Rick Steves team, who went through EES four times during 2026, describes isolated significant delays at some airports but, for the vast majority, a few extra minutes — nothing like the scenes circulating on social media. His practical advice: when you get off the plane head straight to passport control, and if your connection is tight, politely say so to the staff.
• You’re travelling outside Schengen. This is where things genuinely change — and it’s the part most people overlook.

The UK ETA: this one really does apply

For the United Kingdom, a Greek traveler does need an Electronic Travel Authorisation. The essentials:

• It costs £20, and you apply only at gov.uk or through the official UK ETA app.
• A decision usually arrives within a day, but it can take up to three working days.
• It lasts two years or until your passport expires, with unlimited trips and stays of up to six months each.
• You need one per person — babies included.
• You need one for transit too, if you pass through passport control at a UK airport.

Don’t leave it to the last minute, and don’t apply through third-party sites — they charge more without speeding anything up.

Your pre-departure checklist

• A valid Greek passport or ID card — nothing else for Schengen.
• A UK ETA if Britain is on your itinerary or your route.
• A check on whether any of your travel companions are third-country nationals.
• A little extra time on connections — not panic.

Lost in the changes?

At Penguin Travels & Tours we track travel documentation by destination and tell you what you actually need — no unnecessary fees, no surprises at check-in.

Planning a trip and not sure what you need? Stop by our office in Kalamata (Vasilissis Olgas 4) or call us at +30 27210 80701 — we’ll sort it out in five minutes.