From October this year, Australian passport holders travelling to Greece, Cyprus and other Schengen zone countries will face new entry procedures as the European Union rolls out its Entry/Exit System (EES).
According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) travel advice service, Smartraveller, the EES will begin operating on 12 October 2025 and will be progressively implemented at external borders until 10 April 2026. The system will replace the traditional passport stamping process with a digital record of travellers’ biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, as well as entry and exit dates.
The EES applies to non-EU citizens, including Australians, entering for short stays in Schengen countries such as Greece. While registration will take only a few minutes, travellers are warned to expect longer queues during the transition period. Upon entry and exit, travellers may be asked questions about the purpose of their visit, length of stay, financial means, and health insurance.
Once recorded in the EES, travellers will not need to re-register for three years, provided their biometric data remains valid. Those visiting frequently must ensure they do not exceed the 90 days allowed in any 180-day period.
The EES will not apply to EU citizens, or to Cypriot and Irish passport holders. The EU says the system is designed to modernise border management, detect overstays, and prevent identity fraud, all while complying with data protection rules. Refusal to provide biometric data will result in denied entry.
ETIAS delayed to late 2026
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – an online pre-screening system similar to the US ESTA – is now expected to launch in the final quarter of 2026. Once in force, Australians and other visa-exempt nationals will need to apply for ETIAS authorisation before travelling to Schengen countries.
The permit, linked to the applicant’s passport, will cost €20 (around AUD $35) and be valid for up to three years, or until the passport expires. Applications can be lodged online or via a mobile app, with most processed within minutes, although some may take up to 30 days if additional documents or an interview are required.
With an approved ETIAS, travellers can enter any of the 30 participating countries – including Greece and Cyprus – for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, the authorisation does not guarantee entry; border officers will still assess travellers upon arrival.
Important reminders for dual nationals and military service obligations
Australian authorities remind dual nationals to always depart and re-enter Australia on their Australian passport. If using another country’s passport overseas, local authorities may not recognise you as an Australian citizen, limiting the Australian government’s ability to assist in emergencies.
The Smartraveller website also advises travellers to check if they have any outstanding military service obligations in their country of citizenship, as they may be required to serve upon entry, even if they are over the usual age for service.
The EU advises travellers to apply for ETIAS well before booking flights or accommodation once the system launches, ensure all passport details match exactly, and check that the authorisation is valid for the entire trip.
For official updates, visit Smartraveller.gov.au and the EU’s travel portal travel-europe.europa.eu.
