Jet2 has praised the Greek authorities for its approach to working with the industry and putting customers first, and has urged other authorities to follow their leadership position, after the country announced the suspension of biometric checks for UK holidaymakers travelling to Greece under the EU’s new entry and exit scheme (EES).
Ahead of a busy summer, with millions of holidaymakers looking forward to enjoying their holidays, Jet2 has reaffirmed its position as the UK’s favourite airline and tour operator, by engaging directly with authorities across its wide network of destinations to consider suspending EES checks until processes and systems are ready.
The company has written to and lobbied authorities extensively, including those in Greece, to delay the introduction of EES and the Greek embassy has stated in an “update for British passport holders travelling to Greece” that: “As of 10th April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”
With flights and holidays on sale via 15 Greek airports this summer, representing over 3.5 million seats on sale, this move is expected to significantly improve the arrival and departure experience. This follows Jet2’s industry-leading move last week, when the company confirmed that it will not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases, for example jet fuel, assuring customers that the price they book is the price they will pay.
Jet2 was the first UK airline and tour operator to remove the surcharge provision across all flights and holidays, even though the company has never previously applied them. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “We applaud the Greek authorities for acting in the best interests of UK holidaymakers. Our customers work and save very hard for their holidays, and we will always do everything in our power to ensure they have the very best experience when they travel with us.
"We believe that pausing EES checks, until systems and processes are ready, will result in a much better experience for our customers and we are pleased to see that the Greek authorities agree. We expect a quick response in terms of demand for holidays to Greece as a result of this move, and we urge other countries to follow this common-sense approach and put holidaymakers first.”
Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourist Organisation said: “Following Jet2’s recent announcement welcoming Greece’s decision to temporarily suspend biometric checks for British travellers under the EES system, Greece reaffirms its commitment to providing a smooth and visitor-friendly travel experience.
"Tourism remains a top government priority and a key pillar of the Greek economy. Special thanks are due to Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis for his swift and effective intervention, which helped ensure efficient procedures for UK visitors. UK holidaymakers are vital to Greek tourism, and facilitating their travel to Greece remains a strategic priority for the country.”