ETIAS & EES explained for Corfu travellers
If you’re planning a trip to Corfu, or anywhere in Greece, there are two important EU travel systems UK passport holders need to know about:
✈️ EES — the Entry/Exit System, now used for digital border checks
🧾 ETIAS — a travel authorisation expected to launch later in 2026
The good news? UK travellers can still visit Corfu visa-free for holidays, but the airport process is changing.
What is EES?
EES stands for Entry/Exit System. It is the EU’s digital border system for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders.
Instead of relying on passport stamps, EES digitally records when you enter and leave countries in the Schengen Area, including Greece.
When you arrive in Greece, border control may:
Scan your passport
Take a facial image
Take or verify fingerprints
Record your entry digitally
EES launched progressively on 12 October 2025 and has been fully operational across participating external borders since 10 April 2026.
What does EES mean for Corfu holidays?
For UK travellers arriving at Corfu Airport, EES means border checks may take a little longer than before, especially during busy summer travel periods.
You may need to use a kiosk or provide biometric details at passport control. Once your details are registered, future checks should become smoother.
EES is also used to help track the 90-days-in-180 rule for UK travellers visiting Greece and other Schengen countries.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
It is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-free travellers, similar in idea to the US ESTA.
Once ETIAS launches, most UK holidaymakers travelling to Greece, including Corfu, will need to apply online before travelling.
ETIAS is currently expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. You do not need ETIAS yet, and applications are not required at this point.
Do UK travellers need ETIAS for Corfu now?
No — not yet.
UK travellers do not currently need ETIAS for Corfu holidays. Once the system starts, most UK passport holders visiting Greece for short stays will need one.
You should only apply through the official EU ETIAS website once applications open. Be careful of unofficial websites claiming to sell ETIAS early.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20.
It will be free for travellers under 18 and over 70.
Once approved, ETIAS will usually be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
How long can UK travellers stay in Corfu?
ETIAS does not change the current short-stay rule.
UK travellers can still visit Greece and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
This includes holidays, visiting family or friends, short business trips, cultural events, sports events, short-term study and training.
Summer 2026 Corfu holidays
For summer 2026, UK travellers should expect EES border checks to be in use.
You do not need ETIAS yet, but you should keep an eye on official updates if you’re travelling later in 2026.
Late 2026 onwards
Once ETIAS launches, UK travellers will likely need:
✔️ A valid passport
✔️ ETIAS travel authorisation
✔️ EES biometric checks at the border
Corfu Travel Co tips for smooth travel
Before travelling:
✔️ Check your passport is valid for EU travel
✔️ Make sure your passport is less than 10 years old
✔️ Check it has enough validity left after your trip
✔️ Monitor official EU and UK updates before you travel
At the airport:
✔️ Arrive earlier than usual
✔️ Have your passport ready
✔️ Expect biometric checks at passport control
✔️ Allow extra time during peak summer travel dates
Corfu Travel Co verdict
The good news is simple:
💙 UK travellers can still enjoy visa-free holidays in Corfu
💙 EES is a border process, not a visa
💙 ETIAS is expected to be a quick online authorisation once launched
💙 The 90-days-in-180 rule stays the same
So don’t panic — Corfu holidays are still very much on. There’s just a little more travel admin to be aware of.
