15.10.2025
If you’re one of the many people who love hopping over to Greece for the sun, the sea, and all its beautiful places, there’s something new you should know before your next trip. A new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) officially rolled out across Greece and all Schengen countries on October 12, 2025, and will be gradually implemented until April 2026, for all non-EU travellers. These new procedures do not apply to citizens or residents of EU or Schengen-area countries, who can continue to travel as before.
This digital upgrade replaces traditional passport stamping with a modern biometric check-in at the border. And while it might sound a bit techy, here’s what it really means for frequent visitors to Greece and foreign property buyers from non-EU countries.
The Schengen Zone is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing for free movement among them. While there are no passport or border checks between member countries, there are checks upon entry and exit from the entire area. Those countries are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The EES is a new automated IT system designed to monitor and record border crossings for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for short stays. The Entry-Exit System (EES) applies to third-country nationals travelling for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Schengen countries. This zone includes EU Member States, except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway.
From now on, every time non-EU nationals (including travellers from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia) enter or exit the Schengen Zone, their visit will be logged electronically.
The system records your facial scan and fingerprints when you first arrive. That data is securely stored, so next time you enter, you’ll just need to look into the camera; No fingerprints, no stamps, and no fuss. Think of it as fast-track border control, similar to how airports are becoming more digital and efficient.
For your first entry under the new system, here’s what happens:
1. You present your passport at the Greek border.
2. Border officers collect your facial image and fingerprints.
3. The data is securely stored for future visits.
Next time, you’ll just be recognized by your face, making the process faster and fully digital. Children under 12 are registered with a photo only. It’s all about creating a faster, safer, and more reliable travel experience, especially for those flying in and out of Greece frequently.
The Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU nationals, but there are several exceptions you should know about:
– EU citizens, plus Cyprus and Ireland, are not included.
– Holders of long-term visas or Greek residence permits (including Golden Visa residents) are unaffected.
– Students, researchers, volunteers, and those on intra-corporate transfers are also exempt.
– Third-country nationals with a residence card or permit who are direct relatives of a third-country national who has the right to free movement in Europe.
– Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are excluded too.
In short, if you’re just travelling to Greece for leisure, business, or to check out properties, the system will apply to you, but it’s designed to make travel smoother, not harder.
If you’re a foreign buyer exploring properties in Greece, you’re likely entering on a short-stay visa or visa-free arrangement (typically up to 90 days within 180 days).
The EES system will automatically track how long you’ve stayed, ensuring compliance with Schengen rules. It means no more confusion about “how many days you have left” before you need to exit.
For digital nomads, retirees, or those managing property viewings and legal processes over several trips, this brings clarity and transparency, ensuring no accidental overstays or miscounted passport stamps.
While the new system might sound strict, in reality, it aims to simplify travel and enhance security. For Greece, a country with millions of visitors per year, this update supports safer, more transparent travel, while fitting perfectly with Greece’s growing digital transformation.
19.03.2026
Spanning over 1700 km across the southern peninsula and connecting 12 major hiking routes, the Peloponnese Trails network is set to become the Largest Certified Hiking Trail Network in Greece, weaving together landscapes, heritage, and storytelling in a way that is both immersive and sustainable.
18.03.2026
Basements are a familiar feature of many homes across Greece. Traditionally used for storage, parking, or utility areas, these spaces are increasingly being reimagined—sometimes as guest rooms, independent apartments, or even stylish leisure areas. For anyone exploring property in Greece, it’s useful to understand how basements are defined and when they can legally function as living spaces. The rules are quite specific, but once explained clearly, they follow a logical structure.
16.03.2026
Crete and Syros have been named among the most worthwhile Greek island destinations for 2026, according to the international tourism platform Travel And Tour World, which recently published a list highlighting Greek islands that offer visitors a strong balance between quality and price.
The globally recognized tourism publication, widely read by travel professionals, tourism organizations, and travelers around the world, compiled the ranking based on research and travel data. The list focuses on destinations that combine authentic experiences, cultural richness, and natural beauty with relatively accessible prices.
13.03.2026
Greece is preparing to introduce a sweeping reform in the way property ownership and usage are recorded. Through the creation of the Μητρώο Ιδιοκτησίας και Διαχείρισης Ακινήτων (ΜΙΔΑ) — translated as the Property Ownership and Management Registry — authorities aim to create a comprehensive digital record of every property in the country.
The project is being developed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (Ανεξάρτητη Αρχή Δημοσίων Εσόδων - ΑΑΔΕ), in cooperation with the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. Its goal is to consolidate fragmented real estate information into a single platform and provide a clearer picture of property ownership and use across the country.
The new registry also featured prominently in discussions at the Property Owners’ Conference organised by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (ΠΟΜΙΔΑ). The event brought together representatives of the government, local authorities, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ), the Hellenic Cadastre, and property owners from across the country.
During the conference, the new registry was presented as one of the most significant reforms in the Greek real estate sector in recent years. Speaking at the event, Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, described the initiative as “the most systematic recording of the use of private real estate ever carried out in the country.” According to the minister, the registry will give the state a comprehensive digital overview of the country’s property stock and the way the real estate market actually functions.
03.03.2026
Kalamata is quietly stepping into a new chapter.
In 2026, Kalamata International Airport “Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos” will connect the Peloponnese to 22 international destinations through 31 direct routes, significantly strengthening the region’s ties with key European markets. For a city long appreciated for its olive groves, relaxed pace, and coastal living, this expanded network signals something bigger: accessibility is no longer a seasonal privilege — it’s becoming a structural advantage.
The announcement follows a record year for inbound traffic. In 2025, the airport welcomed 169,730 international passengers, marking a 25.6 percent increase compared to 2023. This steady rise reflects consistent demand from core European source markets and growing confidence in Kalamata as a destination that delivers both lifestyle and substance.
27.02.2026
Five Greek beaches located in Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes have earned prestigious distinctions at the Tripadvisor 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards, ranking among the best beaches in Europe and the world. Renowned for their crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, and exceptional natural beauty, these destinations continue to strengthen Greece’s global reputation as a premier seaside escape.
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings submitted by travelers worldwide over 12 months. The awards highlight travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and experiences, offering valuable insights for those planning their next getaway.
30.01.2026
Crete has significantly strengthened its position as one of the most attractive real estate destinations in Greece. For the first time, the island’s electricity demand is being fully covered by high-capacity grid interconnections with mainland Greece, combined with locally produced renewable energy sources (RES), as announced in late 2025 by the Greek Independent Electricity Transmission Operator (ADMIE). This energy achievement is a structural upgrade that directly impacts property value, investment security, and long-term growth prospects.
23.01.2026
Messinia, Greece, is attracting growing international attention after being included in The New York Times’ respected list of the 52 Best Places to Go in 2026. Ranked 38th worldwide, Messinia is the only Greek region featured, praised for its natural beauty, cultural depth, and authentic Mediterranean character.
Located in the southwestern Peloponnese, Messinia offers a rare combination of unspoiled coastline, fertile landscapes, and deep historical roots—qualities that increasingly appeal to travellers and long-term visitors seeking a genuine Greek experience.
