New EU Border System Creates Delays for Bus Tourists to Greece, While Car Travelers Fare Better

The start of the tourist season has brought new entry procedures for travelers heading from Serbia to Greece's Halkidiki region. A new Entry/Exit System (EES) at the European Union border requires passport scans, fingerprinting, and facial photos, introducing a degree of uncertainty for holidaymakers.

For those traveling by car, the process has been relatively swift. Reports indicate that the entire procedure for a vehicle and its passengers can take less than two minutes. However, the experience differs starkly for bus passengers. Dozens of tour buses have been observed waiting for hours, with some travelers reporting delays exceeding four hours.

Greek authorities are reportedly considering adjustments to the EES procedures during peak times to prevent complete gridlock at border crossings. The significant difference in processing times between individual travelers in cars and groups in buses highlights the system's challenges.

Despite the potential for long waits at the border, the ultimate reward of reaching the Greek coast appears to outweigh the inconveniences for many. Tourists interviewed after enduring the delays expressed that the frustration dissipated upon entering the sea. The report also notes that ongoing roadworks around Thessaloniki are not causing significant travel disruptions, contrary to some online predictions.