Jonb_chi

Here's the response I got from the Europe Direct Contact Centre. It's a bit cryptic - not recognizing the recent announcement and providing limited details, but they state that an entry before EES will still result in some sort of recording in EES if you depart after departure. As discussed earlier in this thread, it seems intensive to add biometric stations to all exit points. It's early, we'll likely need to wait until we're closer to learn more. It is important to note that while the Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to become operational in the second half of 2024, there currently is no official start date. Should you enter the countries using the EES before it becomes operational and leave after, then your passport will not be stamped on exit. Instead, the border guard will create a new file for you in the EES that will note the day you entered (based on the entry stamp you received) and your date of exit.

I was curious if they'd have biometrics at the exit during the transition. As you stated, we'll just have to wait and see. Regardless, looks like I'm getting to Athens very early on Nov 10, just in case.

Has anyone found out what happens if your trip crosses over the EES activation? We fly USA to Greece before EES, cruise RT, depart Greece after EES (one of us actually leaves day of EES). Will the exit procedure be an EES catch up process to digitize my entry stamp? Or just a simple non-EES exit stamp? I'm guessing regardless, we should arrive VERY early?

Viva is already sold out of all but inside & studio for Athens - Rome Oct 19 - 29. Dawn looks to be selling well out of Athens Oct 27 - Nov 6. Sky is so overpriced for Barcelona - Athens Nov 4-19. (Double Epic for 3 extra days) Very disappointing decision as my family was getting things settled for 3 cabins on the Epic. They even dropped prices recently on the Epic

I get 4 weeks PTO annually and planned to use 12 days on the Epic and in Athens.