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BRIT TRAVELLER GUIDE
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EES at Crete (HER/CHQ)
British Traveller Guide 2026

Crete has two airports: Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ). Most UK flights use Heraklion.

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⏱️ Live EES Queue Times — HER/CHQ

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🛂 EES at HER/CHQ: What to Expect

HER can have long queues in peak season. Chania tends to be smoother with smaller volumes.

💡 Best time to arrive: Morning arrivals at HER. Any time at CHQ tends to be manageable.

✈️ Crete EES Tips

📋 The EES Process Explained

1
Scan your passport
Place your passport photo-page down on the scanner at the EES kiosk. The system reads your chip and biographic data.
2
Fingerprint scan
An officer or automated kiosk captures fingerprints from both hands (4 fingers on each hand, then thumbs). Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
3
Facial scan
Look at the camera. The scan takes a few seconds. Everyone (including children) has a facial scan.
4
You're through
Your data is stored for 3 years. Next time you visit, the process is faster as your biometrics are already on file.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is EES and when did it start?+
EES (Entry/Exit System) is the EU's biometric border system that launched on 10 April 2026. It replaced passport stamps for non-EU travellers and records fingerprints, a facial scan, and entry/exit dates electronically.
Do British passport holders need to do EES?+
Yes. British passports are treated as non-EU documents since Brexit. You complete EES biometrics on your first Schengen entry — passport scan, fingerprints (4 fingers + thumbs), and facial scan. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
How long does EES take at the airport?+
First registration takes 2–5 minutes per person at the booth. Return visits are faster — data stored 3 years. Peak summer can mean queue waits of 20–45 minutes at busy airports.
What passport validity do I need for EU travel?+
Valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Schengen AND issued within the last 10 years. The '6 months rule' does not apply to EU/Schengen travel.
What is the 90-day rule for British travellers?+
Maximum 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen zone combined. EES tracks this automatically and overstays are flagged at the border.
Is my old EHIC card still valid?+
Yes — old blue EHIC cards are valid until their expiry date. After that, the new UK GHIC is the replacement. It's free at nhs.uk/ghic and covers emergency treatment in EU countries.
What is ETIAS and do I need it?+
ETIAS is a separate EU pre-travel authorisation (similar to the US ESTA). As of June 2026 it has not launched — it's expected in late 2026. Completely separate from EES.

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