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As of spring, Schengen countries have ceased stamping passports upon arrival. Entry and exit are now recorded electronically. Therefore, travelers arriving in Greece (or any Schengen country) via transit and not receiving a physical entry stamp should not be concerned. It is advisable to retain boarding passes as a supplementary form of proof of stay, should any issues arise during onward travel or future visa applications.

Border control in Greece is shifting to the Entry/Exit System (EES). Stamps are no longer consistently applied in passports as biometric data entry becomes standard. The system is centralized; travelers are advised that electronic records replace manual stamping.

When entering Greece, border officials have the legal right to request proof of accommodation, return tickets, and other supporting documents, even if it's not a routine check. It is advisable to have all necessary travel documentation readily available to ensure a smooth border crossing experience.

While Greece currently accepts 5-year validity passports for Schengen visa applications, potential issues may arise at the border due to the new EES (Entry/Exit System). Some travelers have reported successful entry with these passports, but it is not guaranteed. It is advisable to consider using a newer passport if possible to mitigate potential entry complications.

A traveler's 19-year-old son was denied border crossing into Greece due to an outdated passport photo. The photo was deemed too young to match his current appearance. It's advised to ensure passport photos are recent, especially for minors or when a passport has been held for a long time. This situation led to rebooking travel arrangements and additional expenses.

Travelers with 5-year Russian passports may encounter increased scrutiny at border control, including in Greece. Border officials might spend extra time examining these documents. While technically valid for entry if a visa is present, it can lead to delays and questioning. Some Schengen countries, like France, no longer issue visas in 5-year passports. It is recommended to obtain a 10-year biometric passport for smoother and faster processing at border controls and to avoid potential issues with visa applications and entry requirements.

Recent reports suggest that queues at Rhodes Airport are manageable, with one user noting a smooth experience even with system delays and biometrics, taking about 25 minutes. It's also mentioned that the airport has been less crowded in recent years.

When flying from Istanbul to Greece with a single-entry Schengen visa, be aware of potential checks at the boarding gate. Airline staff may briefly collect passports for verification. While return tickets and bookings are not typically requested, during peak season, airlines might offer incentives for passengers to take later flights due to overbooking. Expect potential queues at passport control upon arrival in Greece, which can last up to 50 minutes during busy periods.

When traveling to Greece via Turkey, be aware of border control procedures. Greek passport stamps are less prominent than Turkish ones. Fingerprint scanning is standard. For travel between Istanbul's airport and bus station, especially late at night, verify public transport schedules as metro lines may close. Taxis are an alternative but can be expensive.

When traveling by ferry from Marmaris to Rhodes, border control may ask to see hotel reservations. While not always strictly enforced, it is advisable to have proof of accommodation. Some travelers have reported being asked for booking confirmations upon arrival. Having all necessary documents readily available is recommended in the current climate.

Currently, it remains difficult or impossible to enter Greece with a car registered in Russia without holding residency (a residence permit or citizenship) in Greece or another EU country. This restriction is generally in place for non-residents driving vehicles with foreign (non-EU) license plates.

Upon arrival in Greece, immigration checks are generally minimal. Return tickets are rarely requested by Greek border control. However, when transiting through Istanbul, return tickets and visa validity may be scrutinized by Turkish security personnel, sometimes requiring printed documents.