New Schengen Entry and Exit Point Planned at Alinda Anchorage on Leros

Toland areaof the newAlinton anchoragethe Schengen Passport Control is transferred, according to what is stated in a relevant inter-ministerial decision published inGazette A' 66/30-3-2026, while at the same time the facilities at the port of Agia Marina.

In the same decisionreference is made to the implementation of the new SystemEntry/Exit (EEE) of the European Union, whichconcerns third-country nationals entering the Schengen Areaand they come out of it,in the context of strengthening controlsand the adjustment of border points tonew security and logging requirements.

The new control systemhas been introduced at the external borders of all European countries,gradually fromOctober 12, 2025and its applicationto all passengersof this category hadclosing date 30 March 2026.

Especially forthe island regions,at the new checkpoints, theinstallationautomatic systembiometric identificationthrough iris, specialfast lanefor day trip passengers as wellseparate area of ​​secondary controlfor casesdata discrepancyor excessively "tanned" passports due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

Already, in its terrestrial spacetourist anchoragein Alinda,has been installedfrom the contractor companycontainer, which will host thepassport control service,with metal railings, a portable shelter, a shade and a special sign in Greek and English with the words "Shengen Area Passport Control – Alinda Port Entry Point".

According to the Gazette,expected to be operational in early May 2026.

For the matter, MrMayor of LerosTimotheus Kottakis said:

"Since yesterday morning we have been in constant communication with the competent ministry, because The Municipality of Leros had no official information about such a serious development. This is a decision that raises reasonable questions and practical issues, as the Alinton anchorage is not yet ready to fully support such a function. We are surprised by the fact that they made this choice without prior consultation with The Municipality of Leros and without having ensured that the space can function immediately and adequately. Transfer of passport control to a facility that will be delivered as a project after September cannot be foreseen! The only realistic solution is to consider moving the new facilities to the port of Lakki, where there is already a much more mature infrastructure and better service possibilities.

We have asked for clarification and are awaiting a new decision or corrective intervention from the ministry. In any case, The Municipality of Leros is not going to accept plans that are made in its absence and without taking into account the actual conditions of the island".

Read Official Gazette A' 66/30-3-2026 here

Read more from Leros News in English.