Nearly two thirds of UK adults are unaware of changes to European travel set to come into force in autumn 2024, according to new research by Co-op – an issue which could compound delays.
What is the EES?
Replacing manual passport stamping, the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) is effectively a digital border scheme that will require visitors to register biometrics such as fingerprints and facial imagery the first time they enter the EU/Schengen Area after its introduction. The data will be held for three years, or until passport expiry if sooner, which authorities say will facilitate faster processing on subsequent trips to the bloc.
This initial registration process, however, is expected to cause lengthy queues and delays at ports and other arrival points, including Dover, the Eurotunnel terminals and Eurostar hubs from October. Registration kiosks, apps and other infrastructure are being installed and developed – with some difficulty. Yet many British holidaymakers, 63% of them according to the Co-op survey, have no idea the changes are coming and could find their travel plans ruined by a lack of preparation for the processes required at departure points.
A big year for travel
“Going on holiday is a great way for people to take a break and unwind, however, as our research shows, there can be an added stress that comes with travelling to your destination, as travellers navigate the fast pace that comes with being in an airport and follow the various processes in place,” said Graham Ward-Lush, Head of Travel and Co-op Insurance. “From our data, we can see that 2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for travel and so we want to make sure holidaymakers are well prepared so that they can ensure their trips are stress free.”
Ominously for the EU perhaps, 20% of British adults said they would be deterred from visiting Europe as a result of the new system. Of those, half said they disliked the idea of their data being harvested for three years, while almost 40% were discouraged by the idea of “long delays at border control”.
This latter is a significant factor influencing destination choice, the Co-op found in its survey, with going through security the most stressful part of a journey for more than 25% of respondents. If the EU’s system does not work smoothly and problems with implementation find their way into the headlines, the bloc could find holidaymakers choosing to skip its borders completely and head for other climes.
