Nearly three out of five UK holidaymakers travelling to Europe this year anticipate delays linked to the European Union’s entry-exit system (EES), according to a new survey. The research, commissioned by Booking.com, reveals that almost half of respondents fear missing flights as a result of the enhanced border checks.
What is the EES?
EES is a new system requiring travellers from third-party countries, including the United Kingdom, to register their fingerprints and have a photograph taken upon entering the Schengen Area. This zone comprises 29 European nations, primarily within the EU. For most UK travellers, this process occurs at foreign airports.
Impact on Travel
Airports Council International recently reported that EES has been causing delays of up to three hours, with airports in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy among the worst affected. Last month, more than 100 easyJet passengers missed a flight from Milan Linate to Manchester due to delays at passport desks resulting from the ramp-up of EES.
The survey indicates that 56% of UK travellers plan to arrive at airports earlier than usual to avoid disruption, with 12% intending to arrive at least four hours before departure. Over half of respondents who have travelled to the EU since the introduction of EES reported experiencing delays, while 43% said they were not delayed.
Advice for Travellers
Booking.com advises families travelling to Europe during the May half-term break to ensure their passports are valid for their travel dates and to keep essential items such as portable phone chargers and any necessary medication in their hand luggage. Ryan Pearson, regional manager for the UK and Ireland at Booking.com, stated: “May half-term is a key moment in the travel calendar, and we know many people are feeling anxious about how the new entry-exit system could impact their trip. We want to help travellers feel informed and prepared before they leave, whether that’s checking travel documents in advance or packing the right essentials in hand luggage in case of longer queues. Changes to the way we travel can understandably feel daunting, but we’re already seeing that many journeys are running smoothly. The key is preparation.”
Impact on Holiday Destinations
Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, reported earlier this month that demand for holidays in Greece has surged since the country announced on April 17 that it will not impose EES requirements on UK travellers this summer. The market share of UK holiday bookings for Greece rose from 7.7% in mid-April to 9.98% by the end of the month.
EES was first introduced in October last year, with its rollout accelerated on April 10. EU regulations currently allow the checks to be temporarily suspended during peak periods to prevent long queues. The Booking.com survey of 2,000 UK adults was conducted by research company Opinium between May 8 and 12.
