Clear and robust communication about changes is essential, says Julia Lo Bue-Said, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive
Travel for UK citizens has become more challenging in recent years due to several new regulations.
There is confusion over potential new 100ml liquid rules, which keep changing. Passport rules have tightened, requiring longer validity and additional checks.
And the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) adds further complexity, necessitating biometric data collection and pre-travel registration for many European destinations.
These changes collectively lead to longer wait times, more paperwork and increased travel stress, making what was once a straightforward process now more cumbersome and demanding for UK travellers.
Given the surge in demand for travel over the last few years, the launches of EES in November and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) next year will add significant complexities for many travellers who are not clear on what this means for them and their travel plans to the EU.
It is vital that the travel industry is prepared for the introduction of new processes and that there is a smooth and efficient process for border staff to implement the new measures while minimising any disruption to travellers on their journeys and avoid travel chaos.
To avoid significant details at airports and ports, it remains critically important that the government initiates a clear and robust communication strategy to ensure no one is left with any degree of uncertainty.
There are already working groups in place across industry and government and, as we get close to the date, this will require even more scrutiny.
Right now, there is very limited public awareness of what this means for anyone expecting to travel to Europe from outside the EU.
As we get closer to launch date and key travel periods, clear and transparent communication will be vital.
Safety and security are, of course, paramount, but it is crucial that the government and the travel industry work together to make sure that Brits have a thorough understanding of the new systems, when they come into effect and how they will impact travel.
The risk of confusion, delays and anxiety all remain a significant worry because anyone who does not purchase an Etias before travel to the EU will not be allowed entry.
And under the EES, all passengers without EU passports will be required to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken on arrival in the bloc.
We understand that people can be hesitant to travel if they expect delays.
However, with this information valid for the next three years of travel, we hope then to see the use of automated border control checks and self-service systems increase the speed of processing times and improve the overall experience for all travellers so we do not think it should discourage people from travelling.
We expect the EES to be a small addition to the process of travel and have minimal impact on influencing people’s decision to travel, given the incredibly strong demand we are seeing for travel this year from consumers.
Post-Brexit, travel as we once knew it has changed forever and for British passport holders there are now some barriers which require some pre-planning.
Travellers have had to endure multiple changes to the way that they travel with new border force processes.
Both Etias and EES are examples of more hurdles and costs that holidaymakers will have to consider for travel into the EU in the near future.
Covid masked much of the Brexit impact but now we’re beginning to see that no more visa-free travel for Brits across the EU is a hurdle for travellers to navigate and an impediment to frictionless travel.
Through our comprehensive media activities, we consistently recommend that consumers book through their local travel agent who will be able to ensure they are fully compliant with all travel requirements, as well receive the best value for flights and accommodation, using their expert knowledge.
In light of the new schemes, Advantage is working together with all its travel agent partners to ensure they are aware of the new processes and are able to help their customers.