The sector needs clarity over introduction of additional border checks, says Aito head of industry affairs Christina Brazier
In just over six weeks’ time, UK travellers may be faced with additional checks at European borders – if, that is, the EU Commission hits its latest target date of November 10 for the long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES).
There are, however, rumours of another delay, with reports that three key member states have said they won’t be ready to implement the measures on time. We therefore wait – with bated breath! – for confirmation of the official start date. However, with the system already running four years behind schedule, the EU Commission will probably be eager to get going.
This uncertainty presents particular challenges to the Aito family – committed as they are to delivering the highest levels of service and ensuring a smooth customer journey – along with the entire outbound UK travel industry.
While Aito members obtained much-needed clarity on EES and Etias during an Aito webinar with the FCDO last week, many unanswered questions and concerns remain – particularly for disabled travellers, the older generation, and families with young children.
An online app designed to enable travellers to pre-register their biometric data would have helped to speed up border processes – but this has, unfortunately, now been delayed until 2025. The result is that we must anticipate delays whilst fingerprints and photographs are taken at borders and passport officers adapt to new processes and systems.
Some might suggest holding off on EES until member states (and the elusive app) are ready, not least as it is also likely to act as a trigger for Etias being introduced six months later. Etias will require travellers to apply for authorisation before their trip, which is a growing concern to Aito members, many of whose customers have already booked for next year. EU guidance states that Etias applications should be made before booking any travel – but how is that possible when there is currently no way to apply?
While nobody can argue with the principles of modernising border controls and improving security, the travel industry needs clarity now. Moreover, we hope that the Commission will allow member states the flexibility to relax checks where queues are building up, or mistakes are made; we all, surely, want to avoid any scenes of chaos flooding the media.
Despite the frustrations, it is vital that we don’t lose our cool and thus deter customers from travelling. Our industry has bounced back remarkably post-pandemic, and we need to keep the positivity going.
Aito will continue working with the UK government’s communications team to keep its members informed on the latest developments, and we are confident that the Aito family will help to ensure that customers are well prepared, and know what to expect.
And – in a rather timely twist of fate – Aito members may be among some of the first UK travellers to experience EES, with the annual Aito overseas conference taking place in Valladolid, Spain, from November 21-24.
Fingers crossed that it will prove to be a smooth process!