Abta makes ‘encouraging’ finding on awareness of Entry/Exit System

Abta research has suggested three in five people due to travel to Europe in the next 12 months were aware of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) ahead of its introduction at the weekend. 

The association, which surveyed 2,001 people between July 21 and August 1, said 61% of those travelling to Europe already knew about the EES.

It described the statistic as “encouraging”, but Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer called on more countries to allow UK travellers to use e-gates and also urged them to consider introducing the EES app.

He said: “Increasing access to e-gates and using the EES app will make passport control checks quicker, helping both travellers and border authorities.”

 

More: EU Entry/Exit System branded ‘complete muddle’ as launch nears

The EES, which is being implemented over a six-month period from yesterday (Sunday), will eventually remove the need for passport stamping.

The system will collect passport information, as well as facial scans and/or fingerprints, with checks carried out on arrival at the Schengen border.

 

Tanzer said: “In the longer term, the EES should make processes quicker and simpler for travel to Europe.
 
“Looking at the short term, given the scale of the operation, there may be some delays, particularly at peak travel times.

“But countries will be stepping up their processes gradually and have the option to stand down the system to avoid significant and lengthy waiting times. We ask that countries remain vigilant and use this contingency measure where needed.
 
“In the future, once the EES is fully rolled out, no passport stamping will be needed and the system may also allow more places to extend the use of e-gates to UK citizens.

“Currently, not every country in Europe allows UK travellers to use these, so we’re urging more countries to allow access to e-gates. It’s good that many places are already doing so, as was my experience travelling through Palma airport this week.
 
“There is also the option for countries to use an app for the EES in the future, which would allow travellers to enter information in advance; we urge all countries involved in the EES to look to introduce the app.
 
“Increasing access to e-gates and using the EES app will make passport control checks quicker, helping both travellers and border authorities.
 
“If you have booked a holiday through an Abta travel company, you can feel reassured that they understand the system and can advise you in advance of your travels.”

The Abta research, carried out by The Nursery Research and Planning, formed part of its annual Holiday Habits survey.

 

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, “recommended that travellers now allocate four hours for navigating the new system in these initial stages". 

 

She added: “Where possible, travellers should consider off-peak times as this should reduce the likelihood of delays.

 

"Furthermore, delays should be anticipated for flights arriving at the same time to these travel hubs, as we foresee potentially overwhelming volumes of travellers during the initial rollout phase. This should settle over the next few weeks as staff and travellers familiarise themselves with the new procedures.

 

“Those travelling via the Eurostar at Kings Cross St Pancras may be affected by delays due to the implementation of automated kiosks to check-in for journeys and the Port of Dover is continuing to expand its kiosk provisions which it will roll out to try to avoid delays.

 

"We strongly advise travellers to consult with their travel agents in advance concerning any potential apprehensions."

 

Border security and asylum minister Alex Norris said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.  

 

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”

 

Aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister Keir Mather added: “We’ve backed our ports and operators with £10.5 million to help them get ready for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, ensuring they have the infrastructure and systems in place to manage the changes.

 

“Our priority is to minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, particularly at our busiest border crossings. 

 

“We’ll continue working closely with European partners and local resilience forums to keep traffic flowing and journeys smooth.”