Abta reiterates EES advice as 2.2m prepare to head overseas

Abta has reiterated its advice about the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) as it estimates 2.2 million British holidaymakers are set to head overseas this weekend (July 24-27).

It will be the first weekend this year to see all schools in the UK on their summer break –  and the first chance for many holidaymakers to encounter EES.

Airports, ports, politicians and other stakeholders have expressed concerns about the new system as the peak summer season approaches.

Launched in April, the system requires non-EU travellers to register their fingerprints and facial images but has caused delays and long queues at many border crossings.

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “This weekend will be the first of the summer when all families around the country will have the chance to take a well-earned break; Abta members have been at the forefront in providing them with the right holiday for them within their budget.

“For many heading overseas, this will be the first experience of the Entry/Exit System in Europe, and for some, though not all, it may take longer than usual to get through passport control.

“As always, leave plenty of time to get to your departure point when travelling out and returning.”

Abta said Spain remains the number one destination for families, with the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and the Canary and Balearic Islands among the most popular choices.

Abta members have also seen strong demand for Greece, Portugal, Italy, Turkey and, further afield, families will be jetting off to Florida and Mexico.

City breaks are also popular, with Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, Amsterdam and Paris leading the way.

Airports in the southeast are expecting a very busy weekend with hundreds of thousands of passengers expected to depart from Heathrow and Gatwick, about 220,000 from Stansted and 130,000 from Luton.

About 250,000 passengers are due to depart from Manchester Airport,  more than 110,000 from Birmingham and 80,000 from Bristol.

Although the Scottish schools are well into their summer holidays, many will still be leaving from Scottish airports this weekend. Other regional airports, ports and the Channel Tunnel will also be extremely busy.

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