The European Union’s new Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) needs to be introduced with “minimal disruption” as travel demand rises next year.
The call came from Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said as a launch date of October 26, 2024 was mooted for the system to be used by non-EU nationals to enter the bloc.
She said: “When the new entry and exit system is introduced next year, UK travellers will need to be prepared for potential delays on their first trip to any of the 29 European countries involved in the new system as they will need to have their fingerprints and facial images taken.
“With this information then valid for the next three years, we hope 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.”
However, the Advantage chief added: “It is important that border staff are able to implement the new entry and exit system smoothly and efficiently in order to cause minimal disruption to travellers as we move away from the current process of passport stamping.
“As we look ahead to 2024, the demand for travel remains incredibly high and we expect the EES to be a small addition to the process of travel.
“Advantage is working together with all our agent partners to ensure they are aware of the EES process and are able to help their customers.”