EES border delays put 40m tourist arrivals ‘at risk’

Prolonged border delays linked to the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) could put more than 40 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk from four of Europe’s most important source markets.

The warning ahead of the peak summer holiday period came as analysis commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers from the UK, US, Canada and Australia, found that around one-third would become much less likely to travel to the region or would choose not to visit at all if they face regular border delays of three to four hours when entering the Schengen Area,

Among respondents, 39% of UK travellers said they would be much less likely to travel with a three hour or greater delay scenario, followed by 33% from both the US and Canada, and 27% from Australia.

More than half of travellers (55%) have heard little or nothing about EES, while 49% do not know what will be required of them when entering or exiting the Schengen Area.

Applying the findings to 2026 visitor forecasts suggests that up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in spending could be at risk should significant delays become a persistent feature of the traveller experience, according to the WTTC.

The outcome highlights a “critical challenge” for European destinations as they introduce EES.

While travellers broadly support stronger, more modern border controls, their willingness to visit Europe declines sharply when faced with the prospect of lengthy and unpredictable queues. 

“This underscores how ineffective queue management at border crossing points can have a direct negative impact on the overall traveller experience,” the WTTC said.

WTTC is urging: 

• Member states to accelerate adoption of the ‘Travel to Europe’ app for digital pre-registration
• A co-ordinated communication campaign across key source markets particularly the UK, US, Australia and Canada. Clear step by step guidance should be provided to airlines, airports, travel agents, tour operators and destination partners so that travellers understand exactly what is required before they travel. 
• Member states to ensure operational readiness across all border crossing points. This includes fully functioning equipment, sufficient staffing levels and measures to streamline processing wherever possible, including for travellers who have already provided biometric data through visa procedures. 

The organisation’s president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernising Europe’s borders and strengthening security. Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver.

“As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems. The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the travel and tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.  

“The good news is that solutions already exist. By making greater use of digital pre-registration tools, improving traveller communications and ensuring operational readiness at border crossing points, Europe can reduce friction and deliver the seamless experience travellers expect.” 

While the scenario analysis highlights the potential consequences of disruption, the research also found strong underlying support for EES. Sixty-five per cent of respondents support the system after learning about it, and only 6% are very negative towards the use of biometric border controls.

Travellers identified stronger border security (57%), quicker processing on future trips (52%) and greater confidence in border controls (43%) as the system’s most important benefits.