PTS managing director urges action to avoid EES ‘carnage’

Protected Trust Services (PTS) managing director Emma Collis has called for further guidance on the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), warning of the potential for “utter carnage” next month.

The system, set to be fully introduced on April 10, has been rolled out in stages since October last year.

Collis said a recent visit to an EU airport had made her believe “serious work” is needed to ensure travellers are fully informed of the requirements.

“Even at my local airport, it’s going to be utter carnage if there are not clearer guidelines on the time limits and, when you get to the airport, clearer guidelines on where you should be,” she said.

“With children as well, in the peak summer months, that’s going to have the biggest impact on people’s holidays if they don’t sort that out – it’s going to be horrendous.”

Asked whether travel agents could play a role in educating the public, she said: “I think it’s unfair to push it onto travel agents. The government needs to give better, simpler advice that allows a travel agent to advise the customer so the journey is less stressful.”