Abta, the Advantage Travel Partnership and Aito have welcomed the European Union’s delay in introducing biometric border checks for non-EU citizens.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) was first due to be introduced in 2022 before being rescheduled to begin on November 10, but has been put on hold again as three key member states – Germany, France and the Netherlands – said their systems were not ready.
Luke Petherbridge, Abta director of public affairs, said: “It is good to know the full implementation of EES is no longer expected in November, as the industry had been left in limbo waiting for news on when it will start.
“We do still need urgent confirmation and clarification on the next steps of EES; it’s difficult to talk to a customer about a new system without knowing if it will actually be in place for their trip.
“It is also really important the rollout, in whatever form it takes, avoids peak travel periods.”
He added that Abta would continue to offer members and customers advice at its dedicated EES and ETIAS website.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, The Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive, said: “The confirmed delay by the EU of the infamous EES launch will inevitably give the travel industry a huge sigh of relief as there was significant concern at the preparedness throughout the EU bloc that would inevitably have caused delay and setbacks for so many non-EU passport holder at the borders.”
However, she added that “an inordinate amount of work” had already been undertaken across the UK outbound travel industry to prepare for new digital border systems and numerous delays in introducing the scheme were “not conducive” to good public awareness, although it provides more time to prepare.
“Right now, there is very limited public awareness of what this means for anyone expecting to travel to Europe from outside the EU and as we get closer to launch date and key travel periods, clear and transparent communication will be vital,” she said.
“When a new launch date is announced and the EU are considering the roll out of the system, they should be confident that it remains fit for purpose for the number of non-EU’s traveling through the bloc and not simply another burden for travellers.”
She said it was “crucial” for the government and the travel industry to work together to make sure that British travellers have “a thorough understanding” of the new systems, when they come into effect and how they will impact travel.
Christina Brazier, Aito head of industry affairs, said: “We welcome the European Commission’s decision to delay the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in light of the many unresolved questions and concerns raised by member states.
“Our members are committed to providing exceptional holidays and the potential for long delays and confusion at borders was a significant concern, particularly for vulnerable travellers.
“This announcement gives member states valuable time in which to prepare and for the EU to clarify key outstanding issues. We fully support the proposal of a phased rollout, as it will allow the system to be thoroughly tested before full implementation.”