UK holidaymakers planning trips to Europe are bracing for significant disruption this summer due to the European Union’s new Entry-Exit System (EES), according to a recent Booking.com survey. The survey found that nearly three out of five (59 per cent) British travellers anticipate substantial delays at airports, with almost half fearing they will miss their flights altogether.
What is the Entry-Exit System?
The EES requires individuals from non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom, to have their fingerprints registered and a photograph taken upon entering the Schengen Area. This biometric process will largely take place at foreign airports for British travellers, adding extra time to the entry procedure.
Impact on Travel
Concerns are escalating as reports indicate the EES is contributing to delays of up to three hours at airports in popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy. Last month, over 100 easyJet passengers missed a flight from Milan Linate to Manchester due to these issues.
In response, 56 per cent of UK travellers plan to arrive at airports earlier than usual, with 12 per cent intending to arrive at least four hours before departure. Booking.com advises families to ensure their passports are eligible and to pack essential items in hand luggage to mitigate potential disruptions.
Greece Sees Surge in Bookings
Demand for holidays in Greece has surged since the country announced it will not impose EES requirements on UK travellers this summer. Greece’s share of UK holiday bookings rose from 7.7 per cent to 9.98 per cent in April, following the EES’s initial introduction in October last year and its ramp-up on April 10.
The survey highlights the growing anxiety among British holidaymakers as the summer season approaches, with many taking extra precautions to avoid missing their flights due to the new border controls.
