MORE UK TRAVELLERS ARE AWARE OF NEW EES SYSTEM

NEW data from ABTA – The Travel Association, finds an increasing number of people know European countries are introducing a new electronic border process, called the EU Entry/Exit System.

More than half (51 per cent) of people say they are aware of the upcoming requirements, up from 44 per cent in 2024.

It rises to 61 per cent among those who have been on a holiday abroad over the last 12 months, suggesting those who travel abroad more regularly are more likely to know that changes are coming.

ABTA has released the data ahead of the launch of EES, which is scheduled for October 12, 2025. The new system has been expected for a while, and is coming into force almost a year after its original planned launch date of November 2024.

While more and more people are aware of the system, ABTA says people’s experience of it when it goes live will vary depending on where they are travelling, meaning travellers may initially see only limited changes, or indeed none, from their previous trips to Europe.

This is because EES is being introduced in phases across a period of six months, building up to being fully operational by April 10, 2026 (see end for a summary of the phases).

However, countries or borders that are ready to go live fully can do so earlier if they wish, with the option to scale back operations or stand down the system if problems occur.

To help members prepare ABTA is holding a video conference call with the UK Government’s Cabinet Office and ABTA experts, who will share the latest information about the intended launch. The conference call will take place on Tuesday 9 September, 11am-12pm, members can register to attend by visiting www.abta.com/conferencecall.

ABTA has also published a new resource for members to help them explain the phased approach to the implementation of EES, and how people may see only limited changes to begin with.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: “We are very supportive of the EU adopting a phased introduction of the new scheme. Launching a new digital border system in 29 countries is no mean feat, and doing it over a six month period should allow the system to bed in whilst minimising impact on travellers. It also takes the pressure off peak travel periods, such as October half term and Christmas.

“But it does present a communications challenge for the industry – it’s hard to prepare passengers for a system that they may or may not experience particularly as, due to security reasons, we’re unlikely to know which borders go live from day one. We’re helping our members prepare their customers by providing them with information they can use to explain the phased introduction.

“We’re also working closely with the UK Government, and are liaising with the EU, to make sure our members have all of the information they need to be able to prepare for the changes and support their customers.”

ABTA travel companies will be able to explain the changes to their customers and ABTA has advice available at www.abta.com/eesandetias.

About EES

The EU Entry/Exit system is a new electronic system that will eventually replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control when arriving in and departing from your destination. It will register all entries and exits to and from the participating European countries, which basically means it will register your movements every time you cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area.

Once the new system is live, when you go through passport control as well as providing your passport you will also need to have a photo of your face taken, and your fingerprints scanned. 

Once you’ve gone through EES registration, you won’t need to do it again for another three years.

More information can be found at www.abta.com/eesandetias