The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to come into force this autumn, requiring Brits and other ‘third-country’ holidaymakers to register their arrival and departure from EU and Schengen Area countries by having their photo and fingerprints taken at passport control. This system will replace the manual passport stamp. However, many travellers are uncertain about how the EES – and the follow-up European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) due in mid-2025 – will work. Travel agents are expressing uncertainty about the EES launch date, with some expressing scepticism about the potential impact of the new scheme on travel freedoms. Despite reports indicating a launch date of October 5, 2024, the exact dates for the implementation of both EES and ETIAS have not yet been confirmed. This uncertainty has led to a lack of awareness among the public, with some clients expressing frustration with regulations and suggesting they may avoid travelling to Europe altogether.
Some travel agents, such as UK travel agent Sunvil, are hesitant to provide advice on the EES scheme until its implementation is confirmed. There are concerns that the additional bureaucracy brought on by schemes like EES will deter travellers from visiting Europe. Delays in the scheme’s implementation, such as those caused by the Olympics, indicate potential disruptions in travel plans. P&O Ferries has raised concerns about the suitability of EES for ferry terminals, particularly at the Port of Dover. The current layout of the port makes it difficult to separate passenger and freight traffic for processing, potentially causing serious disruption. EES checks for ferry passengers will take place upon arrival at the destination for flight passengers, while ferry passengers departing from the Port of Dover and international trains will undergo checks when passing through passport control in the UK due to the dual British-French borders in these locations.
The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) is working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities in the UK, and industry to minimize any disruptions caused by EES. The DfT is collaborating with ports, carriers, and the travel industry to ensure they are prepared to communicate the changes and potential impacts on travelers. Eurostar is expanding its London base at St Pancras station to accommodate more kiosks for processing EES data for international trains. Rail passengers are already inquiring about how EES will affect their travel plans, as the system is typically designed with air travel in mind. Flight-free travel company Byway has received questions from clients about the implementation of the scheme, visa requirements, and necessary documentation for train travel. The lack of awareness among the British public about EES and ETIAS indicates that many will rely on travel agents to guide them through the new systems.
Overall, there is confusion and scepticism surrounding the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System and the potential impacts it may have on travel. While the launch date of the system has not yet been confirmed, travel agents are hesitant to provide advice to clients until more details are known. Concerns about additional bureaucracy, disruptions in travel plans, and lack of awareness among the public suggest that the implementation of the EES and ETIAS schemes may deter some travelers from visiting Europe. Efforts are being made to minimize disruptions at ports and train stations, with collaboration between government agencies and industry stakeholders to ensure travelers are prepared for the changes. Flight-free travel companies are also preparing to assist clients in navigating the new systems when they come into effect.