The EU’s Entry/Exit System is the new digital border control system designed to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, entering the Schengen Area
Millions of Brits say a new system being launched next month is putting them off travelling to Europe, while a majority are unaware it’s starting.
On October 12, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will go live. The EES is the new digital border control system designed to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, entering the Schengen Area.
Following Brexit, the UK is no longer a member of the EU, so UK passport holders will have to undergo extra checks when travelling to the bloc, including having their fingerprints scanned. This will be followed by a €20 fee for a three-year pass called Etias, which is due to come into force in late 2026.
Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals that 15 million (29%) UK adults would be put off travel to Europe because of the EES, based on the 2,000 asked last week. The organisation also found that almost two-thirds (60%) are unaware that the new EU digital border is set to be introduced.
READ MORE: ‘Superpower’ travel document that allows some Brits to skip queues at EU border
Whilst the EES aims to speed up the process of going through airport checks, a significant proportion say that they would be ‘put off’ travelling to Europe as a result of the new digital border.
On first entry, travellers need to provide fingerprints and a facial photo at a border kiosk or booth, which could mean the border control process takes slightly longer. After that, entry and exit dates, location, and biometric data is stored for three years.
Of those surveyed who would be ‘put off’ travelling to EU countries, more than a third (34%) say that they don’t like the idea of having their biometrics on file, whilst one in 10 (10%) in the UK would be deterred by the potential for long delays at the border.
Ellis German, head of Travel at Co-op Insurance, said: “Ahead of the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System, it’s important that travellers are aware of the changes so that they can plan their travel plans accordingly.
“Our research suggests that most people in the UK are unaware of the introduction of the digital border system with some feeling apprehensive about how the changes will impact their travel plans.
“However, we are encouraging holidaymakers heading to EU countries after October 12 to familiarise themselves with the new border system so that they are well prepared for their trip and enjoy a smooth airport experience.”
The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not within the Schengen area, and therefore, EES is not applicable when travelling to either of these countries.