Key facts
- Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational, replacing manual passport stamping with digital biometric records.
- The system affects non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area for short stays.
- While delays and longer queues have been reported, most Britons planning European travel intend to proceed.
- A significant portion of recent British travelers experienced longer queues and increased travel time due to the new checks.
- The European Commission considers the EES a key step in border security modernization.
Europe's new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), implemented in April, is creating longer queues at the bloc's external borders for non-EU visitors, including a significant number of Britons. Despite warnings from airports and airlines about potential disruptions, data suggests that British holidaymakers remain largely undeterred, with most planning to travel as scheduled.
The EES replaces manual passport stamping with digital records, capturing biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images for travelers entering the Schengen Area for short stays. This modernization aims to enhance border security, according to the European Commission.
A YouGov survey found that among Britons planning to travel to Europe in the next 12 months, 64% intend to proceed with their plans, though 41% anticipate needing more time for their journey. Recent travelers reported experiencing longer queues for biometric checks, increased overall wait times at passport control, and additional document scrutiny. Approximately 27% of recent travelers noted an increase in their travel time, and 19% experienced stress or anxiety related to the new procedures.
However, a substantial portion of recent travelers, 53%, reported no significant issues, and 37% encountered no problems at border control points. While the EES is influencing preparation, with many allowing extra time, its impact on overall travel intent appears minimal, with only small percentages considering alternative travel times, destinations outside Europe, or delaying bookings. No respondents indicated they had canceled European travel plans specifically due to the EES.