The latest survey on British citizens and the European Union’s (EU’s) new border system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), can be alarming.
The EES aims to streamline border control processes for travelers while enhancing the security of the Schengen Area.
It is an automated border control system that will replace traditional passport stamping at the border.
The new border system will digitally record non-EU travelers’ entries and exits using biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans.
The EES has been delayed multiple times. However, the EU has confirmed the launch of its new border system on 10 November 2024.
Despite its goals, the EES has caused considerable apprehension among United Kingdom (UK) citizens, now considered non-EU citizens.
A new survey by Co-Op Insurance showed that more than one in five, about 22 percent, of British citizens would consider not traveling to Europe due to the EES.
The EES has raised anxiety among many UK travelers, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 44.
The primary reasons for this are privacy concerns and the potential lengthy delays the EES will cause.
Charles Offord, Managing Director at Co-Op Insurance, acknowledged these concerns.
“Our data shows that many travelers are anxious about navigating the new Entry/Exit system, with many even deterred from traveling to the continent.”
Expected delays, privacy concerns caused by the new border system
As per EU laws, travelers must register their biometric data at the border in front of a border officer.
This will increase travelers’ processing time and cause lengthy delays, especially at busy border crossings.
After initial registration, travelers’ biometric data will be stored in a central EU database for three years.
This three-year storage limit will reset every time a non-EU traveler visits the Schengen Area.
Travelers visiting the EU after three years or when their data has expired must go through the initial biometric registration again.
The anticipated delays made UK citizens doubt their future European travel plans, fearing the new system might complicate their trips.
The biometric requirements of the EES have also raised red flags for many UK tourists.
The idea of fingerprints and facial scans being stored for up to three years has made some uncomfortable.
According to the survey, 38 percent might reconsider travel plans due to the anticipated length of delays.
On the other hand, 45 percent expressed concerns over their data being on record for such an extended period.
EES awareness among UK citizens
This is not the first time surveys have shown UK citizens feeling uneasy about the EES.
A previous Co-Op Insurance travel survey from April 2024 revealed that 66 percent of Brits were unaware of the new border system.
A UK Department of Transportation (DfT) survey published in June also confirmed that many Brits didn’t fully understand the EES.
The UK DfT survey also showed that the EES could deter EU travel as more than half of the respondents were unsure about the changes.
While awareness of the EES has improved slightly in the new data, it still remains low.
Additionally, the likelihood of Brits avoiding travel to Europe has grown as fears worsen with the approaching implementation date.
This is particularly evident among younger travelers, who are the most vocal about privacy and data security concerns.
The possibility of UK travelers avoiding European destinations could substantially impact the EU’s tourism economy.
British tourists make up a significant portion of the EU’s tourism revenue. A drop in their numbers could severely damage local economies.
This could be notably worse for popular holiday destinations like France, Spain, and Italy.
However, Offord emphasized that despite the concerns, many will still choose to travel but must be prepared for the changes.
Minimizing stress and confusion about the new border system
The CoOp survey showed that around 28 percent of respondents welcomed the new system.
They saw it as necessary to enhance security and ensure better border management.
For these travelers, the added security is worth the trade-off, and they remain optimistic about their future trips to Europe.
“Ahead of these border security changes, it’s important for travelers to be aware of what to expect so they can plan their journey accordingly,” Offord said.
He added that the survey aims to help ensure travelers heading to the EU after the ES goes live are prepared for the changes.
Offord says this can “make their trips as stress-free as possible.”
While the new border system may initially seem daunting, proper preparation and knowledge can help minimize potential delays or confusion.
It will be crucial for travelers to stay informed and prepared to navigate the new border system so that they can continue enjoying their trips to the EU.