WTTC warns EES border delays could put 41 million European arrivals at risk - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned that lengthy border delays associated with the introduction of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could significantly affect international travel demand. According to new research commissioned by the organisation, up to 41 million visitor arrivals and US$45.4 billion in visitor spending could be at risk if travellers routinely face waiting times of three to four hours when entering the Schengen Area.

The findings are based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers from four of Europe’s most important long-haul source markets: the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia.

Long queues could influence travel decisions

The research found that approximately one-third of respondents would be much less likely to visit the Schengen Area, or would avoid travelling altogether, if border delays of three hours or more became a regular occurrence.

Among UK travellers, 39% said such delays would significantly reduce their likelihood of travelling to Europe. The figure was 33% among respondents from both the United States and Canada, while 27% of Australian travellers expressed similar concerns.

Applying these findings to visitor forecasts for 2026, WTTC estimates that up to 41 million arrivals and US$45.4 billion in tourism expenditure could be jeopardised if lengthy queues become a persistent feature of the travel experience.

Support for modern border systems remains strong

Despite concerns about waiting times, travellers generally support the introduction of modern digital border controls.

According to the survey, 65% of respondents support the EES once they understand how the system works, while only 6% expressed strongly negative views towards biometric border controls.

Travellers identified stronger border security, faster processing on future trips and increased confidence in border management as the most important benefits of the new system.

Awareness remains low

The study also revealed significant gaps in public awareness ahead of the rollout.

More than half of respondents (55%) said they had heard little or nothing about the EES, while 49% were unsure what would be required of them when entering or leaving the Schengen Area.

WTTC believes improving communication with travellers will be critical to ensuring a smooth implementation and minimising disruption during the transition period.

WTTC calls for coordinated action

Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, said the Entry/Exit System represents an important step towards modernising Europe’s borders and enhancing security.

“The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernising Europe’s borders and strengthening security. Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver,” she said.

“As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems. The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the Travel & Tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.”

According to Guevara, solutions already exist, including wider use of digital pre-registration tools, better traveller communication and improved operational readiness at border crossing points.

Three priorities for a successful rollout

WTTC is urging European authorities to focus on three key areas ahead of the implementation of EES.

The organisation calls on member states to accelerate the adoption of digital pre-registration tools, including the Travel to Europe app. It also recommends a coordinated information campaign across major source markets such as the UK, United States, Canada and Australia, ensuring travellers understand the new requirements before departure.

In addition, WTTC stresses the importance of operational readiness at border crossing points, including adequate staffing, fully functioning equipment and streamlined procedures wherever possible.

Travellers favour improvement over abandonment

While concerns about delays are clear, the research indicates that most travellers want the system to succeed. According to the survey, 87% would be willing to tolerate a degree of disruption if it leads to smoother travel experiences in the future.

The findings suggest that successful implementation will depend less on the technology itself and more on how effectively governments, border authorities and industry stakeholders manage the transition and communicate the changes to travellers.

Image Credit: © WTTC