- Nearly three out of five (59 per cent) UK holidaymakers planning trips to Europe anticipate significant delays due to the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES), with almost half fearing they will miss their flights, according to a recent Booking.com survey.
- The EES mandates that individuals from non-EU countries, such as the UK, have their fingerprints registered and a photograph taken upon entry to the Schengen Area, a biometric process that will largely occur at foreign airports for British travellers.
- Concerns are escalating as the EES is reportedly contributing to delays of up to three hours at airports in popular destinations including Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, with over 100 easyJet passengers missing a flight from Milan Linate to Manchester last month due to these issues.
- In an attempt to mitigate disruption, 56 per cent of UK travellers plan to arrive at airports earlier than usual, with 12 per cent intending to arrive at least four hours before departure, while Booking.com advises families to ensure passports are eligible and pack essentials in hand luggage.
- Demand for holidays in Greece has surged since the country revealed it will not impose EES requirements on UK travellers this summer, with its market share of UK holiday bookings rising from 7.7 per cent to 9.98 per cent in April, following the EES's initial introduction in October last year and ramp-up on April 10.
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