Europe risks losing 41 million visitors as EES delays threaten tourism: WTTC

New research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has raised concerns that prolonged border delays associated with the rollout of Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) could significantly impact international tourism, putting up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk.

The study, based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers from four of Europe's key source markets—the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia—reveals that lengthy waits at border crossings could deter millions from visiting the Schengen Area.

According to the findings, if travellers regularly encounter border delays of three to four hours when entering Schengen countries, around one-third would be much less likely to travel to the region or would choose alternative destinations altogether.

When these responses are applied to projected visitor numbers for 2026, the potential impact becomes substantial, with up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in tourism spending at risk.

The research highlights a major challenge facing European destinations as they implement the EES, a new digital border management system designed to strengthen security and modernize entry procedures.

While travellers generally support enhanced border controls and improved security measures, their willingness to visit Europe declines sharply when faced with the prospect of long and unpredictable queues.

The WTTC said the findings underscore the importance of effective queue management and operational planning at border crossing points.

Failure to minimize delays could negatively affect the overall traveller experience and weaken Europe's competitiveness as a global tourism destination.

The survey also revealed notable differences between source markets.

Travellers from the United Kingdom expressed the greatest sensitivity to delays, with 39 per cent saying they would be much less likely to travel if faced with waits of three hours or more. In both the United States and Canada, 33 per cent of respondents indicated they would reconsider travelling under similar conditions, while 27 per cent of Australian travellers said lengthy border queues would make them less likely to visit.

Teething problems

“The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernizing Europe’s borders and strengthening security,” said Gloria Guevara, president & CEO of WTTC, in a statement.

“Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver.

“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.” 

“The good news is that solutions already exist. By making greater use of digital pre-registration tools, improving traveller communications and ensuring operational readiness at border crossing points, Europe can reduce friction and deliver the seamless experience travellers expect.”

By the numbers

The research shows strong support for the EES.

After learning about the system, 65% of travellers said they support EES, while only 6% expressed strong opposition to biometric border controls.

Travellers identified enhanced border security (57%), faster processing on future trips (52%), and increased confidence in border controls (43%) as the key benefits of the new system.

However, awareness remains a significant challenge, says the WTTC.

More than half of respondents (55%) have heard little or nothing about EES, and nearly half (49%) do not know what will be required of them when entering or leaving the Schengen Area.

To ensure a successful rollout, the WTTC is urging Member States to accelerate adoption of the Travel to Europe app for digital pre-registration, launch coordinated information campaigns in major source markets such as the UK, US, Australia and Canada, and ensure operational readiness at all border crossing points through adequate staffing, functioning equipment and streamlined processing.

The organization’s research also found that travellers are willing to tolerate short-term disruption if it leads to smoother future travel. While 87% would accept some inconvenience during implementation, 33% said they would avoid travelling to the Schengen Area if border queues regularly exceeded three hours.

Two years to "stabilize"

The new EU border system that has led hours-long delays at some airports may not “stabilize” for two years, an official has warned.

Uku Särekanno, a director of the EU border agency Frontex, said some member states were “struggling” to adopt the EES, which requires passengers from non-EU countries to register their personal information and biometrics at the border. 

“We expect that the situation will stabilize in one or two years," Särekannotold said at a recent event hosted by the UK travel association Abta, as reported by the Guardian. “The most challenging part is the first enrolment, that is the moment where fingerprints and facial images will be taken. If a person is visiting the EU again, they don’t have to go through the same process, so they can have a more fast track of entry.”

The EES was initially launched last October and became fully operational on 10 April. Current EU regulations permit border checks to be temporarily paused during busy periods to ease congestion, although this flexibility is due to expire in September.

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