Lengthy border delays linked to the implementation of Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) could significantly impact the continent's tourism sector, putting millions of visitor arrivals and tens of billions of dollars in tourism spending at risk, according to new research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The study raises concerns that while the EES is designed to modernise border management and strengthen security across the Schengen Area, poor implementation and prolonged waiting times could discourage travellers from some of Europe's most important international source markets.
Based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, the research found that patience for lengthy border procedures is limited. If travellers consistently face waiting times of three to four hours when entering Europe, nearly one in three said they would either reconsider travelling to the Schengen Area or avoid visiting altogether.
Applying those findings to projected travel figures for 2026, WTTC estimates that as many as 41 million visitor arrivals and approximately $45.4 billion in visitor spending could be jeopardised if significant border delays become a regular part of the travel experience.
The findings underscore a growing challenge for European governments and tourism stakeholders as they prepare for the rollout of the Entry/Exit System. Although travellers generally support stronger and more technologically advanced border controls, enthusiasm declines sharply when the possibility of long and unpredictable queues enters the equation.
Industry experts note that traveller experience begins at the border, and inefficient processing can quickly undermine the appeal of even the world's most popular destinations.
Among the countries surveyed, travellers from the United Kingdom appeared most sensitive to lengthy delays. The research found that 39 per cent of UK respondents would be much less likely to travel to the Schengen Area if border waits regularly exceeded three hours. Similar concerns were expressed by 33 per cent of travellers from both the United States and Canada, while 27 per cent of Australian respondents said they would reconsider their travel plans under the same conditions.
Commenting on the findings, WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer, Gloria Guevara, stressed that the issue is not the system itself but how effectively it is introduced.
"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 acknowledged that challenges are inevitable during the early stages of implementation but emphasized the importance of collaboration among governments, border agencies, and tourism stakeholders.
"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."
Despite concerns about delays, the study revealed strong support for the Entry/Exit System itself. Once respondents were informed about the purpose and benefits of the programme, 65 per cent expressed support for the initiative, while only six per cent said they held very negative views about the use of biometric border controls.
Travellers identified several advantages they expect the system to provide, including stronger border security, faster processing during future trips, and increased confidence in immigration procedures.
According to the survey:
- 57% believe stronger border security is the biggest benefit of EES.
- 52% expect quicker processing on future visits.
- 43% say the system would improve confidence in border controls.
However, the research also exposed a significant awareness gap that could complicate implementation efforts. More than half of all respondents, representing 55 per cent, said they had heard little or nothing about the new Entry/Exit System. Nearly half, or 49 per cent, admitted they do not understand what will be required of them when entering or leaving the Schengen Area once the system becomes operational.
To minimise disruption and ensure a successful launch, WTTC has outlined three key recommendations for European authorities.
First, member states are encouraged to accelerate adoption of the Travel to Europe App, which would allow travellers to complete parts of the registration process before arriving at border checkpoints.
Second, WTTC is calling for a coordinated international awareness campaign targeting major source markets such as the UK, United States, Canada, and Australia. The council says airlines, airports, travel agencies, tour operators, and destination marketing organisations should all play a role in providing clear, step-by-step guidance to travellers.
Third, governments must ensure border crossing points are fully prepared before implementation. This includes adequate staffing levels, reliable technology, functioning biometric equipment, and faster processing procedures for travellers who have already submitted biometric data through visa applications.
Importantly, the research suggests that travellers are not opposed to the system itself. In fact, most respondents indicated they would rather see the programme improved than abandoned if initial disruptions occur. A notable 87 per cent said they would tolerate some short-term inconvenience if it ultimately resulted in smoother travel experiences in the future.
The findings reinforce a broader message for European policymakers: modern border systems can strengthen security and improve efficiency, but only if they are introduced with careful planning, effective communication, and sufficient operational support.
As Europe prepares for one of the most significant border management reforms in recent years, the success of the Entry/Exit System may ultimately depend not just on the technology behind it, but on how seamlessly travellers experience it when they arrive.
Key Survey Highlights
- 65% support the Entry/Exit System after learning about it.
- 55% have little or no awareness of EES.
- 49% do not know what they will be required to do when travelling.
- Only 6% are strongly opposed to biometric border controls.
- 87% are willing to accept some disruption if future travel becomes easier.
- 33% would avoid travelling to the Schengen Area if queues regularly exceed three hours.