The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled to commence in October, has encountered significant confusion among UK adults. According to a survey conducted by Co-op Insurance, a staggering 66% of UK adults are unaware of the new system, which will require travelers from the UK to provide fingerprints and facial scans when entering EU countries. The implementation of EES is intended to streamline travel by eliminating manual passport stamping and replacing it with a digital border. However, the process of capturing biometric data has sparked concerns, with almost half (46%) of respondents expressing discomfort with their information being stored in the system for up to three years.
Despite the impending launch of EES in just six months, the lack of awareness among UK adults is concerning. Additionally, over one-fifth (22%) of respondents indicated that they might reconsider traveling to Europe as a consequence of the new system. This hesitancy stems from concerns about potential delays at border crossings, with 38% of respondents citing this as a reason for their reluctance to travel.
The introduction of EES coincides with the revelation that a new app designed to reduce disruptions for British travelers crossing the English Channel will not be ready in time. The app, intended to enable passengers to complete their image registration remotely and avoid lengthy queues, has been delayed, prompting Eurostar to implement manual checks at stations. Consequently, experts anticipate significant delays at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel terminals, and Eurostar hubs.
Despite these challenges, the EU remains committed to launching EES in October. While the Eurostar app delay may cause some inconvenience, Eurostar is taking steps to mitigate the impact by installing kiosks at London St Pancras station. Passengers are urged to be aware of the changes and to prepare accordingly to minimize disruptions during travel.
