However, Lo Bue-Said, the consortium’s chief executive, said she was hopeful the new entry-exit system (EES) would improve the overall travel experience to the consortium owing to automation, although travellers’ first entry following the rollout is likely to be more time-consuming.
Under the EES, passengers arriving from outside the bloc must agree to having their finger prints and facial image captured the first time they cross an external EU border into Europe, such as from the UK into most major European destinations.
EES biometrics will be held on file for three years, so subsequent trips in the three-year period following that first arrival will be automated. The EES is expected to be rolled out in October 2024, with the EU’s new €7 US Esta-style pre-travel authorisation Etias, which is reliant on the EES, set to follow in 2025.
Lo Bue-Said said: “When the new entry and exit system is introduced next year, UK travellers will need to be prepared for potential delays on their first trip to any of the 29 European countries involved in the new system as they will need to have their fingerprints and facial images taken.
“With this information then valid for the next three years, we hope to see the use of automated border control checks and self-service systems increase the speed of processing times and improve the overall experience for all travellers."
Lo Bue-Said added it was important border staff are able to “implement the new entry and exit system smoothly and efficiently in order to cause minimal disruption to travellers”.
“As we look ahead to 2024, the demand for travel remains incredibly high and we expect the EES to be a small addition to the process of travel,” Lo Bue-Said said.
“We always recommend travellers book through their local travel agent in order to ensure they are fully aware and compliant with all travel requirements, as well receive the best value for flights and accommodation during their trip.
“Advantage is working together with all our agent partners to ensure they are aware of the EES process and are able to help their customers."
