The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now compulsory across the Schengen Area, affecting UK tourists travelling to Spain, Portugal, and Italy. However, many holidaymakers remain unaware of the new rules, which are causing longer queues and missed flights at airports struggling with the technology.
Lack of Awareness Among Brits
Research commissioned by Holiday Extras reveals that nearly three in 10 Brits did not know about EES, and one in four are still unsure how it impacts them. To assist travellers, Holiday Extras has launched QueueIQ, a tool that estimates wait times at passport control.
QueueIQ comes as EES queues continue to grow, helping both holidaymakers and business travellers plan their onward travel. Among those aware of the system, understanding of its impact has increased but remains incomplete.
Greece Suspends Requirements
Greece has scrapped the new requirements due to lengthy airport queues. Matthew Pack, Group CEO at Holiday Extras, commented: 'Greece's decision to suspend EES checks for UK travellers is exactly the kind of common sense we've been calling for. The system was always well-intentioned, but the reality at the border — long queues, missed flights and frustrated families — was never acceptable.'
He added: 'Holidaymakers don't go to Greece to queue; they go to enjoy the sea, the food and the culture, and every unnecessary minute lost at passport control chips away at that experience. We expect Greece to be the first of many destinations to step back and ask whether the bureaucratic cost is really worth it, and we'd urge others to follow suit.'
