At the start of 2025, the central message for British travellers was that the EU's next border changes were still delayed. The Entry/Exit System had to come first, and the later ETIAS permit could only follow once that system had been fully running for months.
ABTA's reading of the Brexit White Paper was cautiously positive for the travel sector, but far from settled. The document reflected several industry priorities while still leaving important commercial and political questions open.
A 2026 protest threat by truck drivers in parts of the Balkans showed that the EU's Entry/Exit System was not only a passenger issue. The row highlighted how stricter digital enforcement of time limits in Schengen could affect freight, border flows and summer travel planning.
ABTA used an early 2024 webinar announcement to underline how significant EES and ETIAS would be for UK travel businesses. The immediate priority was to get accurate information from the agencies building the systems before customer confusion spread.
Airlines are warning that the UK's planned ETA fee increase could make the country less competitive for international visitors. The criticism comes just as the new digital travel permission is being introduced more widely.
EU governments approved a new sanctions package on Russia after Slovakia withdrew its objections. The measures are designed to tighten enforcement and increase pressure on energy and shipping channels connected to Moscow's war effort in Ukraine.
IATA's current Europe entry-requirements page combines practical traveller guidance with operational milestones for EES and ETIAS. It also warns visitors to rely on official EU channels and avoid unofficial ETIAS websites charging extra fees.
In February 2024, IATA described EES and ETIAS as a major operational change for airlines, not just a policy update for travellers. The industry body focused on system scope, manual checks and transition periods that could complicate boarding decisions.
IATA has publicly opposed the UK's plan to raise the ETA fee by 60% only days after the system's wider introduction. The group says the move clashes with tourism growth goals and adds another cost on top of existing air travel taxes.
ABTA's updated consumer guidance recasts Europe travel as a preparation issue rather than a last-minute border surprise. Its message is that travellers should understand the phased EES rollout now, while remembering that ETIAS is not yet open for applications.