In late 2023, airlines and travel insiders warned that switching on the EU's Entry/Exit System everywhere at the same time could create serious operational strain. The debate focused on testing gaps, border readiness and what biometric processing would mean for British travellers.
The EU is introducing two new border management tools that will change how visitors travel to Europe: ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System. Both strengthen European security, but they operate in very different ways.
By spring 2025, the story around the EU's Entry/Exit System had shifted from a missed launch date to a phased implementation plan. ABTA's practical message was that businesses and travellers still needed to prepare, but they also needed to understand that the system would not switch on everywhere at once.
Before the planned 2024 launch of the EU's Entry/Exit System, ABTA's message was clear: travellers needed to expect a new border routine, not just another headline. The biggest early change was the first-time registration process, which was expected to slow some crossings before the system settled in.
The promise of more eGate access for British travellers sounded dramatic, but the practical picture was narrower. Faster processing at some airports was possible, yet the legal status of UK travellers at the EU border and the underlying entry rules were not being rewritten.
The EU is introducing two new border management tools that will change how visitors travel to Europe: ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System. Both strengthen European security, but they operate in very different ways.
The EU's long-delayed border overhaul is moving again, but with a major concession. To avoid severe queues, some travellers at busy checkpoints may initially be waved through without full biometric registration.
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has sparked widespread confusion among travellers. From insurance requirements to visa myths and data privacy concerns — here is what you really need to know before crossing EU borders.
Non-EU travellers are being warned about fake ETIAS websites exploiting confusion around upcoming EU border changes. Here is what ETIAS and EES actually mean, when the rules take effect, and how to protect yourself from scams.
The EU is upgrading how Schengen external borders work, including the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). If you travel visa-free, these changes will shape border checks and advance screening.