In Brief: The European hospitality industry faces a potential decline in visitor arrivals, with estimates suggesting up to 41 million tourists could be deterred, should border delays under the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) extend to three hours.
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Up to 41 Million European Visitor Arrivals at Risk if EES Border Delays Reach Three Hours – Image Credit WTTC
New research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warns that prolonged border delays linked to the rollout of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk from four of Europe’s most important source markets.
The analysis, based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia, found that if travellers face regular border waits of three to four hours when entering the Schengen Area, around one-third would become much less likely to travel to Schengen or would choose not to visit at all.
Applying these findings to 2026 visitor forecasts suggests that up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in spending could be at risk should significant delays become a persistent feature of the traveller experience.
The findings highlight a critical challenge for European destinations as they introduce EES. While travellers broadly support stronger, more modern border controls, their willingness to visit Europe declines sharply when faced with the prospect of lengthy and unpredictable queues. This underscores how ineffective queue management at border crossing points can have a direct negative impact on the overall traveller experience.
Among respondents, 39% of UK travellers said they would be much less likely to travel with a three hour or greater delay scenario, followed by 33% of travellers from both the United States and Canada, and 27% from Australia.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said:
“The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernising Europe’s borders and strengthening security. Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver.
As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems. The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the Travel & Tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.
The good news is that solutions already exist. By making greater use of digital pre-registration tools, improving traveller communications and ensuring operational readiness at border crossing points, Europe can reduce friction and deliver the seamless experience travellers expect.”
While the scenario analysis highlights the potential consequences of disruption, the research also found strong underlying support for EES. Sixty-five per cent of respondents support the system after learning about it, and only 6% are very negative towards the use of biometric border controls.
Travellers identified stronger border security (57%), quicker processing on future trips (52%) and greater confidence in border controls (43%) as the system’s most important benefits.
However, awareness remains low. More than half of travellers (55%) have heard little or nothing about EES, while 49% do not know what will be required of them when entering or exiting the Schengen Area.
To support a successful rollout, WTTC is calling for three priority actions:
- Member States should accelerate adoption of the Travel to Europe appfordigital pre-registration.
- A coordinated communication campaign is needed across key source markets particularly the UK, US, Australia and Canada. Clear step by step guidance should be providedtoairlines, airports, travel agents, tour operators and destination partners sothattravellers understand exactly what is required before they travel.
- Member States must ensure operational readiness across all border crossing points. This includes fully functioning equipment, sufficient staffing levels and measures to streamline processing wherever possible, including for travellers who have already provided biometric data through visa procedures.
The research demonstrates that travellers want EES to succeed. Most respondents favour adopting and improving implementation if disruption occurs, rather than abandoning the system altogether. The findings suggest that with the right combination of technology, communication and operational preparedness, Europe can realise the benefits of modern digital borders while maintaining a positive visitor experience.
Key Survey Findings
- 65% support EES after learning about it
- 55% have little or no awareness of EES
- 49% do not know what will be required of them when travelling
- Only 6%are verynegativetowardsbiometric border controls
- 87% are willing to accept some disruption if future travel becomes smoother
- 33% wouldavoid theSchengenareaif queues regularly exceed three hours
Source: GSIQ European Entry/Exit System Consumer Research Study, May 2026. Data based on 2,512 international travellers across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
