New EU digital border could deter millions of UK travelers, study finds

A new EU digital border system could deter more than 15 million Britons from European holidays next year, a survey commissioned by Co-op Insurance shows. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to launch in October to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, entering the Schengen Area. The study found that 29% of UK adults would be put off traveling to Europe because of the new system, and 60% were not even aware that the changes were coming.

The EES is designed to speed up border checks by storing entry and exit data, biometric data, and travel dates. On first entry, travellers will be required to provide fingerprints and a facial photograph at a border kiosk or booth; from then on, border control may rely on the stored data for future movements. Data collected under the system will be kept for three years. The rollout is intended to streamline lines at busy crossings and enhance security, but initial waits at the point of entry could occur as travellers acquaint themselves with the new process.

According to the research, among those who would be deterred from EU travel, 34% say they don’t like the idea of having their biometrics on file. About one in ten UK residents would be discouraged by the prospect of longer delays at the border, while 22% fear the changes could shorten the time available to relax at the airport. The prospect of longer check-ins and security queues is already a source of anxiety for some travellers, with 18% saying going through security makes them feel stressed and 16% reporting anxiety.

Currently, roughly one in seven UK adults (13%) travel to Europe three or more times a year. If those plans were dampened by the EES, demand for travel to EU destinations could fall in ways that ripple through holiday bookings and related services. Ellis German, Head of Travel at Co-op Insurance, stressed the importance of awareness and planning: “Ahead of the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System, it's important that travellers are aware of the changes so that they can plan their travel plans accordingly. Our research suggests that most people in the UK are unaware of the introduction of the digital border system with some feeling apprehensive about how the changes will impact their travel plans.”

Officials say the system will be rolled out gradually at external borders of EU member states that participate in the EES, with full implementation targeted by April 10, 2026. The EU’s aim is to make crossings faster, more predictable, and more secure for travellers while reducing the need for stamping and paperwork at the border. In the meantime, holidaymakers heading to EU countries after October 12 are urged to familiarize themselves with the new border procedures to ensure a smoother airport experience.