Aussies may face longer queues and additional processing times at airports and border crossings as Europe prepares to introduce a major new digital system.
That’s the warning following new research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The organisation says that prolonged delays linked to the rollout of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put up to 41 million visitor arrivals and billions in tourism spending at risk across four key international source markets, including Australia.
The EES is designed to replace traditional passport stamping for visitors from outside the European Union travelling into the Schengen Area.
Instead of manual passport checks, travellers will have their passport details recorded electronically, along with biometric information including facial images and fingerprints, when entering and leaving participating European countries.
While the system is expected to make travel more secure and efficient in the long term, the WTTC research has raised concerns that the transition period could create significant disruption if border systems are unable to cope with demand.
For Australian travellers, the impact is most likely to be felt when arriving in Europe, particularly at major gateway airports during busy holiday periods.
Australians have traditionally enjoyed visa-free travel to much of Europe for short stays but under the new system they will need to complete the additional biometric registration process when entering the Schengen Area.
“The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernising Europe’s borders and strengthening security,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO.
“Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver.”
However, she said the focus now needed to be on ensuring the rollout worked smoothly for both travellers and the tourism industry.
“As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems,” Ms Guevara said.
“The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the travel and tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.”
Australia remains one of Europe’s most important long-haul tourism markets, with hundreds of thousands of travelling each year to destinations including France, Italy, Spain and Greece.
The best advice for Aussie travellers is to plan ahead and allow extra time when arriving in Europe, especially on a first entry into the Schengen Area.
Those with connecting flights may also need to consider longer immigration processing times when planning itineraries.
Airlines and travel operators are expected to monitor the rollout closely, with the industry hoping early challenges can be resolved quickly as border officials and passengers become familiar with the new technology.
