Britons Unaware of Upcoming EU Entry/Exit System, Survey Shows
A new survey reveals a significant lack of awareness among Britons about the upcoming European Union Entry/Exit System (EES), raising concerns about long queues and potential delays at airports in Europe. Um novo inquérito revela que muitos britânicos desconhecem o futuro Sistema de Entrada/Saída da União Europeia (SES), que substituirá a aposição manual de carimbos nos passaportes por controlos biométricos. The EES, set to launch in November 2024, will require fingerprint scans and facial recognition, aiming to improve security across EU borders.
However, this transition to biometric checks has sparked worries about processing times, particularly in locations that may not be fully prepared for the change. The survey, conducted by Co-op Insurance, found that 63% of UK respondents were unaware of the EES. This lack of knowledge coincides with anxieties expressed by French airport authorities regarding their ability to implement the system efficiently before the summer rush.
Foram manifestadas preocupações quanto a potenciais atrasos nos aeroportos devido ao novo sistema, which could significantly affect travel plans and the flow of tourists and business travelers alike. Adding to the travel woes is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected in May 2025. This separate requirement will necessitate Britons to obtain pre-approved travel authorisation for visits to popular European destinations.
An ETIAS permit will cost around €7, and all travellers planning to visit one or more of the 30 countries where the pass is applicable will have to pay to get one, with a couple of exceptions. Applicants over the age of 70 and minors (aged 18 or under) will be exempt from the fee. The list of countries that will require a valid ETIAS upon arrival includes popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
The UK Parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee has taken note of these developments and launched an inquiry into the EES, particularly its potential impact on UK borders. There is a specific focus on potential gridlock in Kent, a key entry point for travel to Europe. As November 2024 approaches, both travelers and authorities are urged to prepare for the changes to ensure a smooth transition to the new systems.
