A new study commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that prolonged border delays associated with the implementation of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could place up to 41 million visitor arrivals and an estimated $45.4 billion in tourism spending at risk.
The research, which surveyed more than 2,500 travellers from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, found that lengthy waiting times at border entry points could significantly discourage travel to the Schengen Area.
According to the findings, nearly one third of respondents indicated they would be much less likely to visit Schengen countries if they consistently experienced border delays of three to four hours. Some travellers stated they would avoid the region altogether under such circumstances.
Applying these survey results to projected tourism figures for 2026, WTTC estimates that up to 41 million visitor arrivals and approximately $45.4 billion in visitor spending could be jeopardized if prolonged delays become a regular feature of the travel experience. The report states a growing challenge for European destinations as authorities roll out the EES, a digital border management system designed to strengthen security and modernize immigration procedures. While most travellers support the initiative, many expressed concerns about the possibility of lengthy and unpredictable queues.
Among the surveyed markets, travellers from the United Kingdom showed the highest level of concern, with 39 percent saying they would be much less likely to travel if delays exceeded three hours. This was followed by travellers from the United States and Canada at 33 percent each, while 27 percent of Australian respondents expressed similar concerns.
Speaking on the findings, WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer, Gloria Guevara, described the EES as a significant step toward improving Europe’s border management system. “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,” she said.
Guevara acknowledged that challenges are inevitable during the implementation phase but added that the focus should be on ensuring a smooth rollout rather than questioning the system itself. She also added that practical solutions already exist, including wider use of digital pre-registration tools, improved communication with travellers, and enhanced operational preparedness at border crossing points. Despite concerns over delays, the survey revealed strong support for the new system.
About 65 percent of respondents said they support EES after learning more about it, while only 6 percent expressed strong opposition to biometric border controls. Travellers identified stronger border security, faster processing during future trips, and increased confidence in border management as the system’s key benefits.
However, awareness remains relatively low. More than half of respondents admitted they had heard little or nothing about the Entry/Exit System, while nearly half were unsure about the procedures they would need to follow when entering or leaving the Schengen Area.
To ensure a successful rollout, WTTC has urged European member states to accelerate adoption of the Travel to Europe digital pre-registration platform, launch coordinated awareness campaigns across major source markets, and guarantee operational readiness at all border crossing points through adequate staffing and fully functional equipment. The council added that most travellers want the system to succeed and would prefer improvements to implementation rather than abandoning the initiative altogether.
According to WTTC, the findings demonstrate that with effective communication, advanced technology, and proper operational planning, Europe can achieve its goal of modernizing border controls while maintaining a positive and seamless visitor experience.
Key Findings of the Survey:
- 65% support EES after learning about it
- 55% have little or no awareness of the system.
- 49% do not know what will be required when travelling.
- Only 6% are strongly opposed to biometric border controls.
- 87% are willing to tolerate some disruption if future travel becomes smoother.
- 33% would avoid travelling to the Schengen Area if border queues regularly exceed three hours.