ABTA Raises Concerns Over EU Entry/Exit System Implementation in Letter to European Commission

ABTA has written to the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration regarding challenges with the rollout of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), citing inconsistent use of contingency measures at border controls.

ABTA has sent a letter to Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, regarding the implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System. The letter, dated 4 February, references concerns from ABTA’s travel company members about inconsistent application of contingency measures by border authorities across the 29 European countries participating in the EES.

On 30 January, a European Commission spokesperson reminded participating countries that contingency measures are available to prevent long delays at passport control. ABTA’s letter supports this intervention, noting that some borders are not applying these measures, resulting in inconsistent experiences for travelers.

According to ABTA, the Commission should ensure clear and effective communication about the use of contingency measures to both member states and border authorities. ABTA states that it is important for border control staff to understand the rules and be aware that they can apply these measures as needed. The association also calls for the Commission to closely monitor the rollout of the EES, particularly as the number of passengers undergoing checks increases during busier travel periods.

ABTA reports that the underuse of contingency measures has led to passengers experiencing lengthy delays at passport control, disrupting onward travel plans. The contingency measures allow border authorities to suspend the system or limit the number or extent of checks to avoid significant disruption and large queues.

In response to a question from a French journalist, the Commission spokesperson noted that additional measures can be implemented as needed, particularly during the busy summer travel season. The EES is scheduled to be fully operational from 9th April, with contingency measures in place throughout the summer.

ABTA notes that passenger experiences with the EES have varied: some travelers have encountered no issues, while others have faced queues or technical problems. The association states that, in addition to using contingency measures, destinations and border authorities should improve planning for peak travel periods, which may include deploying additional border guards during peak periods.