A new WTTC study warns that prolonged border queues linked to Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) could jeopardize up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in tourism spending. The research shows that one-third of travelers may avoid the Schengen Area if border delays regularly exceed three hours.
New research shows prolonged queues could divert millions of travelers to competing destinations
Madrid, Spain – New research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warns that prolonged border delays linked to the rollout of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk across the Schengen Area.
The analysis, based on a survey of more than 2,500 travelers from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia, found that if travelers face regular border waits of three to four hours when entering the Schengen Area, around one-third would become significantly less likely to visit Europe or would choose alternative destinations overall.
Applying these findings to 2026 visitor forecasts suggests that up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending could be at risk should lengthy border queues become a persistent feature of the travel experience.
The findings highlight a critical challenge for European destinations as they prepare for the implementation of EES. While travelers broadly support stronger, more modern border controls, their willingness to travel declines sharply when faced with the prospect of long and unpredictable waits. The research underscores how ineffective queue management at border crossing points can directly undermine the overall visitor experience and damage destination competitiveness.
Among respondents, 39% of UK travelers said they would be much less likely to travel if faced with delays of three hours or more. This compares with 33% of travelers from both the United States and Canadaetc 27% from Australia.
Strong Support for Modern Border Controls
Despite concerns about potential delays, the research revealed strong support for EES and digital border modernization.
After learning about the system, 65% of expressed expressed support for EESwhile only 6% reported strongly negative views towards biometric border controls.
Travelers identified several key benefits, including:
- Stronger border security (57%)
- Faster processing on future trips (52%)
- Greater confidence in border controls (43%)
However, awareness of the new system remains low. More than half of respondents (55%) said they had heard little or nothing about EES, while 49% admitted they did not know what would be required of them when entering or exiting the Schengen Area.
WTTC Calls for Action to Minimize Disruption
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said:
“The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernizing Europe’s borders and strengthening security. Our research clearly shows that travelers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver.
“As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems. The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the Travel & Tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.
“The good news is that solutions already exist. By making greater use of digital pre-registration tools, improving traveler communications and ensuring operational readiness at border crossing points, Europe can reduce friction and deliver the seamless experience travelers expect.”
To support a successful rollout, WTTC is encouraging European governments and border authorities to prioritize three key actions:
Accelerate Digital Pre-Registration
Member States should speed up adoption of the Travel to Europe app and other digital pre-registration tools, enabling travelers to complete key steps before arrival and reducing pressure at border checkpoints.
Improve Traveler Communications
A coordinated information campaign is needed across major source markets, particularly the UK, US, Canada and Australia. Clear, step-by-step guidance should be provided through airlines, airports, travel agents, tour operators and destination partners to ensure travelers understand what is required before departure.
Ensure operational readiness
Border crossing points must be fully prepared for implementation, with functioning equipment, adequate staffing and streamlined processing procedures. WTTC also recommends measures that minimize duplication for travelers who have already provided biometric information through visa processes.
Travelers Want EES to Succeed
The research suggests travelers are not opposed to the new system itself. In fact, 87% of respondents said they would accept some disruption during implementation if it ultimately results in smoother future travel.
Most travelers prefer to improve the system when problems arise rather than abandon it altogether.
The findings indicate that with the right combination of technology, communication and operational preparedness, Europe can successfully modernize its borders while preserving the seamless visitor experience that has long been central to its appeal as a global destination.
World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the Travel & Tourism sector globally.
Key Survey Findings
- 65% support EES after learning about it
- 55% have little or no awareness of EES
- 49% do not know what will be required of them when traveling
- Only 6% are very negative towards biometric border controls
- 87% are willing to accept some disruption if future travel becomes smoother
- 33% would avoid traveling to the Schengen Area if queues regularly exceed three hours
Source: GSIQ European Entry/Exit System Consumer Research Study, May 2026. Data based on a survey of 2,512 international travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
