In February 2024, IATA described EES and ETIAS as a major operational change for airlines, not just a policy update for travellers. The industry body focused on system scope, manual checks and transition periods that could complicate boarding decisions.
Popular destinations across Europe are no longer relying on tourist taxes alone. In 2024, cities are combining access rules, transport restrictions, visitor caps and digital campaigns to reduce pressure on residents, heritage sites and public infrastructure.
ABTA used a high-attendance webinar with EU officials to help travel businesses understand the next wave of Europe border changes. The message was that preparation had to cover both customer advice and operational pressure at key UK-EU crossing points.
The European Union operates interconnected large-scale IT systems that enable member states to share critical information on borders, asylum, and law enforcement, creating an integrated security ecosystem.
The EU's new Entry/Exit System will introduce biometric border checks for many non-EU visitors. Here is what changes, why delays are a concern, and how travelers can prepare before ETIAS follows.
ABTA used an early 2024 webinar announcement to underline how significant EES and ETIAS would be for UK travel businesses. The immediate priority was to get accurate information from the agencies building the systems before customer confusion spread.
The JHA Information Exchange Working Party plays a crucial role in coordinating the exchange of justice and home affairs information across the European Union, ensuring secure and efficient data sharing between member states.
The EU’s Working Party on JHA Information Exchange (IXIM) helps shape how member states manage, share and improve information in the fields of justice and home affairs. Its work supports interoperability, legislative coordination and the effective use of major EU information systems.
Passengers arriving in the UK may soon pass border control without showing a passport, as airports prepare to deploy facial recognition technology designed to make arrivals faster and more seamless.
When the EU Entry/Exit System takes effect, British passport holders will for the first time need to provide biometric data at European borders. This article, written in late 2023, previews what the new checks will require and what the processing challenges could look like at key UK departure points.