As the summer holiday season peaks, an estimated 2.2 million Britons are set to travel abroad this weekend, with Spain emerging as the most popular destination. Amidst this surge, concerns have been raised regarding the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES), prompting calls for its suspension to prevent travel chaos.
Peak Holiday Season Sees Increased Travel
From Friday through Monday, families across the UK are seizing the opportunity to jet off on their summer breaks, coinciding with the start of the school holidays. The Liberal Democrats have voiced their apprehensions over the EES, a system that has faced criticism for its operational shortcomings. Calum Miller, the party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, highlighted the pressing need for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to engage with EU leaders and request a suspension of the system until at least September.
“The chaotic and malfunctioning border system should not penalise holidaymakers and hauliers alike,” Miller stated at Heathrow Airport on Friday. He emphasised that the Prime Minister must act swiftly to mitigate the potential disruptions caused by the EES, which requires non-EU travellers to register upon arrival, including biometric data capture.
The EES: A Source of Frustration
Since its full implementation in April, the EES has been met with significant criticism. While border police have occasionally relaxed its requirements during periods of extreme delays, many travellers continue to face long queues, with some missing their flights altogether. Miller condemned the situation, asserting that the Brexit deal has exacerbated the difficulties faced by millions of Britons, risking their holiday plans due to a “broken” EU border system.
Travel association Abta has confirmed that Spain will attract the highest number of travellers this weekend, with Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Turkey also being popular choices. Abta’s chief executive, Mark Tanzer, advised holidaymakers to allow ample time for their journeys, noting that many will encounter the EES for the first time.
Mixed Responses from European Nations
Interestingly, Greece has indicated that it will not impose the additional biometric checks on UK nationals, who represent a significant portion of its non-EU tourists. Conversely, France has encountered technical issues with its border systems, resulting in automated booths being inoperative. This inconsistency has raised further concerns about the efficiency of the EES and its implications for travellers.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has engaged in discussions with EU commissioners and French counterparts to address these issues. A government representative acknowledged the challenges posed by the new EES checks, stating that while it is primarily an EU responsibility, the UK government is striving to ensure a smooth travel experience for its citizens this summer.
Preparations for Increased Traffic
As the port of Dover braces for its busiest days of the summer, with expectations of over 10,000 additional cars on the roads, the situation remains fluid. So far, traffic has been manageable, with waiting times fluctuating between 10 and 40 minutes. Importantly, French border police have opted not to enforce fingerprinting or photographing of car travellers, facilitating smoother passage at ferry ports and the Eurotunnel.
EasyJet has called for an extension of the temporary suspension of the EES until the end of October, highlighting the ongoing anxieties surrounding return travel for UK citizens. The airline’s appeal underscores the widespread concern about the potential for delays and complications resulting from the current border measures.
Why it Matters
The ongoing debate surrounding the EES reflects broader tensions stemming from Brexit and its impact on travel between the UK and EU. As millions prepare for their holidays, the government’s ability to address these border issues effectively will be crucial in shaping public perception and maintaining trust in the travel system. With the holiday season already marred by uncertainty, immediate action is essential to ensure that Britons can enjoy their summer getaways without the looming spectre of border delays.
