More than 1 in 5 Brits would be put off European holidays because of new EU digital border system

06 September 2024

• Co-op Insurance research shows that over 1 in 5 (22%) of Brits would be put off travelling to places in Europe once new EU digital border system is introduced on November 10th

• 45% of those who would be put off by the new border system don’t like the idea of having biometrics data on file for three years, while 38% are concerned about long delays

• Ahead of the launch, the member-owned business is encouraging travellers to familiarise themselves with the changes

With the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) set to launch on November 10th, research from Co-op Insurance has found that the new border system will deter 1 in 5 (22%) Brits from travelling to Europe.

Those aged 44 and under are more likely to be put off going to Europe due to long delays at the border than those aged 45 and over, with over 1 in 4 (28%) 18-44-year-olds admitting the new system would dissuade them from travelling to the continent, compared to just 17% of over 45s.

Of those deterred, almost two-fifths (38%) said it was due to the potential long delays at border control caused by the new system. Indeed, such delays could serve to heighten the anxiety around getting through security, which Brits already say is the most stressful aspect of going on holiday.

When asked specifically about the impact of going through security at airports, alongside feelings of being ‘stressed’ (23%), one-fifth (19%) said they felt ‘anxious’, with 18% feeling ‘nervous’. 

The new EES, which will introduce a ‘digital border’ between EU/Schengen Area countries and those outside, is being brought in to replace the current manual stamping of passports and will see passengers agree to fingerprint and facial image capture the first time they arrive on the continent following the launch.

Once captured, biometrics data will then be kept on file for three years, which will speed up processing, thereafter. However, despite holidaymakers being assured of quicker processing, of those ‘put off’ by the new system, more than 45% admit they do not like the idea of having their fingerprint on file for three years, whilst just under a third are concerned about data protection.

In contrast, of those not put off by the EES, over one quarter (28%) actually welcome the changes that the new EU border system will bring about.

Currently, almost 1 in 8 (11%) Brits travel to Europe three times a year, with the latest data from Co-op Insurance showing a 15%* increase in the number of European travel insurance policies sold already this year.

As such, given how many would be ‘put off’ by it, the new EES could have a profound impact on the number of Brits travelling to Europe. Nevertheless, the member-owned business is encouraging travellers to familiarise themselves with the changes that the new system will bring to ensure that they can enjoy a smoother experience.

Charles Offord, Managing Director at Co-op Insurance, commented:

“Ahead of these border security changes, it’s important for travellers to be aware of what to expect so they can plan their journey accordingly.

“A holiday is often a much-needed way to relax and unwind, however, as our research shows, it can also bring challenges and stresses, particularly when it comes to travelling to your destination.

“Our data shows that many travellers are anxious about navigating the new Entry/Exit system, with many even deterred from travelling to the continent. However, most will not be put off from visiting, and we want to make sure holidaymakers heading to EU countries after November 10th are prepared for the changes so that they can make their trips as stress-free as possible.”

For details on Which? Best Buy-rated Co-op travel insurance, including both single and annual multi trip cover, or for further information on Co-op Insurance, visit https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance  

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Notes to the Editor

Research based on 2005 UK Adults, aged 18+

*Based on Co-op Insurance data for the period January-August 2024 v January-August 2023

The most stressful things about going on holiday

Rank	Stress
1.	Getting through security
2.	Feeling like they had forgotten something
3.	The weight of the suitcases

For more information please contact: 

Adam.stanworth@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.   Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.