More than one in three put off European holidays because of EU Entry/Exit System

11 August 2026

  • Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals that more than one in three (34%) UK adults say that the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has put them off travel to Europe. *
  • The member-owned business also found that over two-fifths (41%) are put off travelling to the EU due to the long delays at passport control.
  • Meanwhile, of those who have experienced the Entry/Exit System, almost a quarter (23%) say they’ve missed flights, connecting flights or ferry departures due to delays.
  • In addition, almost one in six (16%) say that they will be choosing a non-EU destination as a result of concerns about border delays.

Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance found that more than one in three (34%) UK adults have been put off European holidays because of the EU Entry/Exit System.

The member-owned organisation’s findings also reveal that the EES has led more than two-fifths (43%) of those who have experienced the new digital border system to reconsider future trips to EU destinations.

Whilst the EES aimed to modernise the process of going through passport control, more than two-fifths (41%) have been dissuaded from travelling to the EU due to the long delays at the border. Pertinently, amid the summer holidays, more than one in eight (13%) are discouraged from EU trips by the impact that delays would have on their children.

The digital border control system was introduced in April to remove the need for manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, entering the Schengen Area.

On first entry, travellers need to provide fingerprints and a facial photo at a border kiosk or booth, which could mean the border control process takes slightly longer. Thereafter, entry and exit dates, location and biometric data are stored for three years.

However, many holidaymakers have faced delays at passport control as a result of the EES, and of those who have experienced the new border system, almost a quarter (23%) say that they’ve missed flights, connecting flights or ferry departures as a result of the delays.

Meanwhile, more than a fifth (20%) say they've experienced significant stress or anxiety about potentially missing their flight, with almost one in six (16%) stating that they’ve found issues with the biometric checks.

The EES has already had a profound effect on holidaymakers’ travel plans, with almost one in six (16%) saying that they will choose a non-EU destination for future holidays as a result of concerns over delays, while 8% state that they are cancelling their holiday abroad this year and waiting until the EES is working properly.

In addition, more than one in three (34%) are planning to arrive at the airport earlier as a result of concerns about border delays, while almost a quarter (23%) will only travel outside peak holiday periods to avoid delays.

What’s more, one in seven (14%) plan to research digital border waiting times and choose an EU holiday destination based on this.

Nevertheless, the member-owned Co-op Insurance is encouraging travellers to ensure they familiarise themselves with the new border system and allow extra time before their flight or ferry departure if they're travelling through the EU Entry/Exit System, as delays may be possible.

Ellis German, Head of Travel at Co-op Insurance said:

“With summer holidays upon us, it's important that travellers are aware of the changes introduced by the EU's Entry/Exit System so they can plan their trips accordingly.

“Our research suggests that the EES roll out has put a significant number of people in the UK off European holidays, with many concerned about the potential for long delays at passport control.

“We recognise that many may be apprehensive about the new border system, and we are, therefore, encouraging holidaymakers heading to EU destinations this summer to familiarise themselves with what to expect from the border system and allow as much time as possible before their flight or ferry departure.”

Find out more about Co-op Travel Insurance

-ENDS-

Notes to editor

Research based on 2,000 nationally representative UK adults, aged 18+ carried out between 22nd and 24th July 2026.

*34% of UK adult population (53,188,204) = 18,083,989

Reasons why the EES has put UK adults off travel to EU countries

  1. Long queues/delays at passport control
  2. Additional stress
  3. Complexity
  4. Having my biometrics on file
  5. Impact of delays on elderly relatives who we would be travelling with
  6. Impact of delays on our children

For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op: Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by around 7.2 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.