Travel troubles: More than 15 million put off European holidays because of new EU digital border
23 September 2025
- Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals that 15 million (29%) UK adults would be put off travel to Europe because of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launching on 12 October. *
- The member-owned business also found that almost two-thirds (60%) are unaware that the new EU digital border is set to be introduced.
- Meanwhile, when it comes to the overall experience of airport checks, almost one in five (18%) say that going through airport security makes them feel ‘stressed’.
- Co-op Insurance is encouraging travellers heading to the EU to familiarise themselves with the new rules ahead of the launch of the new Entry/Exit System.
New research commissioned by Co-op Insurance has found that more than 15 million adults in the UK would be put off European holidays because of the new EU digital border launching on 12th October.
The member-owned business’ findings also revealed that almost two-thirds (60%) of UK adults are unaware that the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced next month.
The EES is the new digital border control system that’s designed to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, entering the Schengen Area.
Whilst the EES aims to speed up the process of going through airport checks, a significant proportion say that they would be ‘put off’ travelling to Europe as a result of the new digital border.
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 is stored for three years.
Indeed, of those who would be ‘put off’ travelling to EU countries, more than a third (34%) say that they don’t like the idea of having their biometrics on file, whilst one in 10 (10%) in the UK would be deterred by the potential for long delays at the border.
Indeed, just over one in five (22%) of those who would be ‘put off’ are concerned that it would mean less time to relax at the airport.
The prospect of less time relaxing at the airport could exacerbate the nervousness that passengers already have about airport checks, with almost one in five (18%) say that going through security makes them feel ‘stressed’, whilst one in six (16%) are left feeling anxious.
Currently, almost one in seven (13%) UK adults go to Europe three or more times a year but given how many would be ‘put off’ doing so by the EES, it could have a profound impact on demand for travel to EU countries.
Nevertheless, the member-owned Co-op Insurance is encouraging travellers to familiarise themselves with the changes that the new system will bring so that they can ensure that their airport experience is as smooth as possible.
Ellis German, Head of Travel at Co-op Insurance said: s "Ahead of the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System, it’s important that travellers are aware of the changes so that they can plan their travel plans accordingly.
"Our research suggests that most people in the UK are unaware of the introduction of the digital border system with some feeling apprehensive about how the changes will impact their travel plans.
"However, we are encouraging holidaymakers heading to EU countries after October 12th to familiarise themselves with the new border system so that they are well prepared for their trip and enjoy a smooth airport experience."
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-ENDS-
Notes to the editor
Research based on 2,000 nationally representative UK adults, aged 18+ carried out between 12th and 16th September 2025.
- UK adult population according to YouGov = 53,188,204 - 29% = 15,424,579
Reasons why the EES would put UK adults off travel to EU countries 1. Don’t like the idea of having my biometrics on file 2. Additional stress 3. Long delays at the border 4. Costs of obtaining a Euro visa 5. Complexity 6. Less time to relax at the airport
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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 2,300 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 4,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.
Employing almost 55,000 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.
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