Two Thirds of UK Adults unaware of new EU digital border launch later in year

19 April 2024

  • New Co-op research shows almost two thirds of UK adults unaware of new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) scheduled to launch later this year

  • Over 1 in 5 UK adults admit they would be ‘put off’ travelling to Europe as a result of the new system, which requires fingerprints and facial scans to be taken from UK travellers on first use

  • With over a quarter of holidaymakers citing ‘getting through security’ as most stressful part of travelling, Co-op Insurance is encouraging travellers to familiarise themselves with the new rules ahead of planned October launch

Following confirmation that the EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES) will launch in October this year, new research from Co-op Insurance worryingly highlights that almost two thirds (63%) of UK adults aren’t aware of the changes ahead.

And whilst travelling to Europe is popular for many UK residents due to the convenience it can offer, nearly a quarter of Brits (22%) said they would be ‘put off’ visiting the continent due to the system.

The changes, which will see the introduction of a ‘digital border’ between EU/Schengen Area countries and those outside, are 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 launch.

Thereafter, holidaymakers have been assured that subsequent trips would involve quicker processing, with data already captured and remaining in the system for three years following an individual’s last trip to a country using the EES system. After this time, and for data protection purposes, data will be erased from the system, with each new visit triggering another three years of validity, until the expiry date of the passport.

However, of those ‘put off’ by the new process, just under half (46%) said they didn’t like the idea of their details being captured and remaining in the system for up to three years, whilst almost two fifths (38%) said the potential for ‘long delays at border control’ would make them think twice.

And while going on holiday is a way for people to unwind and switch off, for some it can trigger the opposite, with the process of getting through security at the airport cited as the most stressful part of going on holiday (27%), followed by the feeling of forgetting something (26%) and meeting luggage allowances and weight (24%).

Furthermore, when asked specifically about the impact of going through airport security, alongside feelings of being ‘stressed’ (23%), 19% said they felt ‘anxious’, with 18% feeling ‘nervous’.

With the latest data from Co-op Insurance showing a 70%* increase in the number of EU travel insurance policies sold already this year, the member-owned business is encouraging travellers to familiarise themselves with these changes, which look to come into effect in early October.

Graham Ward-Lush, Head of Travel at Co-op Insurance, commented: “As these new changes to airport security launch, it’s important for travellers to be aware of what to expect so they can plan accordingly.

“Going on holiday is a great way for people to take a break and unwind, however, as our research shows, there can be an added stress that comes with travelling to your destination, as travellers navigating the fast pace that comes with being in an airport and following the various processes in place.

“From our data, we can see that 2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for travel and so we want to make sure holidaymakers are well prepared so that they can ensure their trips are stress free.”

At Co-op Insurance, members can benefit from exclusive prices, and for a limited period, can save even more off their travel insurance. Between now and August 31st 2024, Co-op Insurance is giving members 10% off their travel insurance policies, with the discount valid for the lifetime of the policy.

For more information visit https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/travel-insurance

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Research based on 2005 UK Adults, aged 18+

  • Based on Co-op Insurance data for the period of Jan-March 2024 inclusive vs Jan-March 2023 inclusive

For more information, please contact: pressoffice@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 almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing 56,000 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.