Over half of older travellers are unaware of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) coming into force later this year, according to a new survey.
A survey commissioned by UK travel insurance provider, Staysure found a majority of adults over 45 are still in the dark about EES regulations.
It is a new automated system for registering third country (non-EU, including the UK) nationals each time they cross an EU external border. The system will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data and the date and place of entry and exit.
Due to the more onerous entry requirements, nearly one fifth (18%) of those who are aware of the new system are now reconsidering their winter sun travel plans, the poll found.
It requires travellers to scan their passports and travel documents at an automated self-service kiosk.
In addition to people not being aware of the EES, over half (54%) of 45-year-olds also didn’t realise that British tourists will be required to apply for a three-year visa when visiting one of the 33 Schengen area countries.
This includes holiday hotspots like Spain, France, Greece, Italy and Portugal.
As part of the EES authorisation process, travellers will need to provide personal information, details about their trip and pay a €7 fee to cross the border.
The concerns with the EES amongst those aware of it may already be impacting travel decisions.
When asked about where they might travel to in the next six months, England came out on top, with over a third (38%) planning a staycation.
However, many are still planning winter sun trips to Spain (20%), France (10%) and the Canary Islands (10%).
However, the survey found that almost a third (30%) have not yet taken out travel insurance.
Simon McCulloch, CCO at Staysure, said: “The new entry and exit system could potentially impact travellers when it comes into force in November and possibly put some people off EU travel in the short term.”
“It is important that travellers are aware of the potential for minor disruptions and plan accordingly. But we do not envisage the EES being a long-term problem for holidaymakers.
“The combination of comprehensive cover and planning for potential disruptions should give people the confidence to go wherever they wish to within the EU and beyond.”