The Foreign Office has addressed Aito’s worries over new EU entry rules.
- Aito hosted a webinar discussing the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) plans.
- Louise Nicholls from the FCDO provided updates on the EES schedule.
- Aito expressed relief but continued concerns over Etias implementations.
- The FCDO encouraged clear communication to prevent misinformation.
The Foreign Office has taken steps to address concerns raised by the Specialist Travel Association (Aito) regarding upcoming changes to EU travel rules. Significant focus was placed on the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been a source of anxiety for travel operators and agents affiliated with Aito.
During a recent webinar, attended by over 100 members, Louise Nicholls, diplomatic engagement lead with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), provided an update on the target launch date for the EES, expected on November 10. However, formal confirmation remains pending, awaiting readiness declarations from EU member states.
Aito members felt somewhat reassured by government lobbying efforts advocating for flexibility in the implementation of the EES. Christina Brazier, Aito’s head of industry affairs, emphasised the importance of sensibly easing measures during peak travel periods to prevent extensive border delays, underscoring the need for well-briefed border control staff.
Despite the reassurances, members still expressed substantial unease about the lack of clarity surrounding the system’s potential impact, particularly regarding peak travel times in the winter season affecting smaller ski resorts and the city break sector. Concerns also loom over the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) in 2025, which will necessitate pre-travel applications from UK visitors.
At this juncture, many operators are already booking holidays for 2025 without a confirmed rollout date or application process for Etias, contributing to apprehension within the industry. Nicholls acknowledged these frustrations, cautioning against misinformation from unofficial Etias websites, and highlighted the necessity for industry communication to focus primarily on EES for the time being.
Aito will continue liaising with the FCDO to mitigate concerns and keep its members informed.
