'Hundreds' of Abta members still seeking 'clarity' on new EU border rules

The association said many members wanted “clarity” about the roll-out, currently scheduled for 10 November, and confirmed it has already held two calls about EES this year.

Between 80 to 90 members normally join its monthly calls, making the recent video conference call on EES the best attended Abta has ever held.

In addition, Abta will put on two coach trips for members to the Port of Dover in October and November to see how the port is preparing for the roll-out.

EES is a new electronic system that will replace the physical passport stamping when crossing external EU borders, such as the UK’s with the Schengen area post-Brexit.

However, last month, national press reports reports stated several EU member states had told the bloc they were not ready to implement the measures.

Speaking at the 2024 Abta Convention in Costa Navarino, Luke Petherbridge, Abta’s director of public affairs, said he hoped to organise a third coach trip to Dover in the coming weeks to meet demand from members for information about EES. 

Asked why Abta had chosen Dover over other ports and airports around the UK, Petherbridge said: “Eurotunnel has been quite public about what their preparations are and that is our main entry point into Europe. The Port of Dover has been excellent with how engaged they have been.

“People have really detailed questions about EES. It’s really important to them.”