A recent analysis by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) indicates that Europe could see a reduction of as many as 41 million visitor arrivals in 2026 if delays at border controls associated with the Entry/Exit System (EES) extend to three hours. This projection signals a significant potential disruption to visitor numbers across the continent.
Introduced to enhance border security, the new EES system has resulted in extended processing times at immigration points, which are now causing substantial delays. These hold-ups may negatively affect tourism by increasing wait times and complicating travel plans for incoming visitors.
WTTC’s warning emerged
in early June 2026 and has been featured by various travel news outlets including Hospitality Net, PAXnews.com, and Travel Agent Central. The council’s concern focuses on the impact that prolonged border processing could have on tourism flows in Europe, though it does not specify which countries might be most affected.
Travelers planning trips to Europe may experience longer queues at passport controls due to the EES, which could heighten the risk of disrupted itineraries. The situation remains under observation as authorities and tourism stakeholders examine ways to manage these challenges.
