The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has raised concerns that the implementation of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could result in a significant decline in visitor numbers in 2026. According to WTTC’s early June 2026 analysis, border delays arising from the new system may lead to the loss of up to 41 million visitors across Europe.
These concerns specifically relate to extended processing times at Schengen borders. The EES is expected to increase entry control durations as travelers undergo the updated verification procedures. WTTC’s study warns that these delays could cause wait times at border checkpoints to exceed three
hours in some cases, potentially disrupting tourism flows throughout the region.
