The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has raised concerns about the potential negative impact of the European Entry Exit System (EES) on tourism across Europe in 2026. According to the council, border processing delays linked to the new system may put up to 41 million visitor arrivals at risk, alongside a possible $45 billion reduction in tourism revenue.
Reports indicate that travelers crossing into Europe could experience waiting times at border controls of up to three hours. These longer processing periods are associated with the implementation of the EES, which affects the flow of visitors entering the Schengen Area.
The warning was issued by the WTTC in early June 2026, underscoring the significance of the delays for the continent’s tourism sector. Travelers should be aware of the potential for extended waiting periods at European borders, which may challenge the usual pace of visitor arrivals during the year.
