Immigration Controls: EU Countries
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what amount of funding was allocated to public awareness campaigns on the EU Entry Exit System prior to its implementation.
Answered by Alex Norris
The Government has been working to prepare UK citizens, ports and carriers for the introduction of the EU’s new digital border system. EES is an EU‑owned system, introduced by the European Union and its Member States as part of their external border reforms, and its design, delivery and implementation timetable are determined by the EU.
Last year, the Government launched public communications to raise awareness of the new border checks among British travellers. Travellers are advised to check with their operator and follow the latest advice on www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system, which may include allowing extra time for entry and exit processing when travelling to Europe and returning to the UK.
Communications and engagement activities included public guidance on GOV.UK (available since 2024), sustained national and international media coverage and delivery of communications on government and transport stakeholder channels, including airports and travel agents.
The Government commissions research to inform public communications campaigns but does not publish internal polling or findings, as this could undermine the integrity of future research.
The UK Government continues to engage the European Commission and member states to encourage a pragmatic approach to EES that minimises disruption now that it is fully operational.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →