Europe Urged to Simplify Travel for Global Visitors

Industry Calls for Easier European Travel

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released a report on October 9, 2026, from its summit in Valletta, Malta, urging European governments to prioritize simpler travel procedures. The organization emphasizes that making travel easier for non-EU visitors is crucial for Europe to maintain its position as a leading global tourist destination, especially with new systems like EES fully operational and ETIAS on the horizon.

The report, titled "Travel & Tourism in Europe: A Deep Dive Into Growth, Outlook, and Policy," highlights that policy decisions made now will significantly influence the future growth of tourism across the continent, advocating for faster digital visas and enhanced border efficiency.

Enhancing Schengen Visa Accessibility

A key recommendation from the WTTC focuses on improving the Schengen visa application process. The report notes a significant decline in the issuance of multiple-entry visas, which allow travelers multiple visits during their validity. In 2025, 5.3 million multiple-entry visas were issued, representing a 40% decrease compared to 2019. The share of these visas also dropped from 59% in 2019 to 51.7% in 2025.

The WTTC advocates for reversing this trend to encourage repeat visits. Additionally, the organization urges an acceleration of the digital Schengen visa rollout, which is envisioned to allow online applications and digital visa issuance, currently projected around 2030.

Streamlining Border Entry with EES and ETIAS

The report also addresses the impact of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The EES became fully operational on April 10, 2026, electronically recording entries and exits for non-EU nationals using biometrics, replacing passport stamps at the borders of 29 participating European countries.

While acknowledging the security benefits of EES and ETIAS (expected to launch in early 2027 with a €20 fee, though not yet officially confirmed), the WTTC expresses concerns about implementation challenges such as long lines and delays. It calls for efforts to ensure smooth border crossings and even suggests exploring an EU-wide trusted traveler program similar to the US Global Entry to expedite processing for pre-screened individuals.