Letters: The Entry/Exit System cannot stop us visiting France

To the Editor,

I find myself in slight disagreement with the recent correspondent warning that the EU's new entry rules will drive UK tourists away from France

He suggests: “Maybe the EU bureaucrats would be better advised to secure their eastern and southern borders rather than deterring British citizens.”

In my view, the introduction of the EES has exactly the intention to secure the EU borders in any direction (eastern / southern and wherever).

The EES has not been implemented yet, but the policy has been in discussion since 2016.

Unfortunately, in the meantime the UK has taken the terrible decision of Brexit, with all the consequences this has created, including in respect of the EES.

In my opinion, for the UK economy itself, the EES will have even a greater impact on delay on freight.

Riccardo Rossetti, by email

Read more: How is France affected by delays to new EU border controls? 

To the Editor,

As last month’s letter-writer correctly said, the EU authorities should be concerned about illegal immigrants sneaking into the EU and not law-abiding tourists coming into the EU to spend money. 

Nor does the maximum of three months continuously in the entire Schengen Zone make sense for legitimate tourists. It is like Carrefour banning shoppers from coming more than once a week in case they spend too much money there.

Norman Linton, by email

Read more: November 10 start date for EES would have been 'utter carnage,' UK Lords told

To the Editor,

In response to Dennis Farrington’s letter questioning whether the long-awaited (but not eagerly anticipated) EU border checks will affect the number of British tourists coming to France, I would point out that they are being put in place to strengthen the needed security of these borders.

France has the largest tourist influx in the world annually, currently around 90 million per annum, and Paris is the most visited city in the world. 

What’s more, France’s resident population largely holiday at home. I doubt the France Tourism Development Agency will be overly worried.

Vance Whittall, Charente-Maritime

To the Editor,

For decades now, we have travelled to France with our caravan, travelling by French ferries, paying tolls, using sites all over France, consuming local produce and patronising many local restaurants and shops. Our average stay is five to six weeks.

Not in 2025, sadly. The EES promises to be total chaos and really not worth risking.

Hopefully we shall return in 2026 after it’s over but we shall stay away in 2025.

Peter Cartledge, Shropshire, UK

To the Editor,

We will continue to visit France each year. It is a wonderful country and nothing will stop us.

Tim Cadle, by email

Are you concerned by the prospect of the Entry/Exit System? Share your thoughts with us at letters@connexionfrance.com