UK holidaymakers planning their summer trips to Europe are being warned to prepare for extended border checks until later this year. The delays are due to the postponement of the launch of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry and Exit System (EES).
Instead of a swift digital process, holidaymakers will have to step out of their vehicles at the border for biometric checks. This will involve fingerprinting and facial scans.
Doug Bannister, the Port of Dover’s chief executive, has revealed that these biometric checks will be conducted manually until at least November 2025. The manual border checks will affect anyone entering the Schengen Area by car or bus.
The eagerly anticipated EES was set to improve border control by replacing traditional passport stamping with a digital biometric method. However, the EU has postponed the launch of its verification application due to some developmental challenges.
Bannister has stated that the app will not be ready until at least November 2025. After that, the EES should be fully operational, reports Wales Online.
The biometric checks are part of the EU’s long-awaited efforts to modernise its borders. However, recent updates suggest that key elements of the process will not be ready in time for the initial launch.
In a bid to alleviate delays, the Port of Dover has reclaimed 13 hectares of land for passengers to exit their vehicles for inspections. This additional space should aid in managing traffic flow during the forthcoming peak summer travel season.
Until the EES is implemented, all UK travellers must undergo the following checks at EU borders:
- During the initial trip, fingerprints and facial images will be taken.
- Passport numbers will be electronically connected to biometric information.
- For future trips, this data will be checked to allow entry.
- Manual stamping of passports will persist, which will increase processing times.
Even frequent travellers will need to leave their vehicles for verification on each visit until the process is automated. To avoid delays and frustration during peak travel periods, UK tourists are advised to arrive at ports and borders well ahead of time, especially at Dover.
They should also brace themselves for lengthy queues and be prepared to exit vehicles for inspections. All necessary documents, including valid passports and required travel paperwork, should be readily available.
If travelling in groups, ensure everyone is familiar with the procedure to minimise confusion. Additionally, keep abreast of updates from the Port of Dover or EU travel advisory websites.
Once registered, returning travellers will be identified using their biometric information and passport number, allowing automatic tracking of their stay duration in the Schengen zone. However, until the pre-registration app is operational, biometric data will only be collected at the border, potentially causing delays, particularly at busy land crossings.
