The EU’s proposed Entry/Exit System (EES) is due to be implemented by October this year, but what will its impact be on UK travellers?
What is the EES?
The EES is a proposed automated IT system for registering travellers from non-EU countries (which now of course includes the UK) each time they cross a border in or out of the EU.
This scheme will replace the current system of manually stamping passports, instead getting travellers to scan their passports or other travel documents at automated self-service kiosks before crossing borders.
As well as taking passport details, automated barriers at borders will take and store biometric data including fingerprints and facial images.
The system will operate at the Port of Dover, and Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals in the UK.
Delays to its Introduction
The introduction of EES has faced continuous delays. It was originally scheduled for 2022, before being pushed back to May 2023 then again to the end of 2023. It has now been pushed back even further, due to be introduced by late 2024.
However, Jack Steer, at the start of March this year, director of Port Operations at P&O Ferries told parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee:
“I genuinely believe that October 2024 is too early.”
Therefore, we very well may see the introduction of EES pushed back even further.
Disruption Concerns
It was hoped that an app developed by the EU would allow passengers to register fingerprints and a photo remotely to prevent long queues for people travelling from the UK.
However, the EES is now set to launch before the app has been released, as the app is not due to be ready in time, meaning initial registration for passengers will have to take place at stations.
There are fears that the time taken for people to complete this initial registration will cause long queues at the Port of Dover and at Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals.
The European Scrutiny Committee has been warned by Ashford Borough Council that the EU’s proposed EES scheme could cause queues of 14 hours or more at the Port of Dover. The Council added that this level of disruption to the Port of Dover (a vital Channel crossing point) is likely to have knock-on effects, hindering traffic flows throughout the area. This could create large queues across the A20 and M20 which could then block access to staff and tourists trying to access Eurotunnel in Folkestone.
“Queues of more than 14 hours; vehicles backed up along major roads; businesses starved of footfall: this evidence paints an alarming picture of the possible risks surrounding the Entry-Exit System’s implementation.
“Clearly, this policy could have a very serious impact, not only for tourists and travel operators but also for local businesses. I implore decision makers on both sides of the Channel to take note of this evidence.
“The scheme is due to be implemented in October this year; the clock is ticking, and these issues must be urgently addressed.” – Sir William Cash, Chair of the European Scrutiny Committee