UK borders prepare for new EU Entry/Exit System

UK border crossing points are spending millions preparing for the introduction of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals.

From 6 October, non-EU nationals will be required to provide biometric information when entering Europe’s Schengen area for a short stay (up to 90 days). The automated system will register the traveller’s fingerprints and captured facial images, replacing the manual stamping of passports. Travellers will also be required to answer questions about their trip.

In the UK, concerns are being raised about the potential for bottlenecks at English Channel crossings.

While air passengers will register the information at their destination airport, those exiting via the Port of Dover or the Tunnel will need to undergo the process on British soil.

Rail and sea connections

Eurotunnel, which operates vehicle shuttles through the Channel Tunnel, is spending €80 million (£68 million) on upgrades to its Coquelles and Folkestone terminals. These include dedicated control bays, biometric kiosks and dynamic site signage. Works to adapt the terminal in Folkestone are set to undergo testing in July. 

Eurostar, the cross-Channel train operator, has reportedly spent the equivalent of £8.5 million doubling the number of border control points in its departures area and installing dozens of kiosks around London’s St Pancras International station, where it is based. Simon Lejeune, Eurostar’s Chief Stations and Security Officer, told the BBC that people would not need to turn up any earlier for a train than they currently do. “With our set-up it will still be 45–90 minutes’ check-in time,” he said. “We’ve really planned intensely for this.”

Coach operators are particularly worried about lengthy delays. The Port of Dover has plans to build coach halls away from the main check-in areas, as well as new kiosks. Cars will be processed separately. The port’s chief executive, Doug Bannister, told the BBC its plans aimed to “minimise dwell times, queues and, of course, congestion out on the road network and throughout the town”.

Ultimately, according to the European Commission, the use of automated border control checks and self-service systems should be “quicker and more comfortable for the traveller”.

“EES will contribute to prevent irregular migration and help protect the security of European citizens,” said the Commission. “The new system will also help bona fide third-country nationals to travel more easily while also identifying more efficiently over-stayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud.”