Exit and entry system for Brits crossing Channel could finally get started
At the fifth time of asking....
Long-awaited plans for new checks on non-EU travellers will finally be introduced on a phased basis after the EU agreed a starting date in November.
The system for new biometric checks has been delayed several times. It was previously scheduled to begin in 2022, then May 2023, then late 2023, and then late 2024.
But that 2024 date was scrapped after several member states said they were not yet ready for their introduction.
The checks - known as the Entry/Exit System (EES) - involve non-EU travellers having to provide details about their journeys and also biometric data.
The costs of EES are estimated to be €480.2 million over four years according to the impact assessment of the EES Regulation.
Some £10.5m has been spent by the government on helping British ports prepare, a sum that includes £3.5 million for the Channel Tunnel to help prepare for the possibility of delays and long queues at Kent ports.
Local councils have expressed fears of traffic gridlock on the roads leading to the ports as travellers familiarise themselves with the new arrangements.
Ahead of a planned launch date of November last year, the European Commission said in October EES was being postponed again. It said that plans to roll out the EES in a phased manner would be worked out “in the coming weeks”.
The scheme replaces the current manual stamping of passports for visitors to the Schengen area who are not nationals of EU or Schengen countries.
Under the EU agreement reached on Wednesday - subject to approval by the European Parliament - the scheme will be implemented over a six-month period.
Travellers will need to scan their passports or other travel documents at an automated self-service kiosk prior to crossing the border.
Eurotunnel has installed some 100 kiosks at the port to help alleviate the possible delays.