Dover Warns of Half-Term Delays Due to EU Border System

The Port of Dover advised ferry passengers to prepare for delays as the half-term getaway commenced.

This marks the first holiday period since the full implementation of the European Union’s Entry Exit System (EES).

The system was scheduled to be operational at all external borders of the Schengen area, which includes popular destinations such as France and Spain, since 10 April.

However, some countries have not yet started collecting fingerprints and photographs.

At Dover, where passengers undergo French border checks before boarding cross-Channel ferries, French authorities have not activated the machines for EES fingerprinting and photography.

Nonetheless, border officials must still perform part of the process for each traveler.

Creating a profile linked to the new system means the procedure will take slightly longer.

The port stated that passengers who miss their intended sailing due to delays can board the next available departure.

Approximately 18,000 cars are expected at Dover between Friday and Sunday, with Saturday being the busiest day.

An estimated 400 coaches are anticipated on Friday alone.

The Lydden Hill car racing track will be used as a contingency measure to hold vehicles if queues become severe, preventing congestion on local roads.

Border authorities are permitted to suspend EES entirely if significant delays accumulate.

The Port of Dover urged passengers to check in online, arrive in good time, and ensure they have the correct documentation.

At the Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal, French authorities have also not yet activated the new machines for collecting biometric details from car passengers.

The situation is similar to Dover, in that border officials in booths are creating profiles for tourists, but fingerprints and photos are not yet being taken.

The operator is not warning passengers of delays.

Lorry drivers have been providing biometric information for some time.

Eurostar’s hub at London St Pancras station is the other UK location where French border checks occur as people depart the country.

Border police have been creating files, and in some cases taking biometric information, but most passengers have not yet used the automated machines.

Greece has stated that British passengers will not face biometric checks this summer.

At some airports, passengers have experienced long queues at the border upon arrival in recent months.

In April, around 100 people were left stranded in Milan after a flight to Manchester departed without them.

On Thursday, Easyjet CEO Kenton Jarvis told the BBC that problems caused by EES were “unacceptable”.

He said “we have seen some reduction in some of the queues” and encouraged European countries to use the flexibility to revert to manual passport stamping if necessary.

This week, Easyjet and Jet2 sought to reassure customers they can book with confidence and have no fuel supply issues.

A trend has emerged of people booking holidays late due to concerns that the Middle East conflict could affect future jet fuel availability.