Eurostar and Dover Prepare for New EU Fingerprint Travel Rules
Eurostar and Dover are preparing for new EU fingerprint travel rules with significant infrastructure investments to reduce delays. The new Entry Exit System starting in October will require non-EU nationals to register biometric information, prompting concerns about longer processing times. Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel are each investing millions to accommodate the new requirements, with plans for expanded facilities and staff.
In preparation for the European Union's new Entry Exit System (EES), which mandates biometric data collection for non-EU nationals, significant upgrades are underway at key Channel crossing points.
The EES, starting in October, aims to register fingerprints and photos of travelers at border points such as Dover’s ferry port, Eurostar’s London St Pancras station, and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone site.
To mitigate the anticipated delays, tens of millions of pounds are being invested in new equipment and processing areas.
Measures include filling in a dock at Dover to expand space, building new coach halls, and setting up canopy-covered lanes for car processing.
Eurostar will add 49 new kiosks and expand into new areas of St Pancras.
Despite these efforts, there are concerns about longer processing times and potential traveler delays.
Authorities are also collaborating with the EU on a transition period and working on an app to initiate EES registration from home, although it's not expected to be ready by October.
The EES, starting in October, aims to register fingerprints and photos of travelers at border points such as Dover’s ferry port, Eurostar’s London St Pancras station, and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone site.
To mitigate the anticipated delays, tens of millions of pounds are being invested in new equipment and processing areas.
Measures include filling in a dock at Dover to expand space, building new coach halls, and setting up canopy-covered lanes for car processing.
Eurostar will add 49 new kiosks and expand into new areas of St Pancras.
Despite these efforts, there are concerns about longer processing times and potential traveler delays.
Authorities are also collaborating with the EU on a transition period and working on an app to initiate EES registration from home, although it's not expected to be ready by October.