Passengers travelling from the UK to France via Eurotunnel, Eurostar, or ferry will not face new biometric checks in the coming weeks, despite the EU's imminent deadline for the full implementation of its entry-exit system (EES). Ports have confirmed that France has not yet provided the technology needed to process biometric data.
The EU will officially require biometric information from most non-EU citizens, including Britons, from 10 April. However, sources at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel said France had not supplied the necessary equipment. Wet-stamping of passports will continue at the French border, which is located in England for outgoing cross-Channel travellers.
Only lorry drivers, coach passengers, and ferry foot passengers—who have been checked by French border officials since November—will undergo EES formalities. Eurostar and Eurotunnel have advised passengers to continue arriving at the time stated on their tickets.
The phased rollout of EES has caused delays at some airports, including Lisbon and Brussels, where passengers have faced hours of waiting. Getlink, which owns Eurotunnel, has invested at least £60m in kiosks at Folkestone and Coquelles, while Eurostar spent about £10m on automated kiosks at London St Pancras that remain unused.
The Port of Dover has reshaped its road layouts and built new structures in preparation for EES. A spokesperson said the port was working with French border authorities to ensure a smooth introduction once technology issues are resolved. Eurotunnel confirmed that no biometric data collection would occur from 10 April, and Eurostar said enrolments were being completed manually by French border officers.
European airlines and airports remain anxious about the scaling up of EES during the holiday period. Trade bodies A4E and ACI Europe have cited persistent operational challenges and called on the European Commission to allow full suspension of EES if needed. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary described the system as a 'shambles' and urged postponement until October.
