CHANGES to rules for Brits entering other European countries could be delayed further, amid concerns they aren’t ready.
At the end of last month, the EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed the new Entry/Exit System (EES) would come into force on November 10, 2024.
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However, France, Germany and The Netherlands have reportedly written to Yiva Johansson saying they will not be ready by the November deadline.
The Guardian reports that all three countries are “supportive of the checks” but expressed concerns regarding the lack of testing of the system in the field.
Guardian sources also say UK transport operators were briefed by government officials last week to expect a further delay.
It is feared that the new EES System could cause huge delays at the border due to the extra checks needed.
The new system will replace the need to stamp passports but other checks will be required.
Passports will need to be scanned and passengers will need to have their fingerprints scanned and photos taken.
Delays are expected at the UK-France borders where queues could reach 14 hours at some ferry ports.
Tim Reardon, head of EU exit for the Dover Harbour Board previously warned last year: “There is no way of doing a biometric control without getting everyone out of the vehicle.
“That’s the one thing on our site which cannot happen because you’re in the middle of live traffic.”
And Neil Baker, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for roads said it could cause a “serious mess”.
He told fellow cabinet members on January 4: “I don’t think we can downplay how big of an impact it could well have on Kent and over an extended period.”
Holidaymakers have previously been warned to travel with “extra supplies” such as food, water and nappies in case of the huge queues when the checks are introduced in November.
Other European governments have expressed their concerns too – Slovenia said it would take “four times longer” to process passengers, while Austrian authorities said it would be at least “double compared to the current situation”.
The concerns raised by France, Germany and The Netherlands are not a firm delay, meaning the EES is still set to be introduced on November 10.
With this in mind, Brit holidaymakers should remain prepared for long queues.
Sun Online Travel have contacted the EU Home Affairs Commission for comment.
The new ETIAS system is also to be introduced, although this isn’t until next year.
ETIAS, a visa-waiver, will require all Brits to pay €7 when visiting Europe, and will last three years.
An official start date in 2025 is yet to be revealed
Millions of Brits face being unable to get an ETIAS, as it can only be applied for online.
The Sun’s Head of Travel explains what the EES means for you
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot has explained everything you need to know about the upcoming EES.
“THE looming introduction of the long-delayed European Entry Exit System could lead to yet more pain for passengers leaving the UK.
“The new system – designed to strengthen the European borders – will require every passenger to have their biometrics recorded.
“Every traveller will have to scan their passport and have a facial biometric before providing prints from the four fingers on their right hand. Children under 12 will have to do the biometric but will not have to have their fingerprints taken. All will then have to answer four questions about their reason for travel.
“Both fingerprints and facial biometrics will be required the first time a traveller uses the system, and then just one of the two for every subsequent trip. Then every three years you’ll be expected to go through the full process again.
“While airports across Europe have the space to add this additional process it is still going to add a huge amount of extra time to the customs checks. Although it will remove the need to have stamps in your passport, everything will still need to be checked either by a border officer or an e-gate.
“Where things could get really bad are at ports like Dover – where there are significant space constraints and multiple individuals will be travelling together in cars and coaches.
“Both Eurostar and Le Shuttle have invested millions in new facilities to process passengers but it is almost inevitable that the first few months of the system could lead to lengthy delays as we all get used to the new system.”
Meanwhile, these are mistakes you should never make at airports.
And earlier this year airports had to reintroduce liquid rules after they had scrapped them.
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