Prepare for half term queues at Dover due to EU border process, port says
Summary
The Port of Dover warns travelers to expect delays during the half-term holiday because of new EU border checks. The Entry Exit System (EES), designed to record biometric data like fingerprints and photos, is not fully operational yet, causing longer wait times at French border controls before ferry boarding.Key Facts
- The EU's Entry Exit System (EES) started on April 10 to track travelers entering and leaving Schengen-area countries.
- At Dover, French border authorities have not activated biometric machines for car passengers yet.
- Border officers manually check documents and create digital profiles, which takes more time.
- Around 18,000 cars and 400 coaches are expected at Dover during the holiday weekend, with Saturday being the busiest day.
- A local racing track can be used to hold cars if delays cause heavy traffic on town roads.
- Border officials can suspend the EES system temporarily to reduce long queues.
- Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal faces similar issues with biometric checks not being fully used.
- Some airports and train stations have experienced longer waits due to new border processes, but some European countries like Greece will not require biometric checks from British travelers this summer.
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