The European Union’s long delayed biometric-based Entry/Exit System (EES) may have got a launch date.
It is due to start on 6 October 2024, the Independent reports.
It will impact travel for UK nationals and other non-EU travellers who don’t require a visa to enter the EU bloc.
The border system will use initial fingerprint and facial scans of British travellers on first use on arrival at an EU checkpoint.
This will then allow quicker processing for subsequent travel.
The Port of Dover has said the first-time scanning procedure would add about five minutes for an average family travelling to the continent.
The Advantage Travel Partnership also voiced concerns about initial disruption as the system comes online.
“When the new entry and exit system is introduced, UK travellers will need to be prepared for potential delays on their first trip,” said CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said.
“With this information valid for the next three years, we hope to see it increase the speed of processing times and improve the overall experience.”
It is important that border staff are able to implement the new entry and exit system smoothly and efficiently in order to cause minimal disruption.”
“As we look ahead to 2024, the demand for travel remains incredibly high.”
