British tourists are bracing for potential travel chaos in the EU as dozens of airports remain unprepared for the new post-Brexit fingerprint rules set to be implemented this autumn. Airline bosses have warned that the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled to start on October 6, may cause significant delays, especially at smaller regional airports.
EES, designed to enhance border security across the continent, will require travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, to have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph is taken upon their first entry into a member state. This data will be stored for three years. While major hubs have begun installing the necessary technology, many smaller terminals in popular holiday destinations have not yet done so, raising concerns about long delays for travelers.
Rafael Schvartzman, the International Air Transport Association’s regional head for Europe, highlighted the industry’s worries, stating: “The industry is concerned there are critical unresolved items which will require urgent and coordinated action from both the EU and member states prior to its implementation.” Schvartzman has called for a transition period to alleviate potential issues and a support helpline for airlines to assist travellers.
The changes are also expected to impact key transit points, including the Port of Dover, Folkestone Eurotunnel terminal, and London St Pancras station, where French border checks are conducted before cross-Channel journeys.
Tim Reardon, head of EU exit at the Port of Dover, expressed concerns about the tight timeline, noting, “We’re not expecting to get confirmation of the timetable until mid-August, which is one of the things that raises eyebrows. It doesn’t give us much time for hiring, but then we don’t want to commit funding and find that the whole thing is delayed for a year.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, emphasized the need for the travel industry to be prepared for the new restrictions. “There must be a smooth and efficient process for border staff to implement the new measures whilst minimizing any disruption to travellers on their journeys and avoid travel chaos,”.
Lo Bue-Said added that while initial trips under the new system might cause delays due to the need for biometric data collection, subsequent travels should be faster as the data will be valid for three years. She recommended that tourists book through local travel agents to ensure compliance with all travel requirements and receive the best value for flights and accommodation.
The UK Department for Transport recently conducted a survey revealing that 15% of people in England might be less likely to travel to continental Europe once EES is implemented. Concerns about increased queuing and document checks were prevalent, with 20% indicating they would cancel or postpone ferry trips if delays exceeded an hour.
Eurostar has announced plans to install 49 registration kiosks at St Pancras International to streamline the process, but passengers will still need to complete EES registration with French border officers. The cross-Channel train operator insists that despite the new requirements, travellers will enjoy a “seamless and stress-free journey.
Transport Minister Guy Opperman mentioned a “six-month soft launch” of EES to mitigate initial delays. At the same time, Home Office Minister Tom Pursglove indicated that the EU might not have an EES app ready before the scheme’s launch.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and other officials have urged the government to address potential post-Brexit travel issues to prevent chaos at key transit points. The Port of Dover and surrounding areas have experienced multiple episodes of gridlocked traffic in recent years, highlighting the need for effective preparations ahead of EES implementation.
As the October 6 deadline approaches, travellers are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly to navigate the new biometric border controls smoothly.
