The implementation of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing concern about potential delays.
- Yann Leriche, Eurotunnel’s chief executive, believes disruptions will be minimal.
- Registration of biometric data will be required for Britons crossing the border.
- Significant investments have been made to ensure a smooth transition.
- Eurostar’s exclusive Channel Tunnel service may face competition in the coming years.
The introduction of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) in October could cause confusion among travellers, with expectations of long queues at the Eurotunnel terminals. This system requires Britons to provide fingerprints and photos at border checks, raising alarms about extended wait times.
Yann Leriche, the chief executive of Eurotunnel operator Getlink, has expressed confidence that the impact on travel times will be negligible. He noted that while passport checks will extend by five to seven minutes, the addition of extra lanes and technological advancements will streamline the process efficiently.
French border authorities will conduct checks on individuals departing from the UK at various points, including the Port of Dover, Eurostar’s St Pancras station, and the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone. This transition from the traditional manual passport stamping to the modern biometric registration marks a significant procedural change at the borders.
Considerable financial investments, amounting to approximately £70 million, are being directed towards the development of processing zones at Eurotunnel’s Folkestone and Calais sites. These zones will house automatic kiosks designed to facilitate a swift transition, allowing passengers to exit their vehicles briefly for registration before resuming their journey.
Leriche further addressed potential competition, suggesting that Eurostar’s current monopoly over high-speed passenger services through the Channel Tunnel might not last. He projected a possible doubling of direct connections between London and Europe within a decade.
The new EU entry system aims to enhance border security with minimal impact on journey times.
