Port of Dover Prepares for Delays Amid New EU Border System
The Port of Dover is advising ferry passengers to prepare for potential delays as the half-term holiday period commences. This marks the first holiday season since the European Union's new border system, which digitally records biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, was fully implemented.
Since 10 April, the Entry Exit System (EES) has been operational at all entry points into the Schengen free movement area, which includes popular holiday destinations such as France and Spain. Although some countries have not yet begun taking fingerprints and photos, they are still creating digital profiles for travellers, a process expected to extend border check times.
At Dover, where travellers pass through French border controls before boarding cross-Channel ferries, French authorities have not yet activated the biometric machines required to capture fingerprints and photographs under the EES. Nevertheless, border officials must still complete part of the new process for each tourist. Establishing a profile linked to the system results in longer processing times.
The port has stated that passengers who miss their scheduled ferry due to delays will be accommodated on the next available sailing. Between Friday and Sunday, approximately 18,000 cars are expected to pass through Dover, with Saturday anticipated as the busiest day. Additionally, 400 coaches are expected on Friday alone.
To manage potential congestion, the Lydden Hill racing track will serve as a contingency holding area for vehicles if queues become excessive, helping to prevent local road blockages. Border authorities also have the option to suspend the EES entirely if severe delays occur.
The Port of Dover is advising travellers to prepare accordingly.
Eurotunnel and Eurostar Border Procedures
At the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, French authorities have similarly not yet activated the biometric machines for car passengers. As at Dover, border officials are creating digital profiles for tourists, but fingerprints and photographs are not yet being collected. Passengers are not currently being warned of delays at this location.
Lorry drivers, however, have been providing biometric information for some time.
At Eurostar's London St Pancras station, where French border checks are conducted as passengers leave the UK, border police have been creating files and occasionally collecting biometric data. Despite the presence of automated machines, most passengers have not yet used them.
International Context and Passenger Experiences
Greece has announced that British passengers will not be subject to biometric checks during the summer season. However, some airports have experienced long queues at border controls in recent months. For example, in April, around 100 passengers were left stranded in Milan after a flight to Manchester departed without them.
EasyJet's chief executive, Kenton Jarvis, described the issues caused by the EES as "unacceptable" during a BBC interview on Thursday.
"We have seen some reduction in some of the queues," he said, but encouraged European countries to utilise the flexibility to revert to manual passport stamping if necessary.
This week, EasyJet and Jet2 have sought to reassure customers about booking confidence and confirmed that there are no fuel supply issues affecting their operations.
Travel Trends and Demand
A trend has emerged of travellers booking holidays later than usual, influenced by concerns over the Middle East conflict and its potential impact on jet fuel availability. The travel association Abta reported particularly strong demand for trips to Spain, Italy, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Portugal, Croatia, and Greece, with Majorca, Alicante, and Tenerife being popular beach destinations.
Abta noted that travellers are prioritising value and peace of mind when planning their holidays.
UK Road Traffic Forecast
Regarding road traffic, the RAC predicts that the late May bank holiday weekend will be the busiest in two years, with nearly 19 million getaway trips expected.
