New Entry/Exit System (EES) checks for passengers in cars have been put on hold at the Port of Dover, because the French authorities haven’t yet given the go-ahead, according to reports.
The system has been in place at Dover for ferry passengers in coaches, as well as freight vehicles, since 12 October, when the EES went live.
It was expected to be introduced at Dover for car passengers on Saturday (1 November) but has been paused.
The Independent reports Port of Dover Chief Executive Doug Bannister said: “Following the successful go-live for coaches and freight on 12 October, we continue to work closely with our French technology provider and border authorities towards starting the EES process for car passengers.
“Whilst Port of Dover’s facilities will be ready for 1st November, we are being guided by French authorities as to when we will activate.
“We have asked for a minimum of two weeks’ notice to start in order to give us time to inform travellers and install the necessary signage.”
The EES requires non-EU travellers to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken.
EES will be a requirement when entering Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as EU countries, but it will not be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.
British travellers will need to register on their first visit to a participating country after EES is introduced. This registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires.
See the Foreign Office advice here.
