The European Union has confirmed that its new border checks for non-EU citizens, including Brits, are to be delayed again.
The new entry/exit system (EES), which will require travellers to provide biometric data for the first time, was due to be introduced on 10 November.
However, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said on Thursday that ‘November 10 is no longer on the table’ following a meeting of European ministers.
Instead, she said the EU is planning a phased introduction for EES, which has already been delayed multiple times. No new start date has been suggested.
Earlier this week, at its Travel Convention in Greece, ABTA urged agents to familiarise themselves with the new system while also warning that it was likely to lead to delays for customers at airports and ports.
Holiday Extras suggested customers were so worried about travelling on the weekend of 10 November that they were putting off booking, leading to a drop in fares. It said its own research showed that flights to Tenerife cost more than £100 in early November, compared to just £60 on 10 November.
It is understood that EES is being delayed again because France, Germany and the Netherlands don’t believe the EU border computer system is ready.
France had previously pushed for the EES to start in spring 2025 and said it was concerned about holiday traffic from Dover during the upcoming Christmas and February school holidays.
There have been particular concerns over delays at Dover, where French border checks are carried out, because passengers would have to get out of their cars, or coach to have their fingerprints and facial scan taken.
Alternative versions, such as an ‘EES Lite’ with data from passports uploaded to the central database but fingerprinting and facial recognition data taken elsewhere or at a later date, are understood to have been put forward.
Other options include allowing travellers to upload their biometric data on an app or at a secure location away from ports or airports, but the app isn’t expected to be ready until next summer.
As well as delaying the launch of EES, it seems the EU has watered down the checks, with the most recent communication stating that passengers will need to provide a facial scan or a fingerprint, whereas previous it was understood both would be required.
AITO Head of Industy Affairs Christina Brazier welcome the delayed implementation of EES, adding: “Our members are committed to providing exceptional holidays and the potential for long delays and confusion at borders was a significant concern, particularly for vulnerable travellers.
“This announcement gives Member States valuable time in which to prepare and for the EU to clarify key outstanding issues. We fully support the proposal of a phased rollout, as it will allow the system to be thoroughly tested before full implementation.”
