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Plans to implement new EU biometric border controls at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel have been postponed once again due to technical difficulties. Initially scheduled to begin on 10 April, these checks require British travellers to have their photographs and fingerprints taken when entering France. However, ongoing problems with the Entry/Exit System (EES) have delayed the rollout.
LeShuttle, the operator of the Eurotunnel, confirmed that full biometric checks will only be introduced once they receive official approval. The company emphasized that the implementation would be carefully planned and coordinated to ensure smooth operation. Similarly, the Port of Dover stated that they are holding off until the technological issues experienced by French authorities are resolved and until comprehensive testing has been completed locally.
The Entry/Exit System was proposed by the European Commission to enhance security measures and reduce instances of overstaying by visitors. By replacing the traditional passport stamping for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area—a zone comprising 29 European countries—the EES introduces biometric identification as a new standard. This transition aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of border control processes.
For now, passengers arriving at Eurotunnel or Dover will still need to provide extra information during French border checks. Toby Howe from the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum explained that while passports will be scanned as usual, additional questions will be asked to register travellers in the EES without collecting biometric data. The system has been gradually introduced since October last year and is already operational for lorry drivers and coach passengers at the Kent ferry port. Full biometric checks will go live at airports throughout the EU starting from 10 April
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