In a significant development for cross-Channel travellers, the wet stamping of passports will remain in place for Eurostar, Le Shuttle, and ferry passengers due to ongoing technological setbacks from France. As the EU’s new entry-exit system (EES) prepares for its formal rollout, fears of lengthy delays during the busy Easter period have been quelled—for now.
No Changes for Eurostar and Le Shuttle Passengers
Despite the EU’s impending deadline to implement biometric checks on 10 April, passengers using Eurostar and Eurotunnel services can breathe a sigh of relief. Sources from the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel confirmed that delays in France’s technology development mean that biometric checks will not be introduced on these services in the immediate future. This means that passport wet stamping will continue at the French border for most travellers.
Only specific groups, such as lorry drivers and coach passengers, who have been subject to biometric checks since November, will be affected by the EES when it comes into effect. The Port of Dover and Eurotunnel officials are actively working with French authorities to ensure a smooth transition when the technology becomes available.
EU’s Biometric System Faces Operational Hurdles
The EES, designed to collect biometric data from non-EU citizens—including British nationals—has faced a rocky start. While it was initially launched in October, the phased implementation has resulted in long queues and operational challenges at various European airports, with some travellers reporting waits of up to four hours.
The EU has stated that, following 10 April, all visitors to the Schengen area will be required to provide biometric information upon entry. However, both Eurostar and Eurotunnel have reassured passengers that they should continue to adhere to the travel times indicated on their tickets, as changes will not impact their journeys in the immediate term.
The Bigger Picture: Implications for Travel
Eurotunnel has invested significantly—over £60 million—in preparing for the EES, equipping kiosks in Folkestone and Coquelles. Meanwhile, Eurostar has spent around £10 million at London St Pancras on automated kiosks that remain unused due to the ongoing technical issues.
The Port of Dover has also made considerable adjustments to its infrastructure, aiming to facilitate a seamless introduction of the EES when feasible. However, with the EU allowing discretion for border officials to relax rules if queues become unmanageable, the uncertainty surrounding the system continues to raise concerns among airlines and airports. Trade bodies representing European airlines and airports have urged the European Commission to maintain the suspension of the EES if necessary, warning of the potential for chaos during the peak travel season.
Industry Leaders Raise Alarm
Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has been particularly vocal about the challenges posed by the EES, describing the current situation as a nightmare for travellers and an unfortunate consequence of Brexit. He has called for a postponement of the full implementation until October, highlighting the operational difficulties that have plagued the system thus far.
The European Commission has yet to respond to these concerns, but the pressure is mounting on officials to find a solution before the holiday rush intensifies.
Why it Matters
As the travel industry braces for the upcoming Easter holiday, the ongoing delays in France’s biometric technology could spare millions of travellers from lengthy queues and frustration. However, the uncertainty surrounding the EES serves as a stark reminder of the complexities introduced by Brexit and the EU’s evolving border policies. As the situation develops, both travellers and industry stakeholders will be keeping a close eye on how these changes unfold and the impact they may have on cross-Channel travel in the future.
