The introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) across EU borders could lead to significant delays for British travellers, warns Eurostar.
- Eurostar’s CEO confirms that an app designed to streamline border checks will not be ready in time.
- Non-EU citizens, including those from the UK, must register biometric data upon entry and exit to EU states.
- The delay in launching the app may result in longer queues at major points such as the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.
- Eurostar is implementing measures to manage passenger flow at London St Pancras in anticipation of the EES.
An app intended to ease border crossings for British travellers will not be launched in time for the new EU Entry/Exit System, as per Eurostar’s chief executive. The system, expected to be fully operational by October, requires non-EU citizens to provide fingerprints and photograph identification at the border. Eurostar had anticipated that the app would enable users to complete these processes in advance.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) aims to eliminate the need for passport stamping, providing a more efficient way of recording entries and exits from EU member states. However, repeated warnings have been issued regarding potential delays that this initiative could cause, particularly at high-traffic locations such as the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave revealed that preparations are underway to manage the expected influx of passengers. More than 49 new kiosks are being installed at London St Pancras station. According to Cazenave, the company is focused on ensuring customer flow is seamless despite the absence of the app.
“It’s all about preparing the customer flow in the station,” Cazenave stated, emphasising the importance of having adequate staff and space for processing. Although the EU plans to launch EES without the app, she remains hopeful about its eventual implementation.
Eurostar is poised to increase services on peak days during major events such as the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company has already sold over 415,000 tickets across its network, and additional staff will be available at stations to assist travellers.
Eurostar is proactively preparing for the EES introduction, despite potential complications from the app’s delay.
