Travel delays could occur at airports for non-EU citizens traveling to EU countries. These delays may surface due to the new fingerprint scan law. Systems might not be ready. How will this process impact UK travellers?
Changes in Place
Brexit has set Europe and the UK on a different course, leading to some changes like the entry and exit into EU countries. While there is a timeline for new regulations to take effect, some are still not ready. The entry/exit systems are showing various challenges for EU airports.
Entry/Exit Systems (EES)
The ESS systems require biometric scanning and facial recognition scans for entry and exit. However, some small EU airports still need to fully prepare for this process, which could risk chaos and delays for passengers.
The System Is Automated
For efficiency, EES is meant to operate via automation, allowing people to check in and fill in their details as required, along with their biometric inputs. This is necessary for UK and non-EU nationals. System checks will be required at each crossing of international borders.
Photograph and Details Captured and Stored
Every non-EU and UK national must also have their photo taken, and after the details are completed, the information is automatically stored. The information is stored for three years.
Not Ready Yet
According to Schengen News, some of the smaller EU airports have not fully prepared their EES for the influx of travellers to and from the country. The lack of preparation could see delays at these airports.
Fingerprint Technology
The biometric fingerprint tech is required to check UK nationals into the country, which is part of the new post-Brexit regulations.
Possibly Chaotic Check-Ins and Exits
Schengen News reported that it could result in “chaos,” according to The Telegraph if the system setup isn’t pushed back a bit further. The deadline is reportedly set for October this year.
Already Previous Delays
According to The House of Commons Library, the EES has already been delayed several times. The first delay was back in 2022, and the next one followed in 2023. Now, with the deadline drawing close in 2024, it’s looking as though even more time is required.
Possible Delays at the Port of Dover and Folkstone Euro Tunnel
The Daily Mail reported the possible concerns for delays at The Port of Dover and Folkstone Euro Tunnel. French authorities have to check these cross-channel areas.
London St Pancras Station
Just like The Port of Dover and Folkstone Euro Tunnel, there would also be checks at the London St Pancras Station as it crosses over French borders and into other EU countries via the train. French officials check passenger’s details before allowing entry into Schengen regions. Checks are done before passengers board the train.
Transition Period Assistance
The International Air Transport Association’s Regional Head for Europe, Rafael Schvartzman, has requested a transitional period for all airports to get on board with ESS.
Personnel Assistance to Accommodate Auto Systems
Schvartzman also asked for assistance to mitigate delays at the airports, which may require airport personnel to assist passengers. This would be “if queues become too big,” he told Daily Telegraph.
Possible Unresolved Issues
The industry may need additional assistance if there are critical and unresolved issues at play.
Action Required
Schvartzman said the EU and state members require coordinated action to resolve and mitigate any problems prior to the system being fully operational.
Traffic Jams and More Delay
Daily Mail reported that officials at the Port of Dover were going to bring another registration station within the ferry holding section. But, this is estimated to hold up long queues for maybe more than 90 minutes before they can board the ferry.
August Is Too Soon
According to Daily Mail reports, Tim Reardon, the Head of EU Exit, told the Telegraph that they weren’t expecting the “timetable confirmation” until August this year. He further added that it was “one of the things that raises eyebrows.”
Concerns and Time Stress
Reardon said that they didn’t want to dedicate a budget towards implementing the processes if it would only be delayed again. He also said that the road crossings and airports “have a tremendous amount of work to do.”
Safety for All
According to The Daily Mail UK, the Chief Executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, Julia Lo-Bue Said, told Mail Online that the travel industry has to be prepared. Knowledge concerning EES restrictions is also important.
Smooth Implementation
Travel staff need to be “knowledgeable for a “smooth and efficient process.” She also said that when systems are running smoothly, it can prevent “potential chaos” and “limit disruptions” for passengers.
Delays on First Trip to Be Expected
Said further mentioned that passengers from the UK and non-EU countries need to expect some degree of delays when they’re inputting details into the system for the first time.
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