The European Union's Immigration/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to come into effect in October 2025, with some who believe that travelers could face longer border wait times as a result. The system requires UK travelers who need to scan their passports and other travel documents in place of previous passport stamping. This means that non-EU travelers will need to scan their passports or other travel documents at a self-service kiosk every time they travel from a non-EU country to the EU.
Once registered, the digital record will remain valid for three years. This means that if you enter or finish during that period, you will need to provide the biometric data again. However, airports and travel operators have expressed concern about potential delays and bottlenecks, particularly at heavy traffic points such as the Port of Dover and the Eurostar Terminal, Euroneus reported.
EuroStar has 50 kiosks for EES checks, and Eurotunnel can have over 100. This could add about five minutes to travel time, with Dover Port having 24 kiosks and mobile agents to streamline the process.
The UK government has been working with the EU to fund the setup of the necessary technology at key travel sites, and Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover have received funds to install kiosks for this purpose.
However, it is reportedly expected that you will have the equipment you need when the system is started, leading to fear of long waits at busy entry points.
Travel Aware, a UK government campaign, provides important information and advice to British citizens traveling abroad. “When EES begins, you will need to register at border checkpoints such as ports and airports.
“Some ports in the southern UK (Dover, Eurotunnel, St. Pancras – immigration checks where France is juxtaposed in the UK) may increase waiting times while passengers have completed their EES registration before leaving the UK.
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“Passers traveling through any of these ports should check with the travel operator before departing on a trip to when they arrive at the port and have a potential impact on their journey.
“Make sure you're ready just in case you need to queue for a long time.”
