Technology for a new border system feared to cause "significant and continued disruption" for UK holidaymakers is to be trialled this month. The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) is due to be introduced next year.
The scheme is expected to involve travellers from non-EU countries such the UK having their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken to register them onto a database the first time they enter a member state. Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover, Kent told MPs Commons’ Transport Select Committee that he has been invited to Calais, France to view tests for the EES.
He said the port has not been given any details of the scheme’s rules but expressed concern it could cause “significant and continued disruption for a very long time”. Asked what passengers will need to do, Mr Bannister replied: “There is a lot of ongoing dialogue taking place between officials in our Government and French officials.
