EU border app delayed, risking long queues for British travellers

The CEO of Eurostar has revealed that an app aimed at easing border checks for British travelers crossing the Channel will not be ready in time for the European Union’s planned rollout of the Entry Exit System (EES) in October.

The delay is raising concerns about possible long queues for British travelers at EU border terminals.

Under the postponed EES scheme, non-EU citizens will have to register fingerprints and a photo upon entering the EU, replacing traditional passport stamping procedures. The EU-developed app was intended to allow passengers to complete this registration process remotely, reducing congestion and long queues at border terminals.

However, Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave told Business Matters that the app would not be ready in time for the EES rollout. Eurostar is therefore preparing to implement border checks at stations, and there are plans to install more than 49 kiosks at St. Pancras station to facilitate these checks.

Ms Cazenave stressed the importance of smooth customer flow at stations and expressed hope that the EU would quickly deploy the app, despite its delayed readiness.

The Port of Dover is expected to experience significant queuing issues due to limited space and the volume of vehicles it handles. Concerns have been raised about potential delays, prompting calls for further delays in the implementation of the EES IT system.

Meanwhile, Eurostar has witnessed a recovery in passenger numbers, with figures returning to pre-pandemic levels late last year. Eurostar expects two million passengers during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer and has established partnerships with several Olympic teams.

Despite challenges and higher ticket prices compared to air travel, Eurostar remains confident in its unique service, which offers direct transport to city centers without extra charges for baggage and seat reservations. In addition, there is a growing demand for sustainable travel options, which further increases the appeal of Eurostar.