EU Entry/Exit System: UK To Work With France On Border Control

The United Kingdom and France confirmed their commitment to work together on the implementation of the new EU biometric entry system.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated system that is expected to launch later this year. The system is expected to keep track of third-country travellers, including British nationals, who enter the EU external border and replace the current system of manual stamping of passports.

However, the travel industry has voiced “widespread concern” over the new system which it is feared will delay border processing times.

Last week, UK’s Transport Secretary Mark Harper met his French counterpart Clément Beaune in Paris in an effort to prepare the countries for the upcoming implementation of the EU’s EES.

The EES was meant to take full effect in May 2022, but its deadline was recently delayed to the end of 2023.

Despite all concerns, Harper confirmed the UK government’s commitment to working together with France to ensure the new border control program works for both countries and all passengers.

During the meeting, Harper highlighted the importance of keeping “reliable, quick, and safe travel routes” between the two countries.

“Our two nations continue to build on the deep and longstanding Anglo-French relationship, and it’s been a pleasure to meet my colleague, Clement Beaune, to discuss our shared priorities.”
Mark Harper, UK’s Transport Secretary

Harper also held a meeting with officials of the Getlink Group, the company that manages the Channel Tunnel and Shuttle transportation between England and France. He emphasized the “UK’s willingness to support preparations ahead of the implementation of EES.”

Passport Stamps No More

Post-Brexit, British nationals have been warned they must obtain passport stamps when they exit and enter the Schengen Area.

This acts as proof that they have not overstayed their visa-free limit of 90 days in a 180-day period. With the new system, traditional passport stamping will be eliminated.

The new automated Entry/Exit System (EES) will register non-EU visitors digitally, removing the need for physical stamps.

Each time an individual crosses an EU external border, the system will register their name, type of travel document, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit. It will also record refusals of entry.

It is hoped the automated border control checks and self-service systems will improve security in the EU and be quicker for travellers.

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