Fears the new system could cause ‘long queues’ have been addressed by Eurostar
The European Union’s new border checks will finally come into effect from October 12(Image: PA)
After years of delays, the European Union’s new border checks will finally come into effect from October 12.
Despite concerns from British travellers waiting at the border of the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar has said there will be “no queues” upon the EU check launch.
The Entry Exit System (EES) has been the cause of significant concern for years, with many debating over whether or not it would cause long delays for tourists and transport alike to leave the UK.
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UK travellers will need to complete EU border checks at St Pancras station, the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal.
It is for any non-EU countries entering the region, meaning the UK is impacted by the enforcement.
All children must register, though under-12s will be exempt from fingerprinting.
Eurostar chief safety and stations officer Simon Lejeune told the PA news agency: “We are ready. We have a seamless and smooth experience for our customers that will have to do EES in the months ahead.”
Lejeune added: “We’re working hand in hand with our border colleagues to make sure that we do this in a very controlled, measured way, helping our customers every step of the way and making sure there are no queues as a result.”
The EU border check system will be phased in over the course of six months, which Lejeune said the Eurostar will take “full advantage” of.
EU member states will initially only be required to use the system for a proportion of their arrivals.
The full rollout of the new system is expected to be complete by April 10, just ahead of the Easter school holidays.
In preparation for this, the Eurostar has spent more than £11 million in overhauling its border facilities at St Pancras.
It has created three areas housing a total of 49 kiosks a short walk from the check-in area.
Once a person is registered with EES, they will not need to have their fingerprints scanned for trips in the following three years.
However, they will still be required to use a kiosk.