Easter Travel Relief: Biometric Checks Delayed for Cross-Channel Travellers

Travellers crossing the Channel from the UK to France can breathe a sigh of relief as biometric checks, part of the EU's entry-exit system (EES), will not be implemented in the coming weeks. This news comes despite the impending deadline of April 10th, when the EU will officially require biometric information from most non-EU citizens, including Britons, at the border.

The phased introduction of the EES has already caused significant delays at some European airports, with passengers experiencing hours of waiting due to biometric checks such as fingerprinting and facial recognition.

However, passengers on the Eurotunnel's Le Shuttle service, cross-channel ferries, and Eurostar trains will not face these new measures. The reason for this delay is that France has not yet developed the technology required to collect and process biometric data, according to sources at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

Traditional passport stamping will continue at the French border, located in England for outgoing cross-Channel passengers. Only lorry drivers, coach passengers, and ferry foot passengers will undergo the EES formalities, as they have been doing since November.

Despite the postponement, the EU's websites still advise visitors to the Schengen area to provide biometric information on entry. The Home Office has also advised UK travellers to allow extra time for checks, although Eurostar and Eurotunnel maintain that passengers should adhere to the arrival times stated on their tickets.

The Port of Dover has invested in infrastructure changes, and Eurotunnel and Eurostar have spent millions on automated kiosks, which remain unused. Eurotunnel assures that the next phase on April 10th will not involve biometric data collection, ensuring a seamless experience for Le Shuttle customers.

Eurostar is working closely with French and EU authorities to introduce the system gradually, with manual enrolments currently being handled by French border officers in London St Pancras. The EU has granted border officials discretion to relax the rules if queues become unmanageable, at least until the end of July.

Nevertheless, European airlines and airports remain concerned about potential disruptions during the Easter period. Major airline CEOs, such as Michael O'Leary of Ryanair, have criticized the EES, citing long queues and calling for a postponement until October.