Tough new EU checks on UK holidaymakers will lead to a £10.5 million upgrade at key UK ports, according to Wales Online. The Department for Transport (DfT) announced the new funding to prepare for enhanced European Union border checks at locations like the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, and London’s St Pancras station for Eurostar services. These sites are where French border checks occur for cross-Channel journeys.
With the EU planning to implement its Entry/Exit System (EES) on November 10 after years of delays, concerns have been raised about potential long queues at these border control points. Travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, will need to undergo fingerprint scans and have their photograph taken to register on the database upon entering an EU member state.
The DfT stated that the new funding aims to reduce the risk of queuing and disruptions, with each of the three UK sites receiving £3.5 million. Migration minister Seema Malhotra emphasised the government’s collaboration with EU partners and ports to ensure preparedness and minimize disruption for UK travellers moving into Europe.
Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood highlighted the importance of smooth border operations to prevent excessive queues, acknowledging the £10.5 million funding’s role in ensuring readiness for the forthcoming changes despite EES being an EU initiative. Port of Dover, Eurotunnel, and Eurostar are set to utilise the funds for facility upgrades and technological enhancements to meet the new requirements efficiently.
Officials from these key locations, such as Emma Ward of the Port of Dover and Simon Lejeune of Eurostar, have expressed their commitment to readiness and compliance with the new regulations. Yann Leriche, the chief executive of Eurotunnel owner Getlink, emphasised ongoing investments to facilitate smooth travel through the Channel Tunnel.
The funding comprises £9 million from the DfT and £1.5 million from the Home Office to bolster the UK’s border preparedness for the upcoming EU border system changes. Travelers are advised to anticipate delays and cooperate with authorities once the new checks are in place following the EES implementation on November 10, 2024.