EU Border Check Delay Hits Dover Crossing Plans

The launch of new European Union biometric border checks at the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel has been delayed once more, officials say.

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British travellers were expected to begin undergoing fingerprint and facial scans from 10 April when entering France. The checks form part of the EU’s new border management system.

Biometric checks postponed again

Authorities say the postponement is due to continuing technical problems with the Entry/Exit System.

In a statement, LeShuttle said the biometric process will begin only after formal approval is granted by authorities.

The company added that the rollout will be introduced in a phased and coordinated way once the system is ready.

French technology issues blamed

Officials at the Port of Dover said implementation cannot proceed until problems affecting the French technology are resolved and testing at the port is completed.

Until then, existing border procedures will remain in place for travellers heading to France.

Toby Howe of the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum said passengers will still need to provide extra information during French border checks.

Travellers arriving at the port or the Channel Tunnel will have their passports scanned and may be asked additional questions to register them in the system.

However, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images will not yet be collected.

New system aims to track travellers

The Entry/Exit System was proposed by the European Commission to strengthen border security and monitor visitors entering the Schengen area.

It replaces the traditional passport stamp for travellers from outside the European Union entering the Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries.

The system records information about when travellers enter and leave the bloc, allowing authorities to identify those who overstay their permitted time.

The EU has been gradually introducing the system since October last year.

Biometric checks are already used at the Kent ferry port for lorry drivers and coach passengers. Airports across the European Union are scheduled to introduce the full system from 10 April.

Authorities say further updates will be issued once technical problems are resolved and a new implementation timetable is agreed.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 March 2026

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