Travelers experience lengthy four-hour delays as France enforces stricter border checks
Travelers are facing extended delays at French border crossings due to the implementation of stricter entry checks. The new rules, part of the Entry/Exit System (EES), are anticipated to create significant congestion, especially during peak travel periods.
Significant Delays at French Border Crossings
The EES checks are directed primarily towards non-EU and non-Schengen zone nationals. Although ports have the option to suspend these checks for up to six hours to alleviate queues, France has yet to clarify if this flexibility will be utilized at Dover.
Official Statements on the New System
- Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of the Association of British Travel Agents, acknowledges that delays are likely in the short term, particularly during busy travel periods.
- Alex Norris, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, states that the EES changes represent a significant shift for British travelers. He emphasized the collaborative efforts with European partners to ensure a smooth transition.
- Transport Minister Keir Mather announced a £10.5 million investment to prepare UK ports for the new system. This funding aims to enhance infrastructure to manage upcoming changes and minimize disruptions.
Objectives of the EES
The implementation of the EES is part of an EU initiative to enhance border security and control. While it may cause delays initially, the goal is to improve the processing of travelers while effectively managing illegal migration.
As travelers navigate the new border checks, authorities encourage maintaining flexibility to minimize waiting times. Continued collaboration between the UK and EU is essential to ensure traffic flows smoothly across borders.
