Lengthy queues and widespread disruption could await travelers to the European Union (EU) when the bloc implements its Entry-Exit Scheme (EES) in October, according to stark warnings delivered to the UK Parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee.
The EES aims to strengthen border checks by collecting biometric data from non-EU citizens entering and exiting the region.
However, evidence submitted to the Committee suggests that the initiative could badly undermine operations at ports and railway terminals lacking capacity to handle the extra processing time.
Worst Case: 14-Hour Border Waits
Ashford Borough Council told the committee that failure to have “useable systems” fully up and running for the EES launch could, in a “reasonable worst case,” trigger astounding 14-hour queues at the Port of Dover.
The council said that ensuing disruption to the vital Channel crossing point could then spill over, jamming access roads and hindering traffic flow to other key regional transport links like the Eurotunnel rail link.
The council evidence reinforces concerns raised by tourism body Visit Kent over the local economic fallout.
Visit Kent data shows that even short-term port delays in the past caused by “Operation Brock” traffic management have cost tourism businesses customers and revenue.
Stress on Transport Infrastructure
Eurostar and operators of the Channel Tunnel and other transit points serving the UK and continental Europe also warned that the EES was not designed with their unique capacity and layout challenges in mind.
They said that passport-control queues could quickly balloon out of control at peak travel times once the extra identity checks are imposed.
High-speed rail firm High Speed 1 told the scrutiny panel that the lack of plans to let travelers pre-register biometrics data online before trips was another looming headache.
It argued that key terminals like London St Pancras station could face “enormous pressure” as border staff handle the full data-collection process onsite.
Unworkable Deadline for Smooth Rollout
Calling into question the feasibility of the European Commission’s tight EES implementation timeline, High Speed 1 concluded, “Achieving an acceptable level of service on day one in all EU member states is likely to be impossible.”
It advised a phased, gradual introduction would be essential to avoid “severe disruption.”
Acting Fast to Prevent ‘Alarming’ Risks
Reacting to the evidence on risks surrounding the EES, scrutiny committee chair Sir William Cash said that it paints an “alarming picture” of potential “queues of more than 14 hours” and vehicles “backed up along major roads” in Kent.
Sir Cash concluded, “Clearly, this policy could have a very serious impact, not only for tourists and travel operators but also for local businesses. I implore decision makers on both sides of the Channel to take note of this evidence."
With the October 2024 deadline looming, he warned, “The clock is ticking and these issues must be urgently addressed.”
The EES has triggered increasing criticism, but the European Commission maintains that boosting security and border control outweighs the adaptation challenges posed for transport bodies.
The vast data collection scheme is slated to launch as planned in 20 months.
ETIAS Waivers Offer No Respite
The looming Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) headaches have refocused attention on Europe’s parallel ETIAS visa waiver program.
Set for launch in May 2025, the ETIAS promises to partly automate the screening of visitors from over 60 nations now spared arduous, costly visa applications.
However, the versions in development provide no answer to EES border queues, as enrollees must still undergo full biometric registration upon arrival at transport terminals under the new entry/exit regulations.
Therefore, digital nomads, foreign investors, students, and other longer-stay guests will enjoy application convenience but find themselves stalled in intensified passport control lines like all travelers.
New Barriers Ahead for Residency Seekers?
The invasive depth of proposed EES data collection also raises questions over Europe’s ongoing attraction for non-EU residents aiming to establish more permanent footholds inside the bloc.
As the system scrutinizes all visitors in granular detail upon each border crossing, the broader optics risk signaling further suspicion and obstacles in store for immigrants rather than an open-armed welcome.
Therefore, while publicity around fast-track ETIAS approvals points toward the encouragement of expanded global ties, the reality of exhaustive biometric tracking and monitoring seems poised to convey the opposite message.
Pressure Mounts for EES Rethink
With dire forecasts of extensive queues and economic harm should the EES take effect as scheduled in 20 months, pressure is building for European Commission officials to stage a major redesign.
Transport operators and local stakeholders want to see a longer lead time for the rollout, better tailored technical systems, and the promised option for pre-traveler registration to alleviate bottlenecks.
Absent such changes, Sir Cash and others said that the very feasibility of the October 2024 deadline is in serious doubt.
However, the Commission has yet to publicly indicate any potential for postponing the program or providing exemptions to cushion the transition.