Several UK-based travel companies are concerned that the European Union’s new Entry and Exit System (EES), which is due to come into force from the end of September, could cause logistical problems.
The EES system is a new border security system that will record data on the entry and exit of citizens from countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.
Even though such a program should begin to be implemented by the end of this month, its functionalization could be further delayed.
In this regard, operators such as Eurostar and Getlink, which is the company that manages Eurotunnel, agree that the need for biometric checks will bring additional difficulties to companies, which they believe do not have the space for the machines needed for facial recognition. and fingerprint kiosks.
According to Eurostar, it sees no effective solution, while the Port of Dover pointed out that “It wouldn’t be safe if people had to get out of their cars to be checked. Eurotunnel operator Getlink described it as an impossible task”.
The new EEU system will also collect information on passengers entering the Schengen zone, while there are also plans to remove the need for passport stamps.
From 2023, travelers from non-EU countries will also need to apply online for travel authorization under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before travelling.
ETIAS will also help authorities in European Union countries detect who is planning to enter their territory before reaching their borders, while it will become a mandatory requirement for travelers from third countries planning to enter countries in the Schengen zone under the visa-free regime.
ETIAS will also affect travelers from the UK, US and Australia.
SchengenVisaInfo.com previously reported that approximately 1.4 billion passengers from over 60 countries under the EU visa waiver regime would be required to apply for an ETIAS before planning to visit any of the countries of the Schengen area.
Recently, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) pointed out that it has completed the pilot project of entry-exit system at land borders, hosted by European countries such as Bulgaria and the ‘Spain.
According to the Frontex report, such an exercise stimulated the future of the EES environment by collecting data in accordance with personal data protection measures.
“During the trial, four travelers could be processed at the same time under the supervision of a border guard, proving the efficiency of the system while maintaining direct control of law enforcement officers,” Frontex underlined this at the time through a press release.
Earlier, EU authorities pointed out that Frontex had recruited 41 new staff to work at the ETIAS Central Unit.