UK officials are increasingly worried about potential chaos at ports this October. The EU plans to implement a new biometric travel registration scheme that requires facial and fingerprint scans for non-EU nationals.
Set to start on 6 October, this European entry/exit system could significantly impact British citizens and their travel plans.
Implementation of the Biometric Scheme
The new biometric scheme mandates all non-EU travellers to undergo both facial and fingerprint checks. This measure aims to end the free movement that many British citizens previously enjoyed.
Challenges with the EU’s App
One critical issue is the readiness of an app developed by the EU and Frontex. The app is designed to help non-EU citizens register before travelling, thus avoiding delays at border crossings. However, technical glitches are a significant concern.
UK Government’s Stance
The UK government is not against the biometric scheme in principle but is concerned about its execution. Poor implementation could result in chaos, benefiting no one.
Public Awareness and Concerns
The timing of the scheme, coming just three weeks before the October half-term holiday, raises concerns about potential glitches and delays.
Potential Impact on Key Ports
Getlink, the company operating the Channel Tunnel, is building multimillion-pound processing centres at Folkestone and Calais. However, the complexities at Dover remain a primary concern for UK officials.
Concerns from Local Authorities
They argue that the biometric checks could significantly disrupt one of the UK’s most crucial trade routes.
Future Requirements for UK Travellers
By mid-2025, UK visitors to the Schengen area will need to apply online for entry permission. This additional requirement will affect travel to most EU countries, excluding Cyprus and Ireland. Non-EU nations like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are also part of this arrangement.
UK officials are doing their best to navigate the challenges posed by the EU’s new biometric scheme. However, public awareness remains low, and logistical preparations at crucial ports like Dover are still a work in progress.
While the scheme aims to enhance security, its implementation close to a major travel period could result in disruption. The coming months will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of these new measures.