Dover queues begin in first holiday getaway since new EU border checks

Queues have formed at the Port of Dover as the first major holiday getaway since the EU's new Entry Exit System (EES) began, with border waits reported at 90 minutes ^[1][2]. Approximately 18,000 cars are expected between Friday and Sunday ^[1][2].

The EES, which digitally records traveler information, was scheduled to be fully operational across the Schengen area since April 10th ^[1][2]. However, French authorities at Dover have not yet activated the machines for collecting fingerprints and photographs ^[1][2]. Border officials are still required to create digital profiles for each traveler under the new system, a process expected to lengthen processing times ^[1]. The port has advised passengers to arrive no more than two hours before their scheduled sailing and to have travel documents ready for inspection ^[1]. If travelers miss their intended ferry due to delays, they will be placed on the next available departure ^[1]. A contingency plan is in place to use the Lydden Hill racing track to hold cars if queues become severe, to prevent congestion on local roads ^[1]. Border authorities retain the option to suspend the EES checks entirely if significant delays build up ^[1]. A similar situation is reported at the Channel Tunnel terminal in Folkestone, where French authorities have also not yet switched on the new biometric machines ^[1].