New Entry/Exit System for tourist traffic at Dover port paused

The roll-out of a new digital border system for tourist traffic at Dover has been “paused”, officials at the port said.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) was expected to be introduced for tourists at the Port of Dover on Saturday, but the plans have been put on a temporary hold.

Doug Bannister, chief executive of the port, said: “Whilst Port of Dover’s facilities will be ready for 1 November, we are being guided by French authorities as to when we will activate.”

Ferry passengers in coaches have already started using the new system, while it went live for coaches and freight on 12 October.

The new system will see British passengers having their photo and fingerprints taken to enter the bloc in an effort to improve security.

At present, the port says it takes about 60 seconds to process each car at the border.

But with the introduction of the EES, people from most non-EU countries will have to get out of their vehicles and register at electronic kiosks.

The Port of Dover has previously warned that it may take six times longer for cars to go through the new EU border checks which are being phased in.

Mr Bannister added: “We have asked for a minimum of two weeks’ notice to start in order to give us time to inform travellers and install the necessary signage.”