🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
10 November confirmed as EU's Entry/Exit System launch date as government commits £10.5 million support to improve infrastructure
Following years of delay due to readiness concerns, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will be launched on 10 November; this will require non-EU travellers to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial scans, at the border.
The EU is introducing the checks to make it harder for criminals or terrorists to enter the bloc using fake passports.
As a result of the UK’s juxtaposed borders arrangement, the introduction will lead to new checks in the UK for those travelling to the EU through the Port of Dover, on LeShuttle in Folkestone and on the Eurostar through London’s St Pancras.
Reacting to the news that the government was committing £10.5 million to help ease the EES process, Nichola Mallon Logistics UK's Head of Trade and Devolved Policy said: “Logistics UK has been calling on government to provide support to help streamline these new border processes. This announcement of funding to help Channel ports prepare for the upcoming EU digital border is welcome but logistics businesses remain seriously concerned about the knock-on delay to freight, particularly at peak tourist periods, when high volumes of passengers have to be processed via EES.
"As this is a passenger focused process, it is critical that government leads on the campaign to inform and educate the public about what to expect and what is involved.
"Our members, companies which move the goods which GB needs every day, are still waiting for clarification on a several areas concerning the new border processing model which, if not ironed out, could leave goods stranded at the border.
"Any delay at UK borders slows the passage of goods and we need governments on both sides of the Channel to work together to minimise this friction. This includes accelerated implementation of an app-based system to allow for EES remote registration to reduce border congestion."
It has also been confirmed that, from May 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be introduced, which could see non-EU nationals having to pay an entry fee.
Travellers under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from the charge, while those travelling to Ireland or Cyprus will not need an ETIAS as these nations are outside the Schengen area.
The visa waiver will require UK citizens to apply for an online permit and submit personal information such as address, employment details and any criminal convictions, as well as contact information when in the country of destination.
Whilst most applicants could be approved in minutes, for some, the decision may take between 48 and 72 hours. The EU has said it will run a six-month “transitional period” after the ETIAS is introduced, meaning travellers will be expected to apply for the waiver, but will not be automatically refused entry at the border if they do not have it but fulfil other entry conditions
Logistics UK will continue to update members on this subject.
Published On: 29/08/2024 14:00:00
Comments Section
If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.
News In Brief
Member reminder: Join Logistics UK's call on the government to support the Lower Thames Crossing project
Logistics UK is writing to the Department for Transport about its impending decision on whether to grant planning permission to the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) as this project reaches a crucial stage.
In a letter to Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, the business group is detailing how beneficial the Lower Thames Crossing project would be for alleviating congestion in the Dartford Crossing area and beyond.
View and download the letter here
The Dartford Crossing is one of the most congested roads in the country. Its unreliability creates significant costs for our economy, estimated at £200 million per year due to goods stuck in traffic and decreased productivity.
The Lower Thames Crossing promises to have a hugely positive effect on the area, whilst offering a transformative £40 billion boost to the UK economy.
Approval for this vital national infrastructure would not only help expedite these economic benefits but also enable the government to explore private financing options. This approach could deliver the advantages of the new crossing without adversely impacting the government’s balance sheet.
If consented, the LTC will become one of the UK’s largest construction projects. Within months, there could be spades in the ground and workers being upskilled, with the new road potentially operational by 2030/32.
Let's make this happen!
Sign the form of support here:
Latest articles
A month in the media – August 2024
Although traditionally a quiet month for the media, the Logistics UK press office has remained busy during August, handling a range of media enquiries and opportunities, both reactive and proactive.
Read time: 2 minutes
View article
Generation Logistics Case Study
Jack Perrin, Shift Manager – GXO
Read time: 2 minutes
View article
Ask the MAC
With Tom Griffith, Manager – Member Advice Centre (MAC),
Logistics UK
Read time: 2 minutes
View article