THE EU has delayed the start of the new entry/exit system (EES) again for Brits heading to Europe.
The new system will replace the stamping of passports when entering and leaving countries within the EU.
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It was originally due to start from the end of 2022 – this was pushed back to May 2023.
This has since been delayed again until the end of 2023.
The start date has been changed as it was “no longer achievable” to start this summer due to delays with contractors, it was warned during a meeting in Tallinn, TGG reports.
The meeting added: “In particular, border crossing points should be fully equipped for the use of the Entry/Exit System by the end of the year.”
An update from the House of Commons confirmed: “EES is scheduled to be introduced by the end of 2023.
“It was previously scheduled for 2022, and then May 2023, but has been delayed.”
The new digital system will check the person’s name, biometric data and the date and place of entry and exit.
Experts have warned the new system could cause huge delays, especially at the Dover border.
In September, port chiefs at Dover warned that the new system could extend checks from 45 seconds to as much as 10 minutes.
Tim Reardon, head of EU exit for the Dover Harbour Board, previously said: “There is no way of doing a biometric control without getting everyone out of the vehicle.”
Similar problems are also expected to affect Eurostar, with the train’s strategy director adding: “We don’t currently see a practical solution.”
The Slovenian government told The Independent: “It takes up to four times longer to do the new process – border check + enrolment + verification.”
Austria warned that process times would at least “double compared to the current situation” while Croatia said that border checks would “certainly be significantly longer”.
It isn’t the only new rule in place from next year, with Brits needing a visa waiver to visit Europe.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will cost Brits an extra €7 (£6).
Brits will be asked for information about their identity, passport, education, job, recent travel, and criminal convictions.
Under-18s will be exempt, and the passes will be valid for three years and can be used for multiple trips.
There are also a number of new passport rules for Brits, which have caught some holidaymakers out.
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