The UK government has committed £10.5 million ($13.9 million) to help ports prepare for the European Union’s enhanced border security checks for UK citizens entering the EU. The funding is intended to reduce queues and delays when the EU implements its computerised Entry and Exit System (EES) this September.
This technology will remove manual passport scanning by requiring travellers from non-EU nations, including the United Kingdom, to register digitally at the border. The method entails scanning faces and collecting fingerprints to create a biometric record that is connected to travel documents.
The newly elected Labour government expressed alarm in July about the UK’s lack of preparation for the additional inspections, forecasting potential disruptions. The cash will be used to install essential equipment, develop kiosks, and hire and train personnel to handle the additional requirements.
The UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, stated, “We are working closely with the European Commission, member states, and ports to minimise any disruptions for Brits travelling into Europe.” The Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and Eurostar at St Pancras station will each receive £3.5 million to help with these preparations.
