The Port of Dover has confirmed it intends for all coach passengers to pass through European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) processing from Sunday 12 October as the digital border system begins its phased rollout.
The automated IT system, which is planned to be fully operational by April 2026, will require non-EU nationals to register biometric data at its borders and will eventually replace passport stamping.
The EU delayed the introduction of EES from last November and initially requires member states to collect data from only around 10% of estimated passenger volume. The port plans to extend the system to car passengers in November.
Although, numerically, not all coach passengers should need to undergo EES checks at Dover to meet the 10% requirement, the port intends to maximise the volume of coach passenger registrations to test the process at this relatively quiet time of year.
Coaches are asked to proceed to the Western Docks area of Dover to a new building dedicated to French border processing of coach passengers.
The building can accommodate two coaches at a time and the aim is to handle around 20 of such per hour.
Adult passengers will need to provide fingerprints and a facial image on first entry to the Schengen area, while children under 12 will only need to submit the photo. Subsequent visits within three years will require only verification against the existing digital record.
Once all passengers are back on board, coaches will be security-sealed while they return to the A20 to proceed to the ferry terminal.
The port has asked coach drivers to allow extra time during the early weeks of EES but not to arrive at Western Docks more than two hours before travel. Passengers should have travel documents ready and should also check with their ferry company for further information.
Coach passengers using Eurotunnel in Folkestone will also be subject to EES checks from 12 October, although these will be carried out by French border control staff at the existing desks.
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, says: “The Port of Dover has delivered significant investment and infrastructure and has been working with our partners to make the transition to full EES operations as smooth as possible.
“Along with our counterparts who are also implementing EES, there are still some outstanding technology challenges that we are navigating with the French provider and border authorities as we collectively work towards go-live. We anticipate activation for cars in November, once the technology is installed and is working as expected.
“We ask all passengers to familiarise themselves with the new process via their ferry operator, allow extra time, and work with us as this major European system is introduced.
“The long-term benefits of EES will be improved border security and a more modern, efficient travel experience for millions of passengers each year.”
The Confederation of Passenger Transport believes the phased-in approach should help prevent major delays.
Gavin Miller, CPT National Operations Manager, says: “Coach travel across the English Channel is an institution. Every day, dozens of coaches cross the border carrying school trips, tour parties, sports teams, shoppers and sightseers.
“A huge amount of work has gone into preparing for this change. It’s in everybody’s interests that it goes smoothly, and that coaches aren’t delayed before boarding their ferries or trains.
“It’s important that these changes bed in before the peak winter season begins, when thousands of coaches will be travelling to the continent for Christmas markets and ski trips.
“We’re glad to have been liaising effectively with the port and immigration authorities to make these checks work smoothly and are pleased that there’ll be a phased implementation approach as this should help prevent any major delays.”
EES will mean more stringent application of the 90-in-180-day limit, the EU rule that could impede the work of coach drivers who work extensively overseas. RHA has been among the trade bodies calling for an exemption for international coach drivers.
