France and UK Boost Border Staffing Amid New EU Entry/Exit System Checks

1-Minute Brief

Increased border staffing aims to address concerns over travel delays from new fingerprinting and facial recognition checks at Channel crossings.

Key Facts

• France and the UK have agreed to increase staffing at border controls in response to new EU checks.
• The new fingerprinting and facial recognition checks are part of the EU's entry/exit system (EES).
• Disruption at Channel crossings is expected to rise sharply next weekend at the start of the summer holiday season.
• MPs have warned of potential 'utter chaos and miles of tailbacks' if the EES is not addressed.
• More French border guards are being sent to the UK to help prevent long queues caused by post-Brexit checks.

What Happened

France and the UK have agreed to increase staffing at border controls to manage anticipated delays from the implementation of new fingerprinting and facial recognition checks under the EU's entry/exit system.

Why It Matters

The new checks are expected to significantly impact travel at Channel crossings, especially as the summer holiday season begins, raising concerns about severe delays and disruptions for travelers.

What's Next

Authorities will monitor the impact of increased staffing and the new EES checks during the upcoming holiday period. Further adjustments may be made if significant delays occur.