Dover Port Postpones Biometric EES for Car Passengers

Published Date : 11/3/2025 

The Port of Dover has postponed the implementation of biometric border registration for car passengers under the EU's Entry-Exit System (EES) following a request from French authorities. The system, which was initially planned to extend to all traffic, is now awaiting French approval. 

The UK’s Port of Dover has postponed the registration of car passengers under the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES) at the request of French authorities. The cross-channel ferry and maritime cargo terminal introduced the biometric border registration scheme for all coach and foot passengers on October 12th. The Port of Dover initially planned to extend the system to cover all other traffic on November 1st, but French authorities did not give the go-ahead for the launch, according to Reuters.

“Whilst Port of Dover’s facilities will be ready for 1st November, we are being guided by French authorities as to when we will activate,” says Doug Bannister, the Port’s CEO. The EU has allowed Schengen member states to introduce the EES gradually until April 2026 to allow border control checks to adjust the flow of visitors and prevent long queues.

British and French authorities have been collaborating to lower potential congestion. Biometric EES kiosks at London’s St Pancras railway station have temporarily removed certain questions to speed up traveler registration. Operators of UK border controls on cross-Channel routes to the EU, including Eurotunnel, the Port of Dover, and Eurostar, declared their readiness for the EES in September.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has hired 200 new workers to assist non-EU travelers in registering for the EES through biometric self-service kiosks. Passengers entering the Schengen Area member states are expected to scan their passports and submit their facial and fingerprint biometrics at the kiosks before proceeding to passport control. The Netherlands has opted for a phased approach, with Schiphol Airport starting a “small-scale launch” this Monday.

Currently, only a few dozen passengers a day are expected to register to the EES to help test the system, Rik Rovers, acting head of department at the Ministry of Asylum and Migration, told NL Times last week. Ultimately, however, Schiphol Airport will have to process between 15,000 and 20,000 passengers per day. “We need to ensure everything works correctly and identify any issues. In December, we will process larger volumes,” says Rovers.

Other Dutch airports are joining Schiphol in gradually rolling out EES on Monday. The system is already in place at several seaports, including Eemshaven and the port of IJmuiden. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: Why did the Port of Dover delay the EES rollout for car passengers?

A: The Port of Dover delayed the EES rollout for car passengers at the request of French authorities, who did not give the go-ahead for the launch.

Q: When was the EES officially launched for coach and foot passengers?

A: The EES was officially launched for coach and foot passengers on October 12th.

Q: What is the purpose of the EES?

A: The EES is a biometric border registration system designed to enhance border security and manage the flow of visitors in the Schengen Area.

Q: How are British and French authorities collaborating to reduce congestion?

A: British and French authorities are collaborating by removing certain questions from biometric EES kiosks to speed up traveler registration.

Q: How many new employees has Schiphol Airport hired to assist with EES registration?

A: Schiphol Airport has hired 200 new employees to assist non-EU travelers in registering for the EES through biometric self-service kiosks. 

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