Drivers travelling to Dover this Easter have been warned of new rules that could catch motorists out when at the border.
The Home Office and Department for Transport have reminded Britons of the new Entry/Exit System with the European Union.
Motorists have been told to be aware of additional border checks, with officials urging motorists to allow extra time when travelling to the EU.
The EES has been slowly introduced by the EU since October last year and is designed to replace physical passport stamps when passing through borders.
British drivers have been reminded that the EES is operational in 29 European countries, including all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are also included.
From Friday, April 10, the Entry/Exit System will be fully implemented at all airports and ports in eligible countries.
While British travellers do not need to do anything in advance before heading to an airport or port, they are being reminded to allow for additional delays.
Drivers will see the additional steps when heading to the Port of Dover, as well as travelling from the Eurostar at St Pancras, and the Eurotunnel LeShuttle at Folkestone.
Drivers are being warned of the new Entry/Exit System rules ahead of the Easter getaway
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GETTY/PA
Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, described it as a “significant change” for Britons looking to travel this Easter.
He continued, saying: “Always check with your transport operator in case extra time may be needed, both for your return to the UK and travelling to the EU.
“We continue to engage with the European Commission on taking steps to help minimise disruption for Brits as much as possible.
“The Government has also provided more than £10million for Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover for those needing checks before departure.”
The Entry/Exit System was first introduced in October last year
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PAThe Port of Dover confirmed that it was working closely with its French border agency partners to ensure a smooth introduction of the EES.
Non-EU citizens, including British citizens, will need to register their biometric details, namely their fingerprints and facial images.
This will need to be done when they enter or exit the Schengen area, which will be completed at the border point.
The process is free of charge, and any requests for payment to comply with the EES are “incorrect and/or fraudulent”, according to the Port of Dover.
The Entry/Exit System is operational in 29 countries across Europe
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PAOnce registered, travellers only need to scan their passport and confirm their identity, with registrations being valid for three years, or until the passport expires.
Teething problems have been reported with the system since its introduction in October, with authorities stating issues were seen on the French side when trying to scan biometric details.
Toby Howe, from the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum, said the port and Eurotunnel were “ready to go”, despite “some technological problems”.
Similarly, Dover District Council leader Kevin Mills said: “What we need to do is make sure all the systems work, they’re ready for the capacity testing, and they deliver because, if we don’t, then we are going to come to gridlock in Dover.”