EU to Push Back Biometric Border System to 2025: Report

The European Union is expected to delay the introduction of its new ‘entry-exit’ system (EES) for British travelers until at least 2025. The system, which requires biometric checks including fingerprints and photographs, was previously planned to start in October 2024 but has faced multiple postponements, previously from a 2022 launch date.

Citing industry sources, the Daily Mail reports that the launch will not proceed until all necessary technology is effectively tested and installed across EU ports and airports. There have been delays in the development of an app that would allow travelers to pre-register their biometric data, potentially speeding up the process when they arrive at the border. Developing such an app involves ensuring it is user-friendly, secure, and integrates effectively with the broader EES infrastructure.

The implementation of EES could lead to significant congestion at key ports like Dover, as existing technology does not support rapid biometric scanning from vehicles. Worse still, the system’s costs might lead to higher fares for passengers.

The EES was initially planned to go live in 2020. However, this timeline was adjusted to 2022 due to the complexity of the technical requirements needed to implement such an advanced biometric system across multiple entry points in the EU. The need for extensive testing and integration into existing border management systems also contributed to this delay.

As the revised deadline approached, it became apparent that additional time was needed to address technical issues related to the robustness and reliability of the biometric data collection and processing systems. There was also a need to ensure that all participating countries could meet the new technical standards and infrastructure requirements.

The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, impacting the supply chains for necessary technological equipment and reducing the capacity for in-person coordination and testing. This situation led to further postponements as countries focused on pandemic management and recovery, pushing the timeline back from 2022.

The subsequent delays into 2023 and beyond have been driven by ongoing issues with the technical implementation of the system, including the aforementioned development of supportive apps for pre-travel registration and ensuring that mobile data collection methods are efficient and secure.

Source: Daily Mail

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April 23, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith