Bannister told KentOnline that the EES will not be launched at the Channel ports until November 2025. He stressed that they still do not have a definite date on when the EES may be launched and are waiting for a final decision by the EU authorities in April or May.
Despite that, Bannister said that they are working to have everything ready by November and ensure that Brits have a smooth transition as well as travel experience.
UK Pleased With EU’s Decision to Progressively Implement EES
Following a proposal from the EU Commission, the bloc will be introducing the EES progressively over a period of six months.
By following such an approach, the EU wants to ensure that all member states have enough time to phase in the new system and to make sure that the EES works smoothly and safely from the beginning.
Commenting on the matter, Bannister said that they are very pleased that the EU has decided to adopt a different approach, KentOnline explains.
He further noted that this progressive implementation will allow the UK to tamp up the EES registration while making sure that the system can cope.
EES Launch Has Been Delayed Repeatedly
The launch of the EES has been postponed several times now, with the last postponement taking place in December 2024.
The system was set to enter into force on November 10, 2024. However, due to some member states saying that they were not ready for the rollout, the implementation of the system got delayed until 2025 without any specific date, causing mixed reactions in the UK.
The EES is an automated IT system which will replace passport stamping and modernise border controls.
Once the system becomes operational, all foreigners entering the EU, regardless of whether they need visas or not, will be required to register by providing their biometrics and other information. This procedure is expected to cause queues at the Port of Dover until the majority complete the registration process.
