Published on November 4, 2025
The Port of Dover has delayed the introduction of the EU’s new digital border system for car travelers, citing the need for more time to address technical challenges. This unexpected pause comes as part of the EU’s gradual rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which aims to enhance border security. While the system has been active for freight and coach passengers since mid-October, the delay for cars means tourists will not face the anticipated biometric checks just yet. However, when fully operational, these checks will significantly increase processing times, raising concerns about long delays for travelers.
The much-anticipated digital border system, part of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), was set to roll out at the Port of Dover for tourist traffic on Saturday, 1 November. However, in a surprising turn of events, port officials have announced a pause in the implementation of the scheme. While the system has already been introduced for ferry passengers in coaches and freight vehicles as of 12 October, the launch for car traffic has been delayed.

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For now, tourists traveling by car will not be subject to EES checks at Dover. The digital system, which is designed to enhance border security within the EU, requires third-country nationals— including British citizens— to submit biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs. These measures aim to improve security and facilitate smoother border management.
Under normal circumstances, passengers traveling by car through Dover are processed in approximately 60 seconds. However, the introduction of the EES for tourists is expected to drastically change the process. Once the system is implemented, travelers will need to leave their vehicles and register their details at dedicated electronic kiosks. This step will increase the processing time, and according to Port of Dover officials, the processing for cars could take up to six times longer, creating significant delays for passengers.

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The EES is gradually being rolled out across EU borders, with the aim of ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place and that travelers are fully informed about the new process. While the system officially launched on 12 October, its application has been limited to a select few airports and border checkpoints. The full rollout is expected to be completed by 10 April 2026.
The introduction of the EES has been plagued with delays and confusion, raising concerns about its implementation. Travel industry experts, including Tom Jenkins, the CEO of the European travel association Etoa, have highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the system. A recent survey conducted by Holiday Extras revealed that 82% of respondents were still unclear about how the EES would affect their travels, with 35% unaware that the system had already launched in October. The lack of clarity has led to a significant number of travelers reconsidering their plans, with nearly one in five holidaymakers altering or canceling their trips due to concerns about long border delays.

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With the new checks in place, travelers are advised to allocate extra time for border processing. Many experts suggest that holidaymakers should expect to spend between three and four hours to complete the new checks, especially at busy border points like Dover. This extended processing time could be a significant inconvenience for tourists and could lead to long queues, particularly during peak travel times.
As the EU continues to roll out the EES system, many travelers are left questioning how it will impact their holiday plans. While the system is intended to improve security and streamline border management, the practicalities of the implementation remain unclear. The EU’s gradual approach to rolling out the EES, combined with the ongoing confusion and delays, has caused frustration among travelers and the travel industry alike.
The Port of Dover’s decision to delay the full introduction of the EES for tourist traffic is a reflection of the challenges that many EU nations are facing as they work to ensure the new system functions smoothly. As the full rollout date of 10 April 2026 approaches, it is expected that the European Union will continue to refine and adapt the system to avoid the potential disruptions that could impact travelers in the months ahead.
The EES is part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance border security and streamline entry and exit procedures for third-country nationals. However, it is clear that the implementation of such a large-scale system will require significant adjustments and careful planning to minimize the impact on travelers. As the system continues to evolve, passengers and the travel industry will be closely monitoring how it affects travel patterns and whether the promised benefits in security and efficiency are realized.
The pause at Dover may provide the necessary time to address the technical and logistical challenges that have arisen, ensuring that the digital border system is introduced in a way that minimizes disruption to tourists. Nevertheless, travelers will need to remain patient as the EU works to iron out the issues and fully implement the EES across all borders.

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Tags: Digital border checks, EU border system, Port of Dover, tourist traffic disruptions, Travel Delays

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