Macron threatens 18 more months of EU border queues for Britons
Emmanuel Macron has delayed plans to introduce a biometric entry and exit system until August 2024
Reuters
British travellers are being warned of more queues for visa stamps at EU borders for another 18 months as Emmanuel Macron seeks to delay the introduction of new automated gates.
The airline industry was informed by the French government that it intends to prevent the introduction of the biometric entry and exit system (EES) until after August 2024.
Officials at the Elysée are thought to be fearing teething problems at passport control which could cause chaos at airports amid the Paris Olympics next summer.
Macron’s plan to delay the EES would adjourn what has been dubbed “the next big Brexit moment”.
A manual check of passports will continue at French airports
PA
Ministers in the UK have been hopeful that the technology will ease border friction caused by Brexit.
The roll out has already been hit with delays after the launch was pushed back from May until November this year.
The move was greeted with relief due to fears that a rushed job would lead to misery this summer.
But a further delay into the second half of next year will mean more manual checks and passport stamps for another holiday season.
British passport holders must continue to line up in “all other passports” queues.
The EES will use fingerprint and facial recognition technology to build a biometric profile.
The system which is similar to that already available for UK and EU arrivals at British airports.
British officials are pressing ahead with preparations on the assumption that the EU will stick to the November deadline.
The UK already has an electronic passport system in place
PA
On their first visit to the EU, citizens from outside the bloc will need have to have photographs and fingerprints taken.
The French government has said that with a vast number of nationalities at the Olympics, the new system could be overwhelmed and they do not want to risk this beforehand.
Around 10,500 Olympic participants and millions of visiting fans are expected to the come to the country between July 26 and August 11.
Brussels is desperate to put the new system in place over fears manual checks leave the EU vulnerable to terrorists travelling on passports.