Normandy Ports Director Warns of Longer Queues as EU’s New Entry/Exit System Approaches

Jérôme Chauvet, the Director of Normandy Ports, has cautioned that longer-than-usual queues are anticipated once the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is implemented. Despite efforts by French authorities to prepare for the system's introduction, Chauvet expressed concerns about potential issues that could disrupt the process and cause inconvenience for foreigners entering the EU.

The EES, an automated IT system, is set to officially launch on November 10. It will replace the current manual passport stamping process, requiring all foreign visitors to the EU to register their information, including fingerprints and facial images. This data will be stored in a database for three years, allowing for smoother border crossings in the future. EU authorities have stated that the primary goal of the system is to control the entry and exit of foreigners, detect overstayers, prevent irregular migration, and safeguard European citizens.

Speaking to The Connexion, Chauvet explained that at Normandy Ports—which includes Cherbourg, Caen-Ouistreham, and Dieppe—travellers will be registered into the system primarily using tablets, with kiosks also being installed at terminals. Chauvet detailed that those entering France by car will be pre-registered by staff while waiting in line at the border. Staff members will distribute tablets to travellers in their cars, who will then provide the necessary information, including biometric data. Once they reach the border guard, the authority will verify that the entered fingerprints match the individual crossing the border.

For coach travellers, Chauvet indicated that special accommodations will be made depending on the port. "It will depend on the port. For example, at Caen-Ouistreham, there will be a specific place to accommodate coaches where people will get out, and there will be a kiosk. At Dieppe, they will go to kiosks at the ferry terminal," Chauvet stated.

Additionally, Chauvet clarified that passports will be scanned by the border guard, although he does not believe there will be an earlier scan, noting that this detail will be confirmed once the EES is operational.

Despite the impending launch, Chauvet revealed that Normandy Ports has not yet conducted any tests to ensure the system's functionality. He attributed this delay to directives from the Ministry of Interior, which postponed testing until after September due to the Olympics and Paralympics. However, Chauvet reassured that they are not overly concerned about potential issues, as ports are less busy in November, allowing for swift adjustments without significant delays.

In contrast, Chauvet pointed out that French airports, which experience high traffic year-round, may not share the same level of preparedness, potentially leading to more significant challenges when the EES is introduced.

By fLEXI tEAM