Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has spoken with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism about preparations for EU Entry/Exit System checks during the summer holiday period.
The meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas took place yesterday. The government says the Transport Secretary raised concerns about travellers seeking to get away, and both sides agreed to work together constructively to make cross-border journeys as seamless as possible through the summer and autumn.
The talks follow the announcement of £20 million in government funding for Kent to increase the number of passport check booths at the Port of Dover. Ministers say the money will also support greater vehicle processing capacity, reduce future waiting times and ease congestion.
The new funding is in addition to £10.5 million already invested at Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar to prevent disruption. The government says the wider support is intended to prioritise passenger safety and welfare during the peak travel period.
EES is required for non-EU passengers entering and leaving Schengen countries. It was introduced in phases from October 2025, and since April passengers should be registered at the border by scanning their passport and providing a photo and fingerprints.
Most checks will be carried out in EU member states. They will take place in the UK for passengers using the ferry through the Port of Dover or taking the train into the EU. Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister welcomed government support for preparations.