Port of Dover: Border control zone to be expanded ahead of new EU rules.
The government plans to expand the French border control area at the Port of Dover to lessen the chance of long lines during busy periods when updated EU regulations take effect in November.
Travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries will need to input their information and biometric data at the EU border under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES).
Home Office minister Seema Malhotra is set to present a Statutory Instrument in Parliament on Monday in order to authorize French border officials to work in a larger area at the Port of Dover.
It will oblige the Home Office to collaborate with the French government, local authorities and businesses to simplify EU border checks at the port.
The update in the law is a step in getting ready to reduce the chances of traffic problems and to provide additional room for handling passengers.
The port intends to move passport control for ferry passengers from Dover’s Eastern Docks to a new border control zone at its Western Docks.
The port is also upgrading its infrastructure significantly by constructing custom facilities for conducting inspections.
There will be 24 kiosks available for coach passengers to complete the necessary checks, while agents and tablets will register passengers in cars.
Ms Malhotra warns that the checks at the EU border will represent a significant alteration and advises the public to expect delays during peak hours when they are initially implemented.
She stated that Home Office ministers were making efforts to reduce the possibility of long queue times as best as they could.
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