EU border checks delayed at Dover until 2026

New border checks at Dover will now not be introduced until 2026

New border checks to enter the European Union (EU) will not be introduced for car passengers at Dover until 2026, the town's port has said.

The long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace current passport stamping, requiring visitors from outside the EU to register fingerprints, a photo, and passport details to enter the bloc.

It was introduced for coach passengers on 12 October and was meant to be extended to car users on 1 November, but was "paused" the day before.

In a statement on social media, the Port of Dover said it would now not be extended until early 2026 to avoid "any significant changes for passengers just before the busy end-of-year period".

The port said it had been working with the French authorities and had "a shared determination to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the gradual ramp-up period".

It said significant progress had been made through joint planning and testing, to "streamline new digital border checks and minimise disruption" for travellers.

It added: "The successful implementation of EES for coach, freight and foot passengers in October has resulted in nearly 13,000 profiles being successfully created.

"Together, we are confident this partnership approach will deliver an efficient and positive experience for passengers as the full EES programme comes online."