EU may miss deadline for new border checks system

Travellers to the EU from the UK and other non-EU countries will have to register their details at the border

The European Commission has admitted there could be a further delay to the introduction of new border checks due come in at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar in November.

The European Union's Entry Exit System (EES) will require travellers entering the bloc from the UK and other non-EU countries to register their details at the EU border and provide biometric data.

UK travellers were due to have to have their faces scanned and fingerprints taken from 10 November to enter the EU, but it might may now be soft-launched, because the technology is not ready.

A European Commission spokesperson said the current deadline remains: "However, the implementation of a system like EES is a complex operation and delays cannot be completely excluded."

The new technology is supposed to modernise the management of the EU's external borders.

The idea is that passengers will be given hand held devices, so they can register their details in their cars.

The Entry Exit System will require British travellers going to the EU to register their fingerprints

But, the Port of Dover has yet to be given any of these tablets and as a result no proper testing of the system has taken place.

The port has is making major upgrades to its infrastructure, including building bespoke facilities to carry out the checks.

It will have 24 kiosks for coach passengers to complete the checks, and will register passengers in cars using agents and tablets.

The UK Government said: "We are working with the European Commission, France and the local authorities to ensure we are prepared."