The long-awaited, EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to begin its phased rollout at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal tomorrow, Sunday, October 12, 2025. The new biometric border system, which requires UK travellers to register fingerprints and facial images, will be introduced cautiously at the UK’s busiest Channel crossings to mitigate the risk of immediate chaos.
The first stage of implementation scheduled for Sunday 12 October will largely bypass private car traffic, focusing instead on commercial and bus passengers. Travellers in cars are expected to be delayed – See details below…
| Travel Category | Start Date | Initial Procedure |
| HGV / Freight Drivers | October 12 | Complete EES checks while remaining in their lorries (managed by French border police). |
| Coach & Foot Passengers (Dover) | October 12 | Must disembark to use newly installed kiosks at the Western Docks facility. |
| Car Passengers (Dover) | Anticipated November 1 | Delayed due to construction and technology setup. Will use tablets to register while remaining in vehicles once live. |
| Car Passengers (Eurotunnel) | Later in the Year | Will require passengers to leave their vehicles to complete registration in dedicated pre-registration zones. |
Despite the phased approach, the process is expected to slow down border flow. The Port of Dover estimates the new EES check will take up to six minutes per car, a dramatic increase from the current 30–60 seconds. Local authorities have decided not to deploy Operation Brock—the M20 traffic management system—for the launch weekend, trusting the gradual rollout will prevent immediate gridlock.
Two sites in Kent have been earmarked as holding areas for cars, though these are primarily in preparation for peak travel volumes next summer. It’s understood port officials have noted “outstanding technology challenges” with the French system provider, suggesting the rollout will rely heavily on manual procedures initially.
EES registration, which is valid for three years, is expected to be fully operational for all travellers by April 10, 2026. However, passport stamping will continue to be used until the new digital system is fully integrated.