UPDATE: Travelers heading to Europe for Christmas are facing severe disruptions as an IT glitch at French border control has caused massive delays. Holidaymakers arriving at Geneva Airport for ski trips are experiencing waits of up to four hours due to new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) regulations.
As families try to jumpstart their festive season, 30,000 cars are expected to traverse the Port of Dover during this peak holiday period, with reports of lengthy delays already in effect. The chaos comes as 37.5 million leisure trips are anticipated in the week leading up to Christmas Eve, according to the RAC.
Officials confirm that the EES, which requires non-EU travelers to provide biometric data at kiosks, is contributing to the extended wait times. The system was implemented to tighten border checks but has led to a 70% increase in airport delays across Europe, affecting travelers in countries like France, Germany, and Spain.
In a statement,
“There’s never a good time to introduce this sort of system,”
said travel expert Paul Charles. He emphasized the lack of resources allocated to ensure a smooth transition, resulting in travelers facing unprecedented delays.
At the Port of Dover, ferry operator P&O Ferries has advised customers to allow extra time for their journeys. Traffic expert Shaun Jones from the AA urged patience, stating,
“Patience will be your best present this year.”
The Department for Transport reassured travelers about the situation, noting that current queue times at Dover are typical for the busy Christmas season. They encourage all travelers to check with their operators to understand potential impacts on their journeys.
As the holiday season approaches, families and travelers must prepare for longer waits and congested roads. With the potential for further delays, this Christmas getaway is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops, and plan your trips accordingly to avoid the worst of the holiday chaos.
