Eurotunnel trial marks UK-EU breakthrough, may allow airport style checks to avoid border chaos

Checks designed for car travel

Getlink, which owns Eurotunnel, has installed 120 kiosks at both sides of the crossing. Each car could pull up beside a kiosk, with two stands to read passports and collect fingerprints and facial images.

The plan aims to reproduce some airport-style controls while allowing passengers to remain in their vehicles. Leriche said Getlink wanted to extend that approach beyond what travellers encounter at airports.

Police cameras under trial

The Entry/Exit System requires citizens from outside the EU to provide fingerprints and facial images when entering or leaving the Schengen area. British passport holders are included, and the system has faced delays for years.

Previously considered arrangements would have required police officers to be physically present when first-time passengers submitted fingerprints. Getlink has received authorisation to trial cameras at each kiosk, with police monitoring them remotely, after discussions with the European Commission and French authorities.

Queues and safeguards

Eurotunnel has described the system’s requirements as a logistical challenge and a possible source of long tailbacks near its terminals. Leriche said the trial was intended to prevent disruption in both the short and long term.