On Wednesday, EU member states reached an agreement on the phased rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals to replace traditional passport stamps. Initially scheduled for launch last November, the system, pending European Parliament approval, will begin implementation in October over a six-month period. The EES aims to automate the recording of entry and exit dates, alongside biometric data collection, though concerns linger about potential increased wait times at border crossings. The initiative has sparked warnings from officials like London's mayor about possible disruptions at key travel hubs.
Under the EU agreement reached on Wednesday - subject to approval by the European Parliament - the scheme will be implemented over a six-month period.
But its introduction has raised fears of queues and longer waiting times for people travelling to Europe on trains, ferries and planes.
The automated EES system will record visitors' date of entry and exit and keep track of overstays and refused entries.
Sadiq Khan warned last year it could trigger "chaos" at the British capital's Eurostar cross-Channel rail hub.
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