France backs down on rule change for UK tourists | World | News
France has backtracked on a controversial new passport control plan won by British tourists. Following the launch of the new Europe-wide Entry/Exit System (EES), concerns have arisen over France’s border entry procedures. Passengers bound for France had to answer questions about whether they had return tickets, whether they had enough money, whether they had booked accommodation and whether they had arranged insurance.
Travelers who failed to meet the requirements, such as those planning to book accommodation upon arrival, faced stricter questioning by border police. This has raised concerns about possible long delays, with some passengers potentially deemed unfit to travel.
But a senior boss of the Channel Tunnel train operator said French authorities had canceled the interrogation.
By at least April next year, only a handful of travelers, rather than every traveler, will face these questions.
Simon Lejeune, Eurostar’s station chief and head of security, told the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee: “We know that these questions have caused serious confusion, particularly within the kiosk process.
“As a result of our discussions with the French ministry and our colleagues, we are very pleased that an agreement was reached that these questions can technically be removed from the kiosks during the first six-month introduction phase of the new system.
“A sense of pragmatism is returning. Questioning is becoming less systematic and more targeted, which is a positive development.”
The EES requires visitors to go to a kiosk to have their fingerprints and passport registered when entering certain EU countries.
The system has been operational since October 12 and is being gradually adopted at key entry points, including airports and railway stations.
It is specifically designed for non-EU nationals visiting the region for a short stay, defined as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Data collection will be phased in at border crossing points, with full implementation by April 10, 2026.
