Updated: EU reportedly ready to delay new biometric border rules again

The EES will take the form of an automated IT system. Travellers crossing into the EU from non-EU countries, such as the UK, will have to submit to biometric checks – facial images and finger prints – when they cross external Schengen borders.

These biometrics will be kept on file for three years and will replace passport stamping. Checks will take place in the UK at sea ports like Dover, and international rail ports, such as London St Pancras International (for Eurostar) and Folkestone (for Eurotunnel). Checks for air travellers will take place at their EU arrival airport.

One source cited by The Guardian said UK ports should have the freedom to freeze the "time-consuming" checks if they see queues developing "to manage congestion".

Another said a lack of live testing was an issue. “Every single border into the Schengen area will have to operate this," they told the paper. "You just cannot do this in a big bang.”

Over the past few months, concerns have been raised about the lack of preparedness in both the UK and the EU for the roll-out of EES.

In late-July, Malhotra said the previous Conservative administration hadn’t done enough to get the country ready for EES and that she personally was not "content" with preparations.

In response, the new Labour government last month pledged £10.5 million to smooth the transition – committing £3.5 million each to the Port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel. 

Meanwhile, Iata Europe regional head Rafael Schvartzman told The Telegraph in early July there were “critical unresolved items” at EU airports that needed fixing before the system could be rolled out across the bloc.

“The industry is concerned there are critical unresolved items which will require urgent and coordinated action from both the EU and member states prior to its implementation,” he said.

The roll-out of the EES is fundamental to the EU’s plans to launch a €7 (£6) US Esta-style visa waiver next year, known as Etias.

The UK is currently in the process of launching its own like regime, the Electronic Travel Authorisation, which will cost £10 and take full effect from the start of April next year.