Those who want to get into the UK on the occasion of the Whitsun holiday need strong nerves: electronic passport control creates problems. What should passengers be prepared for?
Long queues at British airports
Due to the failure of electronic passport control at UK airports, passengers can expect long queues when entering the UK today. Problems with electronic gates at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports began on Friday evening, according to the BBC.
A union representative representing Home Office border, customs and immigration officials warned on BBC Radio 4 that queues would form “very, very quickly”.
Depending on the airport, 60 to 80 percent of travelers typically go through electronic gates. Now their passports will have to be checked manually. It will take longer. But: “This will not affect national security in any way,” the spokeswoman said.
ePassport Control can be used by Britons over 12 years of age, as well as citizens of EU countries and some other countries, including Australia, Canada, the USA, Japan and New Zealand. Those entering the country can scan their passport themselves. An electronic facial recognition system is used to verify the identity. They are also photographed as they pass through the gate.
Various problems
The Port of Dover has previously had IT issues at a checkpoint for people leaving the UK. The French passport control system was temporarily out of order on Saturday morning, causing queues.
“We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and are in contact with port operators and airlines to minimize inconvenience to travelers,” – BBC today quotes a statement by a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
British Airways has already canceled several flights at London Heathrow ahead of the Whitsun holiday weekend due to ongoing IT issues. At times, IT systems were completely paralyzed. Relations within the UK and Europe were particularly affected.
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Top photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire/dpa
