French Police Suspend New EES Biometric Checks at Dover After Hours-Long Queues
Ground-Staff Strike Announced for 18 June at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
France and Switzerland Mount Joint Border-Security Sweep in Doubs–Jura Corridor
Latest News
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport extends PARAFE e-gate use to UK and US citizens
Nice Airport is now letting British and American passport holders use PARAFE e-gates, a first for non-EU nationals in France since EES rules took effect. The move reduces queues while full biometric kiosks are delayed, offering faster processing but with limits and no guarantee at other airports. Mobility teams should adjust travel guidance accordingly.
Bank-holiday bottleneck: Dover-to-France ferries slowed by manual EES checks
French border guards at Dover required manual EES processing on 22 May, creating two-hour waits for car passengers heading to France during the bank-holiday rush. With biometric kiosks still pending, employers should factor longer ground-transport buffers or consider alternative crossings.
EES flags nearly 7,000 Schengen overstayers; France warns long-stay tourists
EU data show almost 7,000 people denied entry for Schengen overstays under EES, with France a key hotspot because of its UK second-home market. The spike underscores the need for corporates and long-stay tourists to track day allowances or obtain the correct French long-stay visa.
France updates UK visa outsourcing: new TLScontact fees and appointment rules
A 22 May briefing confirms higher TLScontact service fees (£39.95) for French visa appointments in the UK, postcode enforcement between London, Manchester and Edinburgh, and premium-lounge increases. HR teams must budget for the new costs and check regional jurisdiction before sending staff for biometrics.