Streamlined border control for the Channel Tunnel by IN Groupe
IN Groupe's EES kiosks enhance border security and efficiency at the Channel Tunnel. Discover the Getlink case study below
The Getlink Group, operator of the Channel Tunnel, has been preparing for the entry into force of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES).
This milestone project revolutionizes European border management, enhancing security while modernizing control processes. As a critical hub for cross-border travel between the UK and the EU, the Channel Tunnel is at the forefront of these changes. 224 items of equipment, supplied by IN Groupe, have been installed on the French and English sides to ensure maximum fluidity in the processing of vehicles and their passengers.
Understanding what the Entry/Exit System (EES) is
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a European Union initiative to record biometric and biographic data (photos and fingerprints) of non-EU nationals crossing Schengen borders.
Deployed across Europe, the EES strengthens security and improves migration management, addressing increasing border management challenges.
Meeting client needs: Ensuring traffic flow and efficiency
With EES pre-registration kiosks, non-European travelers must provide biometric data when entering the Schengen Area. Completing an EES profile is mandatory before crossing the border.
This protocol could increase border wait times, raising concerns for the millions of passengers and vehicles transiting the Channel Tunnel annually. Getlink identified several key priorities:
Prevent road traffic congestion
Ensure a seamless user experience
Maintain high border security standards
Minimize delays
Comply with new EU regulations
IN Groupe's technological response to save time without compromising safety
To meet these challenges, Getlink, which facilitates over 10 million travelers annually, made significant investments in its infrastructure.
IN Groupe, renowned for its expertise in identity solutions and secure border management, delivered, installed, and activated 224 outdoor kiosks at Folkestone (UK) and Coquelles (FR) terminals.
Designed for all-weather operation, these advanced devices efficiently process biometric data from over one million vehicles annually. They operate continuously, complementing the border police by performing mandatory biometric checks (fingerprints and facial recognition) at dedicated pre-registration kiosks. Intelligent systems direct vehicles to the most appropriate lane or parking area based on traveler status (EU nationals, non-EU travelers entering the EU, or pre-registered EES users).
Unveiling the System at the Passenger Terminal Expo
In April 2024, during the Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE) in Frankfurt, Getlink and IN Groupe showcased EES demonstrations, highlighting their ability to manage cross-border traffic challenges.
The live demonstrations confirmed the efficiency of the biometric kiosks in reducing processing times while maintaining robust security.
IN Groupe’s leadership was further strengthened with the appointment of Agnès Diallo as CEO in 2024. A former director at EU-Lisa, Agnès Diallo brings her expertise in managing sensitive data and security infrastructure.
How IN Groupe's Biometric EES Kiosks enhance your travel experience
The newly installed IN Groupe biometric kiosks provide numerous advantages for Channel Tunnel users:
- Optimized border wait times, especially during peak travel periods
- A smoother and more efficient travel experience
- Compliance with security standards for the protection of personal data
- Enhanced traffic flow for both passengers and vehicles
The introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System at the Channel Tunnel represents a significant step in modernizing European border controls. The collaboration between Getlink and IN Groupe demonstrates how technological innovation and strategic partnerships can address modern security requirements while maintaining the efficiency of cross-border travel.