The EU entry-exit system (EES) had been due to come online in May; however, it was confirmed last month implementation had been delayed due to contracting delays, although the EU has since insisted the system will be rolled out this year.

Under the EES, travellers’ names, type of travel document and biometric data (finger prints and facial images), along with the date and place of both entry into and exit from the bloc, will be logged to digitally track the amount of time non-EU citizens spend in the union to ensure people do not overstay the permitted 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area.

EES registrations will remain valid for three years. Both Abta and the Port of Dover have raised concerns about the likely increase in processing times. The Department for Transport said Harper used his meeting with French counterpart Clement Beaune on Thursday (9 February) to highlight the importance of "maintaining reliable, quick and safe travel routes between the UK and France".

The DfT said Harper also "reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to working alongside the French government to ensure any new system works for both countries and passengers".

Harper’s visit also focused on mutual decarbonisation efforts and expansion of international rail services between the UK and France, meeting with Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave at Paris’s Gare du Nord and also Channel Tunnel operator Getlink.

According to the DfT, Harper discussed with Cazenave the importance of cross-Channel rail services to millions of people on both sides of the border each year, and the need to address border-related challenges such as queuing and the future growth and success of the UK and European international rail sectors.

And with Getlink, signalled the UK’s willingness to support preparations for EES. "This visit highlighted the importance of reliable transport links between our countries, our ongoing efforts to lead the world in decarbonising transport networks, and our commitment to securing the growth of international rail services." said Harper.