Possibility of permitting UK nationals to use the e-Gates

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Mr Ross Allen Ambassador British Embassy Tallinn pņ 1ļ. ,4o,A-'( /v! 9 s/"ra-v

PossibiliŅ of permitting ĮJK nationals to use the eGates

Dear Ambassador Allen

Let me begin by confirrning that Estonia supports your idea to ensure fast and convenient border crossings for UK citizens at Tallinn Aiņort.

The EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) was expected to come into force from Novembęr 2024 and suppose to remove the Schengen Border Code requirement for manual passport stamping. Unforfunately, the implementation of the information system has been postponed and there is currently no official implementation date.

Despite the fact that the new information system replaces manual stamping by the electronic stamp and that we have made changes in Estonian law for UK citizens to use ABC gates, due to technical reasons, the use of ABC gates at Tallinn AĘort is not possible immediately after the implementation of EES.

The current ABC gates leasing contract expires at the end of 2026 andnext year we will start preparing the procurement for new ABC gates. When preparing the procurement, we are already taking into account that these gates would be available for use by UK citizens.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to make any quick changes at this moment, but we will continue in cooperation with the Police and Border Guard Board to find alternative solutions in the meantime.

Yours Sincerely,

Lauri Läänemets Minister of the

Pikk 61 Į I5a65 Tall-inn / Estonia l +3'12 612 5008 / [email protected] / www.siseministeerium.ee RegisŅ code 70000562