A new app designed to reduce disruption for travellers using the EU’s forthcoming Entry-Exit System (EES) will not be ready when the system is launched later this year, according to Eurostar’s CEO.

The much-delayed EES, which will require non-EU citizens to supply digital biometric data, is currently due to be implemented from October.

The EU is planning to launch an app allowing travellers to remotely supply their digital fingerprints and facial scans rather than having to do it at the airport or station.

But Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave told UK news outlets that it was preparing for the new EES procedures to take place at its stations as the app would not be ready in time.

“It’s all about preparing the customer flow in the station, and to have as many staff as possible and as much space for the customers to cross the border in a seamless way,” she told the BBC.

Cazenave said the cross-border rail operator has already started to install more than 49 kiosks at St Pancras station in London ahead of the EES launch later this year.

The implementation of EES will be followed next year by the introduction of the related European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for non-EU visitors. This will require visitors from third countries to pay a €7 fee for an electronic authorisation that lasts for up to three years.