Police Aux Frontières

Police aux Frontières (PAF) are French border police responsible for managing France's external borders, including those within the Schengen Area and at ports and airports. Their role has become particularly newsworthy due to the recent full operationalization of the European Union's Entry-Exit System (EES). This new digital system replaces manual passport stamps with electronic registration for non-EU citizens, aiming to streamline border crossings. However, its implementation has led to significant delays and long queues at various European entry points, including the port of Dover. In response to severe disruptions, such as those experienced by British travellers heading home via EU airports and holidaymakers facing hours of waiting at Dover, French authorities have temporarily suspended some of the enhanced checks. The current relevance of PAF's work is tied to the ongoing challenges of adapting to and managing the EES, impacting travel logistics and passenger experience across Europe.