Plans to fingerprint passengers entering the EU from 10 November are to be delayed for a third time after concerns were raised by France, Germany and the Netherlands, it has emerged.

The introduction of the entry-exit system (EES) requiring non-EU citizens to have their fingerprints or photos taken before entering the Schengen area has already been delayed twice.

It was due to be introduced in summer last year but France expressed concerns it would have an adverse impact on that autumn’s Rugby World Cup and this summer’s Olympics. It was rescheduled for 6 October this year, then put back again until November amid concerns about disruption to school trips into the EU.

EU diplomat sources said on Wednesday there was very little chance that any version of the new entry-exit system would be ready to be implemented in four weeks’ time despite an official announcement of its launch date by the European Commission last month.