UK train passengers at London St Pancras have been assured of “no queues” with the introduction of new EU border checks next month, according to Eurostar. The Channel Tunnel train operator has said that it is fully prepared for the launch of the Entry Exit System (EES) on October 12.
For years, concerns have been voiced that EES will result in lengthy delays for UK travellers needing to complete EU border checks at St Pancras station, the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal. The process will require people from non-EU countries – such as the UK – to register their fingerprints and have their photograph taken to enter the EU, which will eventually eliminate the need to stamp their passports.
All children must register, although those under 12 will be exempt from fingerprinting. Eurostar will not request passengers to arrive at St Pancras earlier than the current time, which varies between 60-75 minutes before their train departs.
The operator anticipates that passengers will take an average of 90 seconds to complete the kiosk process, which includes scanning their passport, recording their facial image and fingerprints, and answering four questions about their trip. The machines are self-service, but staff will be available to assist passengers who require help.
After a passenger has used a kiosk, checked in and passed through security and UK exit checks, they will still need their EES registration to be completed by French border officers.
Eurostar chief safety and stations officer Simon Lejeune told the PA news agency: “We are ready. We have a seamless and smooth experience for our customers that will have to do EES in the months ahead.”
Mr Lejeune said Eurostar will take “full advantage” of the six-month introductory phase of EES, by only inviting some frequent travellers and those with premium tickets to use the kiosks. EU member states will initially only be required to use the system for a proportion of their arrivals.
Mr Lejeune added: “We’re working hand in hand with our border colleagues to make sure that we do this in a very controlled, measured way, helping our customers every step of the way and making sure there are no queues as a result.”
The first major test for EES in the UK is expected to come near the conclusion of next year’s Easter school break, which aligns with the deadline for complete system rollout on April 10. Eurostar has invested more than £11 million in upgrading its border facilities at St Pancras. The company has established three zones containing a combined total of 49 kiosks within walking distance of the check-in area.
This represents more than double the number of kiosks that French officials had recommended. Once individuals have completed EES registration, they won’t require fingerprint scanning for journeys over the subsequent three years, though kiosk usage will remain mandatory.
Eurostar confirmed that wet stamping of UK passports at St Pancras will cease around April, which should dramatically reduce processing times at border control points. Initially proposed in 2016, EES implementation has faced numerous postponements.
A recent survey of more than 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by travel trade body Abta, revealed that 51% of respondents understand EES requirements, rising from 44% the previous year. This figure increased to 61% amongst those who had holidayed overseas within the past 12 months.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “We are very supportive of the EU adopting a phased introduction of the new scheme. Launching a new digital border system in 29 countries is no mean feat, and doing it over a six-month period should allow the system to bed in whilst minimising impact on travellers.
“It also takes the pressure off peak travel periods, such as October half term and Christmas. There isn’t anything passengers need to do in advance for EES, as it is all done on arrival at the border.”