EU entry-exit questions dropped for Eurostar passengers over fears of long delays
French authorities ditch EU entry-exit questions for some UK travellers
- Controversial "admissibility" questions for Eurostar passengers travelling to the EU from London St Pancras International have been dropped following the launch of the entry-exit system (EES).
- The digital border scheme requires "third-country nationals" like Britons to be photographed and fingerprinted, with formalities taking place on British soil.
- Initially, passengers faced four questions, two of which were specific French conditions regarding proof of accommodation and sufficient funds, causing significant confusion and prompting concerns over potential delays.
- Eurostar's chief stations and safety officer, Simon Lejeune, confirmed that French authorities agreed to remove these specific questions from kiosks for an initial six-month period.
- The EES process at London St Pancras International is currently taking approximately 50 seconds per passenger for full biometric and passport checks, according to Mr Lejeune.