Exciting news for Eurostar travellers! 🎉 The much-anticipated Entry Exit System (EES) is launching on 12th October, and Eurostar assures there will be “no queues” at London St Pancras. Despite worries about potential delays, the Channel Tunnel operator is confident in its preparation, ensuring a swift, seamless experience. 🛤️✨
For UK passengers entering the EU, the new process involves registering fingerprints and taking a photo instead of the usual passport stamp. While all kiddos need to register, under-12s are free from fingerprinting. Eurostar won’t demand earlier arrivals at St Pancras than usual (60-75 minutes ahead of your train), and the quick self-service kiosks are expected to take just 90 seconds per person. 🕒📸
Eurostar’s revamped facilities include a whopping 49 kiosks – more than twice the required number, ensuring no fuss at the border. And a heads up, frequent travellers and premium ticket holders will be first to use these time-saving kiosks. As the system phases in, remember: once you’re registered, you’re good for the next three years without re-scanning fingerprints. 🎫👌
Wet passport stamps will soon be a thing of the past, speeding things up. EES isn’t new, but its start was delayed several times. Rest assured, Eurostar’s taking every measure to avoid queues, especially during peak travel periods like Easter holidays. 🌍✌️
Mark Tanzer, CEO of travel trade group Abta, is pleased with the phased rollout, aiming for minimal disruption during high travel times, like October half term and Christmas. 🎄✈️ If you’re travelling soon, no pre-arrival steps are needed for EES – it’s all handled at the border!
Travel safe and stress-free, and get ready for a modern, smooth travel experience with Eurostar! 🚄🌟