Eurostar travellers booking journeys from London to continental Europe are encountering a new reality at the booking stage: additional mandatory questions as part of the European Union's forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES).
The Digital Border Revolution
The automated EES represents the most significant change to EU border management in decades. This digital system will register third-country nationals—including British citizens post-Brexit—each time they cross an EU external border.
Eurostar has already begun implementing preliminary questions during the booking process, asking travellers for additional personal information that will eventually feed into the new system.
What This Means for UK Travellers
British passengers heading to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam will need to provide:
- Full personal details beyond passport information
- Travel document specifics
- Intended length of stay in the EU
- Destination address details
While currently presented as optional during booking, these questions will become mandatory once the EES becomes fully operational later this year.
Potential Impact on Journey Times
Travel industry experts have raised concerns about potential delays at stations like London St Pancras International. The additional verification processes could add significant time to border control procedures, particularly during peak travel periods.
Eurostar is working closely with border authorities to streamline the process, but passengers should prepare for more complex pre-travel requirements and potential station delays.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cross-Channel Travel
The EES represents just the first phase of the EU's new border management strategy. The subsequent Entry/Exit System will introduce even more comprehensive checks, including biometric data collection.
Regular Eurostar travellers between London and Paris should stay informed about implementation timelines and prepare for these permanent changes to cross-border rail travel.
