EUROSTAR revealed its £8.5million preparations for the new European Entry Exit System that will be introduced later this year. The new system - designed to strengthen European borders - will require all British passengers travelling by air, train or ferry to register their passport, facial image and fingerprints as well as answer four questions about their trip.
These details will need to be updated every three years - and will be checked by a French customs officer before you are cleared to travel. The new system is expected to come into force on October 6 and with restricted space at the St Pancras rail terminal, the high speed rail company has created three new areas containing 49 self-service kiosks outside of the check in for passengers to register. A Benugo coffee shop will be transformed to create the largest kiosk spot.
A second overflow area on the mezzanine level of St Pancras will soak up the demand at peak times and a third area for business passengers and those requiring assistance will be built opposite the main entrance for Eurostar. Eurostar officials claim passengers will take no longer than 90 seconds to complete the checks - which will then be confirmed by French border officers once a passenger has checked in, gone through security and passed through the English passport control . They are confident their new system will mean passengers will arrive between 45 minutes to an hour and a half - the current recommended times.
Eurostar chief stations and securi.
