Eurostar Urged to Address Passport Check Concerns
London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, has sounded the alarm over the imminent passport check challenges facing Eurostar services, urging swift action to avert potential chaos. Plans to introduce biometric border controls at St. Pancras International in October have raised significant concerns, with HS1, the operator of the Eurostar line, cautioning that the proposed system could lead to extensive delays.
The impending changes are part of post-Brexit measures aimed at enhancing border security. However, HS1 has criticized the plans, labeling them "inadequate" and warning of the potential for long queues and disruptions. The system will require passengers from outside the EU or Schengen area to register before entering the zone, replacing the traditional passport stamping process with the collection of personal information and biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition.
With nearly 18.6 million people using the Eurostar last year alone, according to London City Hall, concerns about the impact of these changes on travelers are mounting. HS1 highlighted that the need to register non-EU passengers could add at least two minutes per traveler, significantly extending waiting times at border control points. Despite this, only 24 entry/exit system kiosks have been allocated to St. Pancras by the French government, a number HS1 argues falls short of the nearly 50 kiosks needed during peak times.
Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasized the critical role of the Eurostar in London's and the UK's economic success, stressing that the proposed checks could cause disruption and harm to both tourism and business travel. Khan called on the government to provide HS1 and Eurostar with the necessary support to resolve these issues promptly.
However, responses to Khan's concerns have varied. While the Liberal Democrats warned of potential negative impacts on tourism and the economy, City Hall Conservatives spokesperson for transport, Keith Prince, urged Khan to address issues within London's own transport system first.
As the deadline for implementing the new passport checks approaches, stakeholders are anxiously awaiting further developments, hoping for a swift resolution to prevent disruptions to Eurostar services and ensure smooth travel for passengers.
