Eurostar App To Reduce EU Border Traffic, Will Be Delayed

The latest developments in the ongoing saga of the new EU border scheme have raised concerns for British citizens traveling across the Channel. Despite initial plans for an app to mitigate delays, Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave has announced that the app will not be ready in time.

As a result, non-EU nationals will be required to register their fingerprints and a photo at the border, beginning in October, in compliance with the much-delayed Entry Exit System (EES). This means that tourists will no longer be able to complete this process remotely, and UK travelers may face longer lines and delays at the stations.

The EES aims to provide greater control over who enters and exits the EU, replacing traditional passport stamping. However, warnings have been issued regarding the anticipated lengthy lines at the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel terminals due to the additional time required for passengers to complete their initial registration.

In preparation for this transition, Eurostar has begun setting up over thirty kiosks at St Pancras, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place for the anticipated surge in travelers. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Eurostar has managed to bounce back to pre-Covid levels, with a projected two million travelers expected during the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

Partnerships with Olympic teams from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany further highlight Eurostar’s commitment to facilitating international travel, emphasizing the convenience and environmental benefits of train travel over air transport. Ms. Cazenave underscored the significance of managing customer flow through the stations, maximizing employee presence, and providing streamlined processes for crossing borders in a smooth and efficient manner.

While the EU has confirmed that the EES will be implemented without the app, Eurostar remains optimistic that the software will eventually streamline operations, offering a more seamless experience for travelers. Despite the initial setback, Eurostar continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering a high-quality and efficient travel experience for passengers.