Eurostar chaos fears as new EU journey guidelines are available in | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Tough new EU journey guidelines are set to trigger chaos on Channel Tunnel rail companies, ministers concern.

The Government is holding pressing talks with the EU a few system for registering UK travellers, together with these utilizing Eurostar companies from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron have all raised issues with Brussels.

The EU Entry/Exit System is because of come into power in October however a web-based app, permitting travellers to supply private particulars prematurely, is unlikely to be prepared.

It means passengers utilizing Eurostar should undergo a prolonged course of at busy St Pancras station.

HS1 Ltd, which operates companies from the London rail hub, has warned of “additional passenger queues” and says it might be pressured to “cap” passenger numbers.

The agency additionally says kiosks for passengers to enter their particulars should be positioned in a unique a part of the station owing to lack of area, inflicting confusion.

Immigration Minister Tom Pursglove has revealed the UK is pushing the EU to get an app in place for the system however believes the deadline might be missed.

He instructed a Lords committee: “We will continue to press for the pragmatic application of precautionary measures.”

The Entry/Exit System means travellers might be required to scan passports at a self-service kiosk.
Originally on account of be launched in 2022, it has been delayed till after the Paris Olympics. The app would permit info to be inputted at dwelling.

A authorities spokesman stated: “While the implementation of the system at St Pancras is a French responsibility, we are working closely with EU, French authorities and industry to minimise any impacts on the border.”

An HS1 spokesperson stated: “Together with our stakeholders, and authorities in the UK and EU, we are preparing for the introduction of the Entry Exit System and putting significant measures in place to maintain a seamless journey to Europe, including introducing a new digital map to help passengers navigate to the kiosks with ease.

“We might be prepared for the implementation of the Entry Exit system in October, however we equally assist the Government’s view that an app would assist enhance passenger processing instances.”

A Eurostar spokesman stated: “Our aim is to minimise the impact on our customers to ensure the smoothest possible travel experience.”