Fears EU app delay may derail Eurostar
TOUGH new EU travel rules could cause chaos on Channeltunnel rail services, ministers fear.
The Government is holding urgent talks with the EU about a system for registering UK travellers, including those using Eurostar services from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron have all raised concerns with Brussels.
The EU Entry/exit System is due to come into force in October but an online app, allowing travellers to provide personal details in advance, is unlikely to be ready.
It means passengers using Eurostar will have to go through a lengthy process at busy St Pancras station.
HS1 Ltd, which operates services from the London rail hub, has warned of “additional passenger queues” and says it may be forced to “cap” passenger numbers.
The firm also says kiosks for passengers to input their details will have to be placed in a different part of the station owing to lack of space, causing confusion.
Immigration ministertom Pursglove has revealed the UK is pushing the EU to get an app in place for the system but believes the deadline will be missed.
He told a Lords committee: “We will continue to press for the pragmatic application of precautionary measures.”
The Entry/exit System means travellers will be required to scan passports at a self-service kiosk.
Originally due to be introduced in 2022, it has been delayed until after the Paris Olympics.the app would allow information to be input at home.
A government spokesman said: “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.”
A Eurostar spokesman said: “Our aim is to minimise the impact on our customers to ensure the smoothest possible travel experience.”