Overview

• The EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System is scheduled to start on October 12, with full deployment due by April 10, 2026.
• Eurostar has invested more than £11 million at St Pancras and installed 49 kiosks to process departing passengers to the EU.
• The kiosk process is expected to take about 90 seconds per person, current recommended arrival times remain 60–75 minutes, and staff will assist at the machines.
• During the introductory period, Eurostar will initially invite only some frequent travellers and premium ticket holders to use the kiosks.
• Non‑EU travellers, including UK citizens, must register fingerprints and a facial image, under‑12s are exempt from fingerprinting, and French officers will complete checks as passport stamping is phased out around April.