London mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced concerns over potential disruptions for Eurostar travelers as the European Union plans to implement a new computerized border

scheme. This system, known as the EU Entry/Exit System, is set to commence in October, requiring all visitors entering the EU with visas or visa waivers to undergo automated checks.

Last year, nearly 19 million individuals utilized the Eurostar service, linking Britain to Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, with traveler numbers rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. The EU's automated system aims to capture non-EU nationals' information, including biometric data, entry and exit dates, in order to monitor overstays and refused entries.

Mayor Khan cautioned that the implementation of these post-Brexit checks could lead to disruptions at St Pancras, the London station serving Eurostar passengers, potentially resulting in service reductions and extensive queues during peak times. He emphasized the direct correlation between these challenges and the Brexit decision, urging government officials to address the impending issues.

Since the UK's departure from the EU in 2020, its citizens have forfeited the freedom of movement within the bloc. The automated system will replace traditional passport stamping for British travelers bound for France. However, concerns have been raised by HS1, the operator of the London-Channel Tunnel route, regarding inadequate preparations that could lead to significant delays and potential limitations on passenger numbers.

HS1 has highlighted that registering a non-EU passenger at the border could extend travel times by at least two minutes per individual. Mayor Khan urged government ministers to provide HS1 and Eurostar with necessary support to address these challenges promptly, emphasizing that service cuts and prolonged delays are not viable options.

As a vocal critic of the Conservative government's Brexit strategy, Khan advocates for a closer relationship between the UK and the EU. In response to these concerns, a UK government spokesperson stated that officials are collaborating closely with the EU to mitigate any adverse effects resulting from the new system's implementation. Photo by Eriksw, Wikimedia commons.