Regarding passport validity or visa requirements, please always check with your local embassy or consulate before making a booking to ensure you have the correct requirements. To travel on Eurostar you need either a valid passport or a national identity card (EEA citizens and Swiss nationals).

Yes, you must show a valid passport (or a national ID card for EEA/Swiss citizens) when traveling on the Eurostar between the UK and mainland Europe. Because the UK is not part of the Schengen Area, all passengers must go through border controls before boarding the train. When departing from London St Pancras, you will pass through both UK exit checks and French entry checks (conducted by the Police Aux Frontières) right in the station. This "juxtaposed" border control means that once you arrive in Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam, you can simply walk off the train and exit the station without further checks. As of 2026, the process is increasingly digital with the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). It is essential to arrive at least 60-90 minutes before your departure to allow time for these security and passport procedures. Unlike a standard domestic train where you just hop on, Eurostar functions more like an international flight, and you will not be allowed to board without the proper travel documentation and a valid visa if your nationality requires one.