How long does it take to get through the Eurostar security?
The check-in procedure for Eurostar train journeys takes roughly 20 minutes from start to finish, and depending on the class you're travelling in, it's recommended that you arrive at least 90 minutes before your Eurostar train leaves.
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Your passport will be checked by UKBA security staff before being checked by French passport control. This will only take a few minutes.
You should be clear of customs from the Eurostar within minutes and it is probably 5 to 10 minutes on from there to the platform for the Folkestone train. Provided the Eurostar train is on time you should be in plenty of time.
ID DocumentsTo travel on Eurostar you need either a valid passport or a national identity card (EEA citizens and Swiss nationals). Babies and children must have their own valid travel documents.
Can I take food on board? Absolutely. You can bring your own food on European and London routes. And unlike in the sky, we won't restrict you with stifling rules on liquids.
With Eurostar, border and luggage checks take place before departure, so we ask our passengers to arrive at the station early enough to complete them. These timings are just for guidance and can sometimes change.
At Eurostar we set ourselves high standards of train punctuality and make every effort to get passengers to their destination on time. Our 2023 target is to ensure: 76% of trains arrive within 5 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. 86% of trains arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.
Generally, if you'd left enough time had the delay not happened, Eurostar will re-book you onto the next available service. If you're delayed getting to the Eurostar station by something other than a train, YMMV, so it's probably best to leave more time for that.
Eurostar is not registered as a carrier of pets and therefore, we're unfortunately unable to make any exceptions. We do, however, allow guide and assistance dogs to travel with their owners and request that customers contact us at least 48 hours in advance of travel to make a request.
Our trains can carry up to 894 passengers, so there may be times when you experience queues at the station. This can particularly happen on peak days or when checks take a bit longer. But don't worry – our staff will be on hand to guide you through the departures process and ensure you board your train.
Passports are required for all passengers travelling to the UK, including children. Your passport doesn't need to be valid for a minimum number of months to travel, as long as it's valid for the length of your stay in the UK.
The security check comes next. Bags and coats go through the X-ray machine, whilst you go through the metal detector. No need to remove shoes or belts, it's a simpler check than airports. You can put anything anywhere, as long as you walk through the metal detector with no metal.