Is there immigration control on Eurostar?

The United Kingdom operates juxtaposed immigration controls on the Eurostar routes. Therefore, our immigration checks are carried out prior to departure from the stations in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Passengers disembarking on arrival at St Pancras are not routinely subject to any further checks.



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Until two years ago, passengers could just show their passports for often quick checks, but since 2021, after Britain left the European Union, British travelers in both directions have been required to get their passports stamped.

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Just like an airline, Eurostar works with European authorities to ensure a high level of security on each journey. It might mean an extra step at the station but since safety's our top priority, we take our security checks seriously.

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There are usually sniffer dogs (with handlers) milling about. They're quite friendly but alert to dangerous substances and drugs so don't even think about it.

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Passport checks used to be carried on the international Eurostar train, but all formalities are now carried out before boarding. At some border crossings, the train stops twice. First on one side of the border for checks and then on the other side for a second set of checks.

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Make your journey from St Pancras International that little bit more seamless with our facial verification technology. From July 2023, SmartCheck will allow you to use the dedicated lane without scanning your ticket. You then only need your passport checked once before entering the departure lounge.

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How long does the Eurostar check-in take? 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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Travel by train between London and Paris does not typically involve a passport check at the border. Passport checks are generally conducted when crossing international borders, but there is no border check between the United Kingdom and France as they are both part of the European Union's (EU) Schengen Area.

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The United Kingdom operates juxtaposed immigration controls on the Eurostar routes. Therefore, our immigration checks are carried out prior to departure from the stations in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Passengers disembarking on arrival at St Pancras are not routinely subject to any further checks.

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You will have to go through border security and customs, so you need to make sure you have all the necessary travel documents before your trip to enter and leave each country.

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Whether arriving at an airport, ferry port, or Eurotunnel station, British citizens arriving in France will no longer be able to use the passport control lanes reserved for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. There are also additional documents that you will need to show when you arrive at border control.

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Do I need to enter my passport details when I book? (API) No, but do bring your passport when you travel as it'll be checked by UK and French authorities before you board....

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On Eurostar there's no weight limit for your luggage, but you must be able to carry and lift your bags safely on your own, as there is no porter service at the station and our teams are unfortunately unable to help with luggage. Each bag can be up to 85cm long at its widest point and should be clearly labelled.

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Items containing incapacitating substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, CS gas, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable. Any quantity of inflammable substances, including empty canisters e.g. petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners.

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All the stations that the Eurostar trains stop at has passport control in place between the International platforms and the main concourse/rest of the station. If you are a foot passenger you pass through passport control at Gare du Nord in Paris and at St Pancras in London on your return journey.

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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.

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