Eurostar passengers are to face being fingerprinted and photographed in new EU border checks next month, but rail bosses are insisting there will be no extra queues.
The Channel Tunnel train operator insisted it is fully prepared for the launch of the Entry Exist System (EES) on October 12, and that extra measures at London St Pancras will be 'smooth and seamless'.
Concerns have been raised for a number of years that EES will lead to long delays for UK travellers needing to complete EU border checks at the central London station, the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel's Folkestoned terminal.
The process will involve people from non-EU countries - which includes the UK - having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the EU, which will eventually replace the need to stamp their passports.
All children must register, though under-12s will be exempt from fingerprinting.
