Cross-Channel operator Eurostar confirmed on 19 February 2026 that passengers departing London St Pancras will soon need to arrive only 30 minutes before departure instead of the current 60. After security, travellers will board trains directly rather than waiting in a departure lounge—a move station managers say restores a ‘railway, not airport’ experience.
The change comes ahead of the EU Entry/Exit System, which is expected to lengthen border formalities. Station owner HS1 is investing £100 million to remodel queuing zones and free platform space, while Eurostar works with French border police to streamline passport checks.
![Eurostar to cut St Pancras check-in time to 30 minutes]()
While the revised boarding procedures will simplify the station experience, travellers who still need to arrange entry documents—such as a French business or tourist visa—can take care of that online through VisaHQ. The platform guides applicants step-by-step, offers real-time status tracking, and provides expert support for France and many other destinations: https://www.visahq.com/france/
For companies shuttling staff between Paris and London, the shorter dwell time could shave an hour off round-trip days and make rail more competitive with short-haul flights, especially when factoring in airport security lines. However, the new process applies only to London departures; Gare du Nord procedures remain unchanged.
The upgrade also anticipates market liberalisation: Trenitalia, Virgin and Spanish newcomer Evolyn have all signalled interest in London–Paris slots. More operators could translate into additional frequencies and fare competition—good news for mobility budgets.
The change comes ahead of the EU Entry/Exit System, which is expected to lengthen border formalities. Station owner HS1 is investing £100 million to remodel queuing zones and free platform space, while Eurostar works with French border police to streamline passport checks.
While the revised boarding procedures will simplify the station experience, travellers who still need to arrange entry documents—such as a French business or tourist visa—can take care of that online through VisaHQ. The platform guides applicants step-by-step, offers real-time status tracking, and provides expert support for France and many other destinations: https://www.visahq.com/france/
For companies shuttling staff between Paris and London, the shorter dwell time could shave an hour off round-trip days and make rail more competitive with short-haul flights, especially when factoring in airport security lines. However, the new process applies only to London departures; Gare du Nord procedures remain unchanged.
The upgrade also anticipates market liberalisation: Trenitalia, Virgin and Spanish newcomer Evolyn have all signalled interest in London–Paris slots. More operators could translate into additional frequencies and fare competition—good news for mobility budgets.
