**EU’s Long-Awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) Launches October 12: What British Eurostar Travellers Need to Know**

The European Union’s long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES) is finally set to launch on October 12, bringing new border control measures that will affect British travellers heading into Europe via Eurostar. However, even before going live, the new system is already causing some confusion and concern.

### What’s Happening with the EES?

The EES is designed to modernise border checks for non-EU nationals, which now includes British passport holders post-Brexit. Here’s what to expect when you arrive at London St Pancras International to board the Eurostar to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam:

– You will go through new electronic kiosks.
– Your passport will be scanned.
– Biometric data such as fingerprints and a facial scan will be taken.
– The system will record when and where you enter the Schengen zone.

Additionally, you will be asked a few simple questions, including whether you have:

– A booked place to stay.
– A return ticket.
– Enough money to cover your trip.
– Insurance coverage.

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, the system will flag you for a manual check by French border police. They have the authority to refuse entry if you do not meet the requirements.

### Who Will Be Affected Initially?

According to Euronews, from October 12, only business and premium class passengers on Eurostar will face these checks. A wider rollout for all travellers is expected in January 2026.

### Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance: Clearing Up the Confusion

Early reports suggested that passengers would need to show **medical insurance** to enter France, causing unnecessary panic among travellers. Eurostar quickly clarified that this was a translation error. What you actually need is **general travel insurance**, not a medical-only policy.

A Eurostar spokesperson explained that the English version of the kiosk questions is still provisional and awaiting final confirmation from France’s Ministry of the Interior, so wording may not be perfect on day one.

The UK government added some uncertainty by confirming that travellers might be asked about medical insurance at kiosks but emphasised that medical insurance is **not a legal requirement** to enter the EU. Instead, they strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, repatriation, and trip cancellation before travelling.

### French Rules Add to the Complexity

Here’s the twist: While the EU does not require proof of medical insurance, France does impose this requirement on third-country nationals. Official French guidance recommends visitors have insurance covering medical, hospital expenses, repatriation, and even costs in case of death abroad.

In practice, checks on insurance have rarely been enforced at the border, but the EES could change that. With new electronic flagging systems, French border police may be more inclined to check insurance and return ticket compliance.

On the topic of return tickets, the Schengen rules require proof of departure from the zone (which could be any flight, not necessarily back to the UK), but France specifically insists on a booked return ticket.

### What This Means for Eurostar Travellers

If you’re planning to travel via Eurostar this autumn or later, here’s what you should keep in mind:

– Expect additional questions at the kiosks in St Pancras regarding your accommodation, finances, return ticket, and insurance.
– Travel insurance is the requirement—not strictly medical insurance—but it’s wise to have a policy covering both.
– You are unlikely to have to show proof, but having it handy could save your trip if asked.
– The full system won’t apply to standard class passengers until January 2026.

While headlines about compulsory medical insurance may have been overblown, the safest bet remains to travel with proper insurance. This not only protects you during unexpected emergencies abroad but also provides peace of mind when border officers decide to double-check your documents.

### A New Travel Reality for British Travellers

The launch of the EES is a clear reminder that post-Brexit travel between the UK and EU is now more complex. Gone are the days of a quick passport check before boarding the Eurostar. Instead, expect longer waits, biometric scans, and detailed questions about your travel plans.

The medical insurance confusion due to translation errors highlights the inevitable teething problems as the system rolls out.

So whether you’re heading to Paris for a weekend getaway, Brussels for business, or Amsterdam for a city break, don’t let new procedures catch you out. Pack your patience, keep your paperwork organised, and most importantly, buy travel insurance. Because while you might never have to show it, the day you do could be the day it saves you a fortune.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/09/27/ees-launch-the-truth-about-medical-insurance-checks-under-new-eu-border-rules/