Eurostar’s Facial Recognition Technology: The Future of Train Travel

Soon, passengers boarding the Eurostar will no longer need to present their passports, as the cross-Channel rail operator prepares to introduce groundbreaking facial recognition technology.

This innovative system is similar to the technology currently in place at major airports, including London’s Heathrow and Shanghai’s Hongqiao. Set to launch in March 2021, this will be a first for rail travel, allowing for passport-free train journeys between the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

How It Works

Passengers purchasing Eurostar tickets will have the option to choose a “pre-boarding” feature, which includes facial recognition. Those opting in must upload a selfie and a photo of their passport prior to their journey. Upon arrival at St Pancras station, the system will scan their face, comparing it to the stored passport image before linking it to their ticket details. Moreover, kiosks will be installed at St Pancras for those without smartphones to use the same system, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

Gareth Williams, strategy director at Eurostar, expressed confidence in this technology: “We’re convinced it will enhance our passenger experience and offer a live illustration of how innovation can benefit the high-speed rail and international transport industries.”

This project is rolled out by UK-based biometrics company iProov and is partly funded by the UK’s Department for Transport. Andrew Budd, CEO of iProov, stated, “This is a world first. iProov is enabling train passengers to travel without tickets or documentation in a safe and secure manner. What began as a project to alleviate travel congestion is now also a critical measure for safety in our pandemic world.”