Extra security checks at Eurostar terminal cause second day of chaos
Eurostar is warning passengers not to travel from Paris today as a work to rule by French customs officers is causing a second day of chaos in the Gare du Nord terminal.
The train operator told passengers who do need to travel today to turn up at the gate on time or risk missing their train. "We would recommend not travelling unless necessary, it will be possible to change or refund your ticket below for free should you decide not to travel," it said.
Reports say queues at Paris Gare du Nord were already building up at 6am this morning as French custom officials are questioning all passengers after x-raying their luggage. By 10am, Eurostar said trains were already running up to two hours late.
One passenger told the London Evening Standard: "They [customs officials] are asking us where we live, what our jobs are, and whether we have any money or drugs on us.
"This never normally happens, and it’s pretty intimidating. Once your luggage clears you are normally good to go.
"The customs officials are being extremely aggressive, and causing massive delays. They’re treating everybody as it they’re a problem."
Waits of up to two hours were reported yesterday, the start of a work to rule by five French trade unions, who are arguing that security staff need a pay rise to cope with more difficult checks after Brexit on March 29.
Eurostar said it wasn’t sure how long the work to rule would last, although it is expected to continue for at least the rest of the day. Passengers are being advised to check the live departures and arrival information on its website.
David-Olivier Caron, of the French CFDT union, said: "Customs officers are strictly applying the rules and reinforcing controls."
Philippe Bollengier, from the CGT union, added: "There will be stronger controls. Today you have a demonstration of what is going to happen."
Separately, Eurostar has been forced to cancel several morning and rush-hour evening trains between London and Paris until March 27 for ‘operational reasons’. Details of the cancellations are available on Eurostar.com. A spokeswoman said the cancellations were due to essential train maintenance.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season