Belmond to axe UK leg of the Orient Express owing to Brexit
James ChappleThe UK leg of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) will be scrapped next year, operator Belmond has confirmed.
Belmond said "enhanced passport and border controls" would make it too difficult to negotiate the border at Calais. It comes with the EU poised to introduce new biometric border checks later this year, known as the entry-exit scheme.
This will see finger prints and facial recognition data replace passport stamps. Entry-exit had been due to be introduced last year, but has been pushed back several times.
In addition, the bloc will also role out an Esta-style visa waiver regime for all third country arrivals called Etias. Post-Brexit, the UK is now classified as a third country. Etias waivers will cost around £6pp.
“We’re adjusting operations in 2024 ahead of enhanced passport and border controls,” a Belmond spokesperson told The Guardian.
“We want to avoid any risk of travel disruption for our guests – delays and missing train connections – and provide the highest level of service, as seamless and relaxed as possible."
Currently, VSOE passengers from the UK start their journey at London’s Victoria station where they take a historic British Pullman service to Folkestone.
There, they board coaches to cross the Channel before joining Belmond’s continental service to Paris whey they link up with the legendary rail service.
Passengers will instead be able to take the Eurostar to Paris.
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