I know consistent rollout of the EES system in the Schengen zone has been problematic and inconsistent across member states. I fly to LHR in September and then take the Eurostar to Paris in October. I looked at a video of what to expect at the Eurostar station at St Pancras. The video shows a question asking if you have proof of accommodation. Apparently, this has been a long time requirement, but for the first time I am staying with a friend who has privately rented an apartment rather than in a hotel that I arranged myself. I am really perplexed about how to answer this question. Proof of staying with a friend or relative supposedly requires some sort of a statement from the owner registered through their town hall. My friend doesn’t seem concerned. I am a compulsive rule follower so, I am! Has anyone ever said “no” to this question, or been asked to show that proof?
Posted by
3176 posts
I had a similar concern as I went to France earlier this month to stay with friends who had rented a house. They sent me a copy of their rental receipt, which gave me some peace of mind.
In the event, at France immigration-passport control I wasn't asked for anything but my US passport. I have TSA Global Entry, but the officials weren't interested in seeing that either. Just my passport.
(Global Entry did help when I returned to the US, though, and since it includes TSA Pre-Check it also smoothed my passage through TSA in departure from the US.)
Posted by
Currently Oklahoma, usually Paris
11508 posts
Indeed, no non-U.S. official cares anything about Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check.
Posted by
the great P-NW
620 posts
To satisfy your rule following self, you could add an email print or other confirmation of your plans, from the friend who rented the apartment. I'm like you, I'd rather over-prepare than worry about a Type A official.
Posted by
OP
Mason, Michigan
91 posts
Let me clarify: At the St Pancras/Eurostar terminal they have kiosks to register for EES by scanning my passport, a facial scan/photo, and fingerprints. Once “registered” there are follow up questions including a screen that asks about Proof of Accommodation. From the France-visas website: If you are hosted by an individual, you must provide a certificate of staying with a relative validated in the town hall at the request of the person who invited you.
In all of my travels to France, this is the first I’ve heard of this. In the past, a border officer has simply asked when I’m leaving and where I’m staying and waived me on my way. Now interactions with a kiosk….? Since this EES process is so new, and apparently a moving target, I’m wondering what RECENT experiences have been. If I answer NO at the kiosk…what happens? Perhaps I am referred to a; officer for that discussion?