Sad news has come out relating to the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), as the UK portion of the journey is to be axed after 41 years. The reason for Belmond dropping the London Victoria-Folkestone section of the train journey is reportedly a result of Brexit and difficulties at the border in Calais.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cuts London Victoria to Folkestone route
While the VSOE route has been in action for 41 years, according to an announcement on Saturday, April 15, it will be cut. Meanwhile, the decision was made by Belmond, the company that currently operates the iconic luxury train that once inspired an Agatha Christie novel.
In its announcement, Belmond cited problems crossing the French border into Calais, which is a direct consequence of Brexit. Meanwhile, the new, upcoming biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) being introduced by the European Union also influenced the company’s decision as they fear the additional red tape involved could intensify the problem.
About the new EES system
Under the new system, instead of simply getting their passports stamped, travelers who are not EU residents will have to undergo facial recognition and provide fingerprints to enter France. However, it is believed that this new system will be delayed until the Paris Olympics in 2024 have been completed.
About the London Victoria to Folkestone route
Meanwhile, passengers who joined the continental Belmond train at Calais have always journeyed in the 1929 art deco carriages of the British Pullman service to Folkestone from London Victoria. From there, coaches then transported the passengers over the English Channel to France.
While for many years, the trip has been truly memorable, nowadays, this part of the route has become a nightmare for the train operator. Over the recent Easter holidays, some passengers were faced with waiting times of up to 14 hours in Kent at the Port of Dover. Moreover, they were also impacted by delays and long queues to board Le Shuttle.
A spokesman for Belmond said in a statement:
We’re adjusting operations in 2024 ahead of enhanced passport and border controls. 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.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will also impact the route
Meanwhile, ETIAS is also due to be implemented at some stage in the near future. It was recently reported that it could come into effect in November 2023, but that is not confirmed. This will operate in a similar way to the American ESTA scheme, where travelers must submit pre-travel authorization forms.
This system would require UK travelers to provide European authorities with information that is not included in their passports. Meanwhile, the information would include the first names of both parents, educational history and any criminal convictions. Moreover, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program will also collect similar information on European travelers heading to the UK.
Speaking of the issue, Mark Smith of the train travel website, The Man in Seat 61 said, “This is not great material for cozy mystery stories.” He said that in the old days, whatever border you crossed you showed your passport and went on your way. He added, “Suddenly everyone wants to take your fingerprints as if you’re a criminal.” Smith went on to describe the London Victoria to Folkestone section of the journey, saying:
The British Pullman was the hors d’oeuvre – it set you up with smoked salmon and champagne on the way from London to Folkestone on the traditional boat-train route that passengers heading to the Orient Express would have used in the 1930s. Joining the continental train at Calais in time to get dressed for dinner was wonderful.
As reported by The Guardian, he then pointed out that passengers can still join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Paris. They can travel on the modern high-speed Eurostar from London. However, Smith said this is not quite the same as before, adding:
It is a great shame if that part of the experience is gone.