Simon Calder Warns Holidaymakers of Queues and Waiting Times in Dover

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Summary:

  • Holidaymakers warned of queues and waiting times at Port of Dover on busiest day since 2019.
  • French passport control processing times around 90 minutes, possibly reaching two hours and 30 minutes.
  • Establishment of a hard EU frontier in South East Kent after the UK's departure from the EU resulted in tighter controls by French frontier police.
  • French authorities caution about heavy congestion on routes leading south from Paris.

Holidaymakers traveling through the Port of Dover are being warned of long queues and waiting times. The port, which serves as a crucial link to Calais and Dunkirk, is expecting an unusually high influx of traffic, causing delays for passengers on Saturday, 22nd July. French passport control processing times have been reported to take up to 90 minutes and may even stretch to two hours and 30 minutes. The situation arises from the implementation of a hard EU frontier in South East Kent after the UK's decision to leave the European Union, resulting in tighter controls by French frontier police stationed at the port.


Simon Calder, a travel expert, has issued a cautionary message to holidaymakers planning to cross the Channel through the Port of Dover. The port authorities anticipate a record-breaking influx of 13 cars per minute between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the specified Saturday. The increased traffic and processing delays at French passport control have created a challenging situation for travelers. Since the UK's departure from the EU, the French frontier police have been responsible for checking and stamping passports, leading to a more stringent process at the port. This situation has established a hard EU frontier between the White Cliffs and the Channel in South East Kent, resulting in limited space and potential congestion.

Despite the potential delays, the authorities assure travelers that they will be accommodated on the next available ferry in case of hold-ups. However, once in France, passengers may face further challenges due to heavy traffic leading south from Paris. French authorities have cautioned about the likelihood of significant congestion on the routes.


Travelers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and anticipate longer waiting times at the Port of Dover. The travel disruption is likely to impact those departing for Calais and Dunkirk during the early hours of the specified Saturday. Authorities are working to minimize inconvenience, but it's essential for holidaymakers to remain patient and prepared for possible delays.

Location: London, UK

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