The Port of Dover is gearing up for a surge in activity as one of the busiest weekends of the year approaches, marking the start of the summer holiday season. The influx of travelers heading to Europe has raised concerns about potential delays, as new European Union border procedures are implemented. Thousands of vehicles are anticipated to pass through the port, coinciding with the school break in England and Wales.
Due to technical delays, French border officials will conduct manual registrations of non-EU travelers under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), rather than using automated systems. While this phase will not involve the collection of biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs, the manual process is expected to slow down operations and could lead to congestion at the port.
Motorist organizations have also issued warnings about significant traffic on key UK roads, especially around London and routes towards the southwest, as millions embark on summer vacations. Many are choosing to vacation within the UK, influenced by favorable weather conditions, concerns over potential flight disruptions, and rising travel expenses.
To manage the anticipated traffic, the Port of Dover advises passengers to follow designated routes and to arrive no more than two hours before their ferry departure time. Similarly, airport operators and airlines are advising travelers to be prepared for possible delays as the peak holiday travel season unfolds.