Skip advert
Advertisement

New EU checks mean drivers must brace for two-hour queues at Port of Dover this summer

Ferry passengers should expect the port to be “exceptionally busy” over the next few months as essential upgrades coincide with the Olympic Games in Paris

Ships at port

Drivers are being told to brace for two-hour-long queues at the port of Dover as the EU prepares to implement its revised border control system while France is hosting the Summer Olympics, causing an expected 30 per cent rise in ferry passengers.

Doug Bannister, the boss of the Port of Dover, explained that things will get “exceptionally busy” as the port plans to shut parts of the queueing area to install the infrastructure required for the EU’s new biometric “Entry-Exit System”, which will photograph the face and take fingerprint scans of passengers.

To cope with the expected influx of passengers, the port has said it plans to increase the number of processing lanes from seven to 11 and install additional facilities such as cat, dog and pet welfare

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Port of Dover expects the busiest periods to be from “6am to 1pm on Fridays through to Sundays, every weekend of the summer holidays”. The official advice is to “allow plenty of time”, however, Bannister warned drivers and holidaymakers to “not arrive any earlier than the 2 hours stated – just as if you were planning on flying from a UK airport.”

To enable drivers to plan ahead of time and avoid missing their ferry, the Port of Dover has teamed up with AI (artificial intelligence) experts, Entopy, to provide an hour-by-hour wait estimate to the nearest 15 minutes. 

The Newmarket firm says its software works with as much as 95 per cent accuracy”, although the port is telling passengers that “in the case of any issues with the sailing they are booked on, they will simply be placed on the next available sailing at no extra cost as sailings will be continuous throughout the day.” Drivers are also asked to not turn up without a booking.

This isn’t the first time that passengers have faced longer-than-normal waits at the popular port; last year, those wanting to take the ferry were subject to unprecedented queues, with some coach passengers having to wait as long as 15 hours.

For tips and advice on driving in France, check out our guide...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Consumer reporter

Tom is Auto Express' Consumer reporter, meaning he spends his time investigating the stories that matter to all motorists - enthusiasts or otherwise. An ex-BBC journalist and Multimedia Journalism graduate, Tom previously wrote for partner sites Carbuyer and DrivingElectric and you may also spot him throwing away his dignity by filming videos for the Auto Express social media channels.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results
Driver Power 2025 - header

Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results

The best new cars to own in the UK right now according to the people who already do. It’s the 2025 Driver Power results!
News
10 Jun 2025