The Port of Dover is bracing itself for a surge in travelers as the summer holiday season kicks off, with the potential for longer wait times due to new European Union border protocols. This weekend is anticipated to be one of the busiest of the year, as schools in England and Wales begin their summer breaks, prompting thousands of vehicles to head towards the continent through Dover.
Travelers will face manual registration under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) by French border officials, following delays in the rollout of automated processing facilities due to technical difficulties. While this phase will not include the collection of biometric data like fingerprints and photographs, the manual process is expected to extend processing times, potentially causing bottlenecks at the port.
As the summer travel rush begins, motoring organizations are also highlighting the likelihood of heavy traffic on major UK roadways, especially around London and routes leading to the southwest. This comes as millions opt for domestic vacations, driven by favorable weather conditions, worries about flight disruptions, and escalating travel expenses.
In light of the expected congestion, the Port of Dover has recommended that passengers stick to designated routes and avoid arriving more than two hours ahead of their ferry departure times. Similarly, airport operators and airlines are advising travelers to prepare for possible delays as the peak holiday season unfolds.