A mere 23 miles separate Dover from Calais (see map). Trucks get across in 90 minutes on ferries; the journey from Portsmouth to Caen takes six hours. If drivers miss their ferry at another port, they must often wait hours for the next boat.
How long does it take to get through customs at Dover?
We estimate that you will need between 1 to 2 hours at the facility to go through customs clearance. Make sure you leave sufficient time when planning your journey.
How early should I arrive for Dover ferry?
The crossing via Calais to Dover has 10 sailings per day. We advise you to be at the port 60 to 90 minutes before departure. In high season and during the holidays, we encourage you to be present at least 90 minutes before departure.
Is Dover port running smoothly?
Tourist and freight traffic is free flowing through the Port. All approach roads to the Port (A2/A20) are flowing normally. #TrafficUpdate for the #PortOfDover at 0830. Tourist and freight traffic is free flowing through the Port.
What is causing queues at Dover?
The disruption was caused by a shortage of ferries, following P&O Ferries’ mass sacking of crew members, and poor weather conditions, combined with the temporary outage of a key post-Brexit customs IT system.
Is 1 hour enough for customs?
The recommended layover time for international flights is generally longer, as you will have to go through customs and immigration before boarding your next flight. In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or short, layover.
How long does passport control take at Dover?
about 10-20 minutes
The passport control is usually fairly fast. But you may be called in by Customs to have your vehicle inspected and this can take about 10-20 minutes.
How long before sailing should I arrive?
Passengers must check in at least 60 minutes before departure . If you are checking in with a pet, you must arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
How early should I get to ferry without reservation?
If you are still on the waitlist on the day you want to travel, we recommend you try arriving at the terminal a minimum of three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. If customers with confirmed spots don’t arrive for the sailing, we fill their spots with waitlisted customers.
Do your bags get checked on a ferry?
Do you check in your luggage on ferries? No, there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.
What is security like at the Port of Dover?
The Port of Dover has its own independent police force charged with maintaining law and order throughout the Port estate and providing a reassuring and highly visible police presence throughout the Port.
What happens if I miss my ferry at Dover?
On our English Channel services, if you miss your ferry crossing for any reason, you can transfer free of charge (subject to availability) to the sailing directly after your original booked crossing time. If you have purchased a Flexi ticket this transfer window is extended to 72 hours.
How long does it take to cross the Channel from Dover?
around 1 and a half hours
Ferry from Dover to Calais, France
The quickest and most direct cross-Channel ferry route is Dover to Calais, taking around 1 and a half hours. There are 38 sailings to Calais every day.
How long are the lorry queues at Dover?
20 miles
So reports of queues stretching up to 20 miles in recent weeks have inevitably raised concerns about the smoothness of Britain’s exit from the bloc, not least because more border checks from later this year are only likely to worsen any issues. But to what extent is Brexit the cause of the jams at the port?
Is Dover the busiest port in the world?
The Port of Dover is a seaport located in the town of Dover in Kent, England. The port is one of the oldest functioning ports in the country, having been opened in 1606 by King James I. With annual passengers averaging at 13.1 million, Port Dover is the busiest port in the world based on passengers.
Has Dover been cleared?
Dover traffic backlog now cleared but warnings of future delays.
What is the fastest way to get through customs?
Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.
How long should you give yourself to get through customs?
Clearing customs and immigration can take five minutes or several hours, depending on your airport, the time of day, the month you travel and many other factors.
How do you avoid long lines at customs?
6 options to help you skip lines for security, customs and coffee
- 1TSA PreCheck: For the generalist.
- 2Clear: For the frequent flier.
- 3Global Entry or Mobile Passport: For the international traveler.
- 4Online-ordering apps: For the hangry.
- 5Airport-specific services: For big spenders.
- 6NEXUS: For the Canada-adjacent.
Why do the French check passports in Dover?
But now French officials have to stamp passports and carry out a number of checks including: checking the identity page. checking the traveller hasn’t been to the EU for more than 90 days in the last 180 days. checking there is at least three months left on the passport.
Do they check passports at Dover?
So, when travelling to France, your passport (or ID card) will be checked by the French Police aux Frontières in Dover; and when travelling to the UK, your passport (or ID card) will be checked by the Border Force in Calais or Dunkirk.