All immigration is done on the French side before boarding the ferry of the shuttle. Immigration is done on the French side but customs on the English side.
Is French passport control in Dover?
Both Dover and Folkestone’s Eurotunnel depot have “juxtaposed” border controls – meaning the French border is in the UK and vice versa.
Are there customs checks at Dover?
Not all passengers have to go through customs; if you don’t get waved over, continue on to the ferry operator check-in desks. If you are directed over by a customs officer, please follow their directions. Once inside, you will be asked to exit your vehicle and to open the boot or passenger doors.
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.
Where are French customs at Eurotunnel?
Calais Terminal
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle have these located within our Calais Terminal. To validate your refund for shopping in EU countries other than France, you must obtain a custom stamp on your tax refund forms from our customs office which is located inside our Calais Terminal Building.
Are there border checks between UK and France?
UK Border Force officers have the power to arrest and detain individuals in the immigration control zone in the ports of Calais and Dunkirk. Passengers travelling from Calais and Dunkirk to the UK go through French exit checks as well as UK immigration entry checks before embarkation.
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. The sites are manned and operated 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Is there border control at Dover?
As you drive into the Eastern Docks, you will enter border control. You will firstly drive into French passport control, where you must have your travel documents ready to present to border control officers. You will then head to the next booth, which is the UK border agency.
How do I avoid customs charges from UK to France?
Gifts posted from the UK with a declared value of less than €45 (this should be a realistic valuation as blatantly improbable values can be questioned by the Douanes if they inspect the parcel), should not attract any import VAT or customs duties.
Why are there French border controls in Dover?
Permission to enter the EU is given by French border guards in Dover. EU border guards are slowly moving towards a system to make sure visitors do not exceed the allotted maximum of 90 days in a 180 day period allowed for UK citizens to visit the Schengen zone.
Is there passport control between France and UK?
From 1 October 2021 onwards, French people not resident in the United Kingdom and entering UK territory will have to carry a passport. The identity card will no longer be accepted as a travel document.
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.
Are UK passports stamped in France?
Your passport will be stamped with the date of your entry into France and this, and any subsequent stamps if you return to the UK in the 180 day period, will be used to assess whether you are within the 90 day limit allowed.
How strict are French customs?
It is strictly prohibited to import, export or possess certain goods, including narcotics and psychotropic drugs (except when accompanied by certain documentation), attack dogs (unless accompanied by required documentation), counterfeit goods, certain plants and plant products deemed to be harmful to European plants.
How long does it take to get through French customs?
Whether it’s terminal 1, 2 or 3 you’ll pass through passport control and customs. If you leave the aircraft in the first group of passengers you should expect to get through immigration fairly quickly but allow yourself anything from 10 mins to 1hour.
Do you have to go through customs when you arrive in France?
Important: you must declare to Customs any goods in excess of €150, €300, or €430 (see table above) that you are carrying, and pay the corresponding duties and taxes. The customs declaration may be oral or written, depending on the goods and their value.
Is there customs at Eurotunnel?
Remember that at Eurotunnel we don’t have ‘red’ customs channels, so you’ll need to declare in advance. If you have more than your allowance, please click here to make a declaration online.
What needs to be declared at French customs?
Cash. If you are carrying more than 10,000 euros in cash, you must declare this to the Customs Authorities when entering or leaving France. This also includes money orders and travellers cheques. It is also possible to declare online up to 2 days before arriving in France.
Does the Schengen area abolish border checks?
Border checks abolished
Following the complete abolition of internal border controls anyone holding a uniform Schengen visa may enter any other fully implementing country for up to 90 days per six-month period for the duration of the visa’s validity.
Is 2 hours enough for customs?
Customs and Immigration
Two hours is usually not enough time. (Tip: If you are connecting through an airport you have never visited before, call your airline and ask about customs processes so that you won’t be surprised by the location of your customs interview.)
Do you get searched on a ferry to France?
No you are not usually asked for these at the Ferry Port, but you MIGHT be asked at Customs. This to prove you are not “trafficking” or “money laundering” with vehicles (it does happen even despite the LHD/RHD issue).