Make sure you leave in plenty of time – check-in closes 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time for foot passengers and 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time for all other categories of traffic.
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.
Can you just turn up at Dover and get a ferry?
Can I just turn up at Dover and get a ferry? You can just turn up of course. However, you may well end up paying a premium amount of £££ for your last-minute crossing, just like lo cost plane co’s, crossing fares get more expensive, the later you leave it.
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.
Are there queues in Dover today?
DOVER PORT UPDATE | There are currently small queues at Border controls, please allow a minimum of 90 minutes before your departure to complete all controls. DFDS check in is free flowing.
What is the cause of the queues at Dover?
Despite the government’s insistence that the chief causes of the delays were a “serious accident” on the M20 (a lorry crash blocked the road for three hours on Friday), “a shortage of French border control staff”, and not Brexit, new border arrangements have played a significant part in the exacerbating the situation.
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.
Can you take your own food on a ferry?
Passengers are permitted to bring their own food and drink onboard and consume it during the sailing, however alcohol may not be brought onboard any of our vessels for consumption during your crossing.
Do I have to book ferry in advance?
We always recommend you book in advance to ensure space on your chosen sailing. During holiday periods and festivals, it is essential. Also, the further in advance you book, the more likely you are to pay a lower price.
Can you get an earlier ferry than booked?
Usually, the ticket that you purchase is only valid for the crossing you have booked. Some ferry companies allow you to change your departure time at the port, but this usually only happens if multiple ferry sailings are available per day.
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.)
Is an hour enough time to get through 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.
Is there passport control at Dover?
Both Dover and Folkestone’s Eurotunnel depot have “juxtaposed” border controls – meaning the French border is in the UK and vice versa.
Why is there a backlog at Dover?
Only four of nine booths for the French border controls for travellers leaving the UK were reported to have been staffed on Friday morning, which port officials say led to the backlogs.
Is Dover the busiest port in the UK?
The Port of Dover is Europe’s busiest ferry port, a vital international gateway for the movement of people and trade. It is also an award-winning cruise port, the second busiest in the UK and hosts some of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines.
Is Dover worth visiting?
The secret wartime tunnels, roman lighthouse and St Mary in Castro church all make Dover Castle one of the best castles to visit in England.
Is the ferry from Dover to Calais rough?
In mild and middling high seas, the new ships now have quite good stabilisers so the crossing is quite smooth, but they can’t help when the seas are very choppy. You can get very rough seas outside of winter too, but it’s a percentages game.
Can you see France from Dover on a clear day?
On a clear day, it is possible to see the opposite coastline of England from France and vice versa with the naked eye, with the most famous and obvious sight being the White Cliffs of Dover from the French coastline and shoreline buildings on both coastlines, as well as lights on either coastline at night, as in
What is the speed limit at Dover port?
The speed limit within the port is 20 mph unless otherwise stated. Drivers should protect themselves and wear high visibility clothing when out of the cab, park only in authorised bays and not obstruct pedestrian walkways.
Can you use your phone on the ferry?
You can use your mobile phone while at sea to make calls, send texts and use data.
Can I take food to France on the ferry?
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.