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.
Why are French border checks at 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 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 are French customs at Dover?
Due to the Le Touquet agreement, all security checks for passengers coming to France take place in the UK – meaning that passengers pass through checkpoints staffed by British officials, and then proceed to the French checkpoints.
Are there customs checks at Dover?
You should use your goods movement reference number in the ‘check if you need to report for an inspection’ service to understand if your goods are held. If you’re arriving into the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead, you’ll need to attend an inland border facility to have these checks carried out.
Why is French border control in UK?
With hundreds of ferry and rail crossings each week, the ports in Northern France remain a target for criminals attempting to smuggle dangerous goods and for people looking to enter the UK illegally. This is why we take border security at these ports seriously.
Is there customs between UK and France?
Duty-free allowances
Items bought in the UK and imported to the EU/France are free from customs duties and TVA (VAT) as long as they fall within your personal allowance.
Do they check passport on ferry to France?
It is compulsory for all passengers (including babies) to have their own valid passport or officially recognised European Union I.D. card when travelling to and from Britain or France. In some cases, a visa may also be required.
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.
Do they check passports on ferry?
The form of ID you’ll need to travel on a ferry depends on the route and your own nationality. On most international routes you will need your passport to check-in, however there are exceptions to this.
Is French border control at Dover?
About Border Control (Port of 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.
Can France be seen from Dover?
On a clean sun-filled day you can see France from Dover. Its a nice shore with a pebble beach. From there, we can see the cliffs which contribute to a great view. Dover Castle is also not far and can be seen.
Do the French own Dover?
The Port of Dover, which has sat at the foot of the cliffs since 1606, will remain forever England after the government scrapped plans to sell it off to the highest bidder – rumoured to be the local authority of Calais.
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.
What do they check at border control UK?
Your passport (and visa if you have one) will be checked at border control. You’ll usually be asked why you’re coming to the UK. You can use the UK/ EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates if you’re from: Australia.
What is customs checking for?
Officials at customs and immigration are checking travelers for things like whether they have the right documents to be in the country, whether they’re legally allowed to be there, and whether they’re bringing anything illegal with them.
Why do refugees come to the UK instead of staying in France?
As well as language and family ties, some Calais-based migrants told the BBC they wanted to come to the UK due to historic links with their own country. Some also expressed unhappiness at the way they were being treated in France.
Why is Dover gridlocked?
The gridlock has been blamed on a shortage of border control staff on the French side of the Channel.
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.
What can I not bring into France from UK?
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.
What can you not bring into France?
Entry into France or the mere possession of counterfeit products is prohibited. This is a offense and then you risk a fine and jail time. Counterfeiting concerns all areas. Examples: toys, textiles, medicines, domestic appliances, spare parts, cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics, software, digital products.