Will IT Glitches Ruin Your Christmas Getaway at Dover?

Long queues at the Port of Dover this weekend are causing significant disruptions for travellers, attributed to ongoing IT issues at French border controls. With around 30,000 cars expected to pass through, the situation has been described as "absolute chaos," with many passengers facing extended wait times and missing their scheduled sailings.

Last updated: 15 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Port of Dover is currently experiencing heavy traffic, with reports of vehicles at a standstill as IT issues at French border controls are causing delays. Chief executive Doug Bannister has confirmed that ongoing technical problems are impacting the processing times, leading to frustrations among passengers. Many travellers have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, describing their experience as the "worst start to holiday imaginable" as they wait for hours to board their ferries.

Key takeaways

Long queues at Dover are due to IT problems at French border control.
Up to 30,000 vehicles are expected this weekend, coinciding with the peak Christmas travel period.
Passengers face a processing time of approximately one hour once they arrive at the port.

Timeline: how we got here

As the festive season approaches, the Port of Dover has been preparing for an influx of travellers. The peak weekend began on 15 December 2023, with technical issues reportedly arising late on 14 December. These problems have compounded existing challenges as the port anticipates a busy travel period leading up to Christmas, with many families journeying across the Channel.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Reports indicate that the IT issues at French border controls have not yet been resolved, leading to long processing times. Travellers have been advised not to arrive more than two hours before their sailing, but many are still experiencing significant delays.

What was already established

It has been known that the Port of Dover can become congested during peak travel times, especially around holidays like Christmas. However, the current level of chaos appears exacerbated by the unforeseen IT problems affecting border processing.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For families travelling this weekend, the delays at Dover could lead to missed sailings and increased stress. Many families have reported being stuck in their vehicles for hours, which can be particularly difficult for those with children. Additionally, there may be financial implications if travellers need to book new tickets for delayed sailings.

Businesses and jobs

The long wait times could impact local businesses in Dover, particularly those reliant on tourist traffic. Residents have voiced concerns about accessibility, with heavy traffic affecting their ability to engage in local activities and shopping. This congestion can also hinder public transport, as bus services struggle to reach the port due to the backlog.

Policy and regulation

Local authorities are likely monitoring the situation closely to manage traffic flow and support local businesses. Ongoing discussions with French authorities may be necessary to address and resolve the technical issues at border control, ensuring a smoother travel experience in the future.

Numbers that matter

30,000: The number of vehicles expected to pass through the Port of Dover this weekend.
1 hour: Estimated processing time for vehicles once they arrive at the port.
2 hours: Recommended arrival time before sailing to avoid delays.

Definitions and jargon buster

IT Issues: Technical problems related to information technology systems that can affect processing times.
Border Control: The authorities responsible for regulating the entry and exit of people and goods across national borders.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Travellers are advised to keep an eye on updates from the Port of Dover and ferry operators regarding expected wait times and any changes to scheduled sailings. It’s essential to plan ahead and allow for extra time during busy travel periods.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the peak Christmas travel season concludes, the port will likely evaluate the situation to improve its processes and address IT issues with French border controls to avoid future chaos during peak times.

Signals to watch

Announcements from the Port of Dover regarding IT issue resolutions.
Updates from ferry operators about sailing schedules and potential delays.
Local traffic reports to assess conditions around the port.

Practical guidance

Do

Check travel updates regularly before heading to the port.
Allow extra time for processing, especially during busy periods.
Consider alternate routes or modes of transport if possible.

Don’t

Don’t arrive less than two hours before your scheduled sailing.
Don’t ignore updates from the port or ferry companies.
Don’t attempt to navigate through congested areas; stick to main roads.

Checklist

Verify your sailing time and check for any changes.
Ensure you have all necessary travel documents ready.
Check the latest traffic reports for the route to the port.
Pack essentials for long waits in your vehicle.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the ongoing IT issues at French border controls are causing significant delays, it remains unclear when these will be fully resolved. It's essential for travellers to remain updated on the situation, as any changes could affect travel plans. Additionally, the volume of traffic could lead to further complications if not managed effectively.

Bottom line

The current situation at the Port of Dover highlights the challenges of peak travel times, exacerbated by unexpected IT issues at border controls. Travellers should plan accordingly, allowing for extra time and remaining informed about the latest updates to ensure a smoother journey.

FAQs

What should I do if I miss my sailing at Dover?

If you miss your scheduled sailing due to delays, your ferry operator will generally place you on the next available crossing without additional charges.

How long should I arrive before my sailing at the Port of Dover?

It's advisable not to arrive more than two hours before your sailing to avoid unnecessary wait times during busy periods.

What are the current conditions at the Port of Dover?

Currently, the Port of Dover is experiencing heavy traffic and long queues due to ongoing IT issues at French border controls, leading to delays in processing times.