The EU border chaos at Dover is set to peak this busiest summer weekend, with thousands of drivers facing long queues due to new entry-exit system (EES) controls. As holidaymakers hit the roads, the port braces for major disruptions.
What Is Causing the Dover Border Chaos?
The semi-functioning EES, combined with heatwaves and travel fears, has pushed domestic holidays to record levels. French border police at Dover must manually register non-EU travelers, as a £40m automated facility remains offline due to software problems in France.
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Without biometric registration—photographing and fingerprinting—each visitor requires extra processing time, leading to potential tailbacks. The port expects 7,500 cars on Friday and 10,000 on Saturday.
Traffic Impact on UK Roads
Motoring organizations like the RAC and Inrix predict the worst congestion on the M25 around Greater London, especially near the Dover crossing. Drivers are urged to use main roads and arrive no more than two hours before their sailing.
| Day | Expected Cars at Dover | Main Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 7,500 | Manual EES registration delays |
| Saturday | 10,000 | Peak summer traffic buildup |
How Eurotunnel Is Handling the Situation
Eurotunnel, operator of LeShuttle, says it does not anticipate delays, though its automated kiosks also remain unused. Border police will not register biometric data for car passengers this summer.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Plan extra time for border checks at Dover due to manual EES processing.
- Stick to main roads and avoid local routes near the port.
- Arrive no more than two hours before your booked sailing.
- Monitor traffic updates from RAC and Inrix for M25 delays.
FAQ
What is the EES system causing Dover chaos?
The Entry-Exit System (EES) is a new EU border control requiring manual registration of non-EU travelers, including photographing and fingerprinting, due to software issues with automated kiosks.
How many cars are expected at Dover this weekend?
About 7,500 cars on Friday and 10,000 on Saturday, making it the busiest summer weekend since Covid.
What should drivers do to avoid delays?
Use main roads only, arrive no more than two hours before sailing, and check traffic updates from RAC and Inrix for the M25 area.
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