The Port of Dover is urging ferry passengers to prepare for delays as the half term holiday begins, marking the first major getaway since the European Union introduced its new Entry Exit System across external borders. Although the system is now in place, French authorities at Dover have not yet activated machines to collect fingerprints and photographs, meaning border staff must manually create traveller profiles, slowing processing times.

Around 18,000 cars are expected to pass through the port between Friday and Sunday, with Saturday forecast to be the busiest day. Contingency plans include using a nearby car racing circuit to prevent local roads from becoming congested. Passengers who miss their sailing due to delays will be able to board the next available ferry.

Similar interim arrangements are in place at the Channel Tunnel terminal in Folkestone and at London St Pancras station, where most travellers have yet to use automated biometric machines. Travel companies have acknowledged recent disruption but say queues have eased in some locations, while holiday demand remains strong despite concerns about border processing and broader travel uncertainty.