Port of Dover starts faster border process for schools
The School Travel Forum (STF) has welcomed the introduction of a faster border clearance scheme for school groups, and the participation of P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries in this new initiative.
From April 3, 2025, school groups will be able to complete passenger information for either P&O Ferries or Irish Ferries 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure and benefit from faster processing at French border control points in Dover.
This new process has been designed to streamline border procedures for school groups travelling through the Port of Dover to Calais, reducing delays for children embarking on educational visits.
This collaborative scheme, developed in partnership between the Port of Dover, UK and French authorities, and participating ferry operators, marks a significant improvement in facilitating educational trips abroad.
"This initiative demonstrates a real commitment to supporting educational travel and reducing administrative burdens for school groups," said Gill Harvey, Chief Executive of School Travel Forum. "We have been working with the Department for Education and our colleagues at the Port of Dover to devise a solution for school groups ahead of the introduction of the new EES and ETIAS systems. We're delighted that both P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries have joined this important scheme."
To qualify, schools must submit documentation confirming their educational status, such as evidence of registration on national school databases. The advance submission of passenger details will allow for pre-screening, significantly reducing processing times at the border. Please speak with your tour operator for further details.
"We will be monitoring how this pilot scheme works as successful implementation could hopefully pave the way to further improvements," said Gill.
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