Dover Faces Significant Delays as French Border IT Failure Disrupts Christmas Travel

Widespread Disruption at Port of Dover

Christmas travel plans for tens of thousands of ferry passengers at the Port of Dover have been significantly disrupted by an IT failure affecting French border control systems. The issues, which commenced before the peak traffic arrival on Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, have resulted in considerable delays for those attempting to cross the English Channel.

The Port of Dover confirmed the ongoing IT problems, stating that they are actively collaborating with partner agencies to resolve the situation. Passengers have been advised not to arrive more than two hours before their scheduled ferry departure time.

Impact on Christmas Getaway Traffic

The technical malfunction has caused queues of up to an hour for travellers. One frustrated traveller described the situation as 'absolute chaos' on social media, with traffic at a standstill for extended periods. The disruption comes during a period forecast to be the busiest Christmas getaway on record in the UK, with an estimated 37.5 million leisure trips by car planned between Wednesday and Christmas Eve.

Approximately 30,000 cars were expected to depart from the Port of Dover during the festive period, with traffic anticipated to peak between 6 am and 1 pm from Friday to Sunday. P&O Ferries, a major operator from the port, reported substantial queues on approach roads and in the buffer area, though check-ins were reportedly smooth once passengers navigated these delays.

Official Guidance and Traveller Advice

Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, acknowledged the 'ongoing problems' causing increased wait times. The port has urged all port-bound traffic to remain on the main roads, specifically the A20 and A2, to ensure local roads remain clear for the community. For passengers who miss their scheduled sailings due to the delays, ferry operators have committed to placing them on the next available crossing.

Travel experts, including the RAC and AA, have issued advice for motorists during this busy period, recommending that travellers:

• Plan ahead and check their routes.
• Allow extra time for their journeys.

The IT issues at the French border control points necessitate manual passport checks, contributing to the extended processing times. Efforts are underway by authorities on both sides of the Channel to restore full functionality to the systems and alleviate the backlog of travellers.