Holiday Chaos at Dover as French Border Checks Are Eased

French authorities at the Port of Dover have temporarily suspended extra EU border checks, offering some relief to thousands of holidaymakers stuck in sweltering queues. Waiting times for cross-Channel ferries to France have stretched beyond two hours at the Kent terminal, with temperatures hitting 29°C on Saturday.

The EU’s new digital entry-exit system (EES), which replaced passport stamps last month, faced its first real test as half-term traffic surged. The port described the scene as “challenging” but welcomed the decision by French border police (PAF) to invoke Article 9 of EES rules, allowing checks to be relaxed temporarily. “Conventional border checks will still be done, but this will cut processing time significantly,” the port said in a statement.

Drivers were urged to stay in their cars and treat staff with “kindness and respect,” with warnings that abuse would not be tolerated. Those who missed their booked ferry due to delays can board the next available sailing.

The disruption comes as easyJet’s chief executive Kenton Jarvis called on EU nations—especially Spain—to scrap the new rules, warning they could deter travellers. The EES applies across the Schengen zone, excluding Ireland and Cyprus, and has drawn criticism from British passengers and transport firms since post-Brexit arrangements took effect.

Meanwhile, the UK is bracing for a scorching bank holiday weekend, with forecasts of 33°C—potentially breaking the May record of 32.8°C set in 1944. The Met Office has issued amber heat health alerts for parts of England, warning of risks to life, travel delays, and power cuts through Wednesday.