Port of Dover spearheads UK/France school trips pilot
The Port of Dover is spearheading a UK-France school trips pilot, an initiative developed in collaboration with the UK and French Governments and ferry operators between Dover and France.
This pilot aims to simplify and accelerate border procedures for school groups travelling from the UK to France.
Starting from 3 April 2025, school groups that submit their passenger information to their chosen ferry operator at least 72 hours before travel could benefit from a faster processing time at the French border in Dover. To qualify for the scheme, schools must provide proof of their status, such as a screenshot of their registration on the relevant national school databases.
Children who are visa nationals in the UK will be eligible for visa-free travel when taking part in a school trip to France. Visa nationals are non-UK nationals residing in the UK on a visa who would usually require a visa to enter the EU.
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover, said “This pilot is a significant step forward in making school travel between the UK and France more seamless and accessible. By streamlining border processes and enabling visa-free travel for eligible students, we are reducing significant administration time, which in turn ensures a smoother, more efficient experience for school groups and potentially reduces queue times for additional tourist and freight traffic.
The Port of Dover is proud to play a central role in this progressive initiative, which not only strengthens our cross-channel connectivity but also supports educational and cultural exchange opportunities for young people.”
Peter Bradley, Managing Director of the UKCOA, said: “This initiative is welcomed, and we applaud all those involved getting this off the ground. Any scheme that has the potential to improve the efficiency of the border process and benefit both school patties and the wider travelling public is much appreciated. We look forward to hearing feedback from the pilot scheme.”