The Port of Dover is proud to spearhead 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 traveling from the UK to France, reinforcing the Port of Dover’s commitment to facilitating a smoother and more efficient travel experience.

Starting from the 3^rd 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.

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.”

An additional key benefit of this pilot is that 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.

Schools are encouraged to contact their ferry operator for specific details regarding participation in the pilot and to confirm when their chosen carrier will be ready to implement the scheme.

The Port of Dover

• The Port of Dover is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally, collaborating with local and international partners to create a more seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port.
• As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers.
• Dover is an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 different cruise lines each year. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina which is at the centre of the revived waterfront, plus opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.