Travellers returning to the UK at the end of February school half-term have been warned to expect delays due to the latest round of strikes by Border Force officials.
In response to industrial action planned by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union on February 17, 18, 19 and until 7am on February 20, the government confirmed that the ports of Dover, Calais, Dunkirk and the Coquelles Channel Tunnel terminal would be affected.
The Home Office advised travellers “to check with travel agents, tour operators, and airlines/carriers before travelling, to check if the proposed strike action will affect your journey”.
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Military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across government are being trained to support Border Force at airports and ports across the UK.
In updated advice, the Home Office said: “Although this strike action targets the above ports, all those who are due to travel into the UK during the proposed industrial action should be prepared to face longer wait times at UK border control.
“All passengers should check the latest advice from their operators before travelling.
“Please be patient and respect officers who are working to keep our citizens safe and border secure, and supporting travellers during the strike action.”
Passengers have been encouraged to use e-gates to re-enter the country where they are available.
The advisory added: “Please respect staff as we try and get you through the border as quickly and safely as possible. All forms of abuse and any inappropriate behaviour will be reported to the police.
“As you’d expect, accurate queue time data can take some time to gather and check, however if you are travelling during the proposed strike dates be prepared for longer wait times.
“There are multiple factors that might influence wait times including an increase in passenger numbers, delays and congestion caused by multiple flights disembarking passengers at the same time. Weather delays, and other ad hoc incidents, can also impact border control queues.
“We continue to work closely with our French counterparts and industry to minimise disruption and delays at the border during proposed industrial action.”
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