The government has warned travellers arriving in the UK could face longer waiting times at border control on March 15, as strike action takes place.
It said the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced Civil Service industrial action will affect Border Force operations on that day – which sees the chancellor Jeremy Hunt deliver his Budget. Disruption could continue during the following morning until about 7am.
The proposed strike action will affect international arrivals at all UK air and maritime ports, as well as those travelling to the UK from UK border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in northern France.
The government advises travellers arriving during the proposed industrial action to “be prepared for longer wait times” and encourages passengers who are eligible to use eGates to do so if these are available.
Its statement said: “We advise travellers to check with travel agents, tour operators, and airlines or carriers before travelling, to check if the proposed strike action will affect your journey.
“Passengers can also check airport websites before travelling to stay up to date with the latest information related to travel or possible delays caused by strike action.”
Military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across government are being trained to support Border Force at airports and ports across the UK in the event of potential strike action.