UK: Unionized Border Force employees plan to strike at cross-Channel ports Feb. 17-20

Event

Unionized Border Force employees affiliated with the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, plan to strike Feb. 17-20, in Dover, the French ports of Calais and Dunkirk, and at the Eurotunnel terminal at Coquelles. The action in the French sites will only affect travelers heading towards the UK, due to the juxtaposed nature of passport and customs controls. The strike is due to end 07:00 Feb. 20 however residual delays are possible as services return to normal.

Delays and disruptions are likely, as passengers approach the ports and proceed through security checks.

Context

The strike action is planned for a peak weekend for cross-Channel traffic, during school half-term breaks. Complex checks, including those involving visas, may exacerbate delays. The government is training military personnel, other civil servants, and volunteers to mitigate the impact on international transport; however, it remains unclear how successful that effort may be.

Advice

Allow extra time for travel to the ports, and for check-in and security controls. Ensure that all passport and visa documentation is in order. If transporting goods, plan for longer-than-normal queues or consider delaying shipments until the strike concludes. Contact transport providers for situation updates and follow local travel and security advice. Use electronic passport gates when possible.