The Department for Education (DfE) has published new guidance to support schools in accessing the new streamlined border clearance scheme for educational trips travelling from Dover to Calais. The guidance, now live on GOV.UK, lays out the exact steps schools must follow to benefit from this faster, more efficient clearance system, developed in cooperation with French border authorities and UK ferry operators.
The scheme that launched in April 2025 is designed to streamline the border crossing process by enabling schools to submit information about passengers in advance, helping to speed up the processing at the Port of Dover and ensure smooth travel experiences for educational groups by reducing wait times at busy border crossings while maintaining necessary security protocols.
The step-by-step requirements for schools include:
- A standardised data format: Schools must collect full passenger information including drivers and accompanying adults and complete a spreadsheet provided by their ferry operator.
- Proof of educational status: Schools must submit evidence that the trip is organised by a certified UK school.
- Advanced submission of passenger information: Schools must submit all materials to their ferry operator at least 72 hours in advance. who will then send this data to the French boarder authorities.
- Coach identification: Schools must clearly display windscreen labels (provided by the ferry operator) on the coaches on the day of travel.
If educational visits organisers fail to follow these steps, outlined by the Department of Education, will result in the school group being processed through the standard, slower route at the border.
"We’re pleased to see this very clear guidance published by the Department for Education, it will be hugely helpful for teachers and school groups as we approach the peak time for school trips. It is a very simple process and will mean school groups will not face lengthy waits when crossing from Dover to Calais."
“We continue to work with the Department for Education to support all types of learning beyond the classroom, whether these happen inside or outside, near or far. We welcome this new guidance which will help educational groups to travel smoothly through border sea ports such as Calais, and enable students to continue benefitting from these invaluable learning opportunities.”
Schools are advised to act promptly, liaise with their ferry operators early, and ensure strict compliance with the outlined process.
For complete guidance, visit:
www.gov.uk/guidance/dover-to-calais-school-trips
