IT failure at Dover causes thousands of drivers to be stuck in 45 minute delays

Drivers were forced to undergo manual passport checks as an ITV failure at Dover sparked delays

A massive IT failure has led to 45-minute delays for drivers accessing the Port of Dover today, as motorists were forced to go through manual passport checks.

Passengers from the UK were told to expect the delays following the French IT failure, leading huge queues building up at the ferry port in Kent.

The Dover Harbour Board said it was working with “French colleagues” to alleviate the situation.

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It released a statement on X, which read: “TrafficUpdate at #PortofDover at 7am. There is currently a 25 minute wait at border control.

“Passport checks are taking place manually due to an issue with border processing systems across France. Thanks for your patience.”

A later update added: “There is currently a 45 minute delay through French Border Control due to French IT system failure.

“The Port of Dover are working with our French colleagues to process all passengers as quickly as possible.”

It comes as Brits face staggeringly long queues during the Easter bank holiday weekend, with nearly 20 million drivers expected to hit the roads over the 4-day period.

The AA warned that since the Easter weekend is three weeks later than in 2024, it will see holiday traffic levels spike by 15 percent as many people hope for warmer weather this year.

The AA expects 19.1 million people will drive on Good Friday, 18.5 million on Easter Saturday, and 18.2 million on each of Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Congestion is expected on the M6 around Birmingham and Blackpool, with trains also facing disruption across the weekend.

Thousands of Easter train journeys will also be thrown into disarray as Network Rail carries out engineering work, though most of the disruption will impact London Euston.

Yet, disruption is also expected in the areas around London Victoria, Paddington, Carlisle, Manchester, Stockport, Southampton, Cambridge, Leeds and Huddersfield.

While Brits are hoping for sunny skies during the Easter weekend, it looks as though the sunshine is about to leave the UK.

Showers and longer spells of rain are expected through to the Easter bank holiday weekend.