Registration & Checks

Driver and vehicle

The driver presents his customer references, passport and ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) required by the British authorities since April 2025.

See the section What you need to know before booking

Goods

The driver presents the documents relating to the goods being transported:

• CMR and other UN codes for safety compliance purposes (IMDG code)
• ELO (Envelope Logistique Obligatoire) for exports from the European Union and GMR (Goods Movement Reference) for imports into the UK customs territory.

If everything is in order, the shipping company will proceed with registration for an upcoming departure.

• Confirming exit from the Schengen Area:

  The driver presents himself (without leaving his vehicle) to the Border Police (PAF) for a passport check.

  Please note: from October 2025, travellers who are not nationals of a European Union member state must undergo EES (Entry Exit System) checks via biometric screening.

• Validating entry into the United Kingdom:

  The driver then presents himself (without leaving his vehicle) to the United Kingdom Border Force (UKBF) for passport and ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) checks.

These checks carried out at the port of Calais allow drivers, once admitted, to have free access to the United Kingdom without further checks at the port of Dover.

These checks ensure that there are no stowaways in the vehicle and verify that the driver is not transporting any prohibited items (weapons, explosives, etc.).

The driver simply needs to go to the boarding line assigned to them when they checked in with the shipping company. The line number is indicated on the ticket they were given. They wait for instructions from the company agent before boarding.

Getting around the port is easy!

A free geo-guidance app is available to help you find your way around the port. Drivers simply scan the QR code displayed at the shipping company’s bus shelter or on the back of the “coat hook” (a holder that can be attached to the rear-view mirror).

The route will be displayed based on their search: boarding gate, Customs office for TIR-ATA, dining options, toilets, etc.