Frequently asked questions - Dover to calais

Dover to Calais frequently asked questions

We have pu together a list of the most popular frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your journey. If you have any questions which are not listed below why don't you send it to us at:

enquiry@dover-to-calais.com

and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

How much can i bring back into the UK?

If you are bringing any alcohol or tobacco back to the UK you must ensure it is for private or personal use only. There are some limitations. For detailed information simply go to our Calais custom and excise page

What is the difference between commercial goods and private goods

Commercial goods are intended to be resold.
Private goods are for your own consumption.

How do i choose the right vehicle category when booking my trip on the shuttle train?

Several categories are available and are broken down as follow:

Car or car based van
Up to 1.85m in height. This type of vehicle is used for private, tourist leisure or business purposes

Car with roof box/bikes
All car above 1.85m of height (roof box or cycle rack included). This type of vehicle is used for private, tourist leisure or business purposes. Doesn’t include This category doesn’t include the following type of vehicles:

- Minibuses
- campervans
- trailers
- caravans
- Motorcycles
- Any light commercial goods vehicles carrying commercial goods for resale.
Van
All van above 1.85m of height (roof box or cycle rack included). This type of vehicle is used for private, tourist leisure or business purposes. All van must be under the gross weight of 3.5 tons and the volume of goods carried mustn’t be over 3 cubic metres.
Campervan
All motor vehicle with space and equipment, such as seating, sleeping, cooking used for camping and recreational travel.
Minibus
Any small bus able to carry up to 17 passengers including the driver
Motorcycle
Any powered two-wheel motorcycle excluding sidecar and or trailer. Any motorcycle including a sidecar or trailer will be charged as a car up 1.85m high.
Others
All vehicles types regardless of their category mustn’t be over 4.20m high, 2.55m wide (side mirrors included) and 18m long (including bumpers, tow bars and any overhanging load). If the vehicle has been modified in anyway or if you are still unsure of your vehicle category, you must call Eurotunnel on 08443 35 35 35.

I am pregnant, can I travel?

Eurotunnel
There isn’t any restriction for pregnant women when travelling on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Eurotunnel however recommends you check with your GP and your travel insurance provider before making a booking.

Poferries
Pregnant women up to 38 weeks can travel on the Dover to Calais route without a GP's letter. Pregnant women over 38 weeks can travel on the Dover to Calais route however they need confirmation in writing from their GP. Poferries reserves the right to refuse travel in special circumstances or request a certificate at any stage of pregnancy. Poferries cannot provide any seasickness medication.

Can i travel with my pet to France?

Before taking your dog to France or your cat to France or any pet you must book your return journey in the UK with a Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) approved carrier on a PETS approved route. Dover to Calais route is an approved route. Eurotunnel and P&O are both approved carriers. You will not be able to take your cat or your dog to France if you are not covered by the Pet Travel Scheme.

For all detailed information visit our taking a pet to France page

Which travel document do i need when travelling to Calais?

Passport
For stays of up to 3 months you must have a valid passport for the duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport outside of your stay. For stays of 3 months and over contact the French Embassy for further information about any additional entry requirements.

All children of any age must hold a valid british passport

Visas
You do not need a visa to enter France if you have a passport describing you as a british citizen. If you are of any other British nationality you must check the entry requirement with the French foreign ministry.