Dover Port Suspends EU Border Checks Amid Bank Holiday Heatwave, 8,000 Travelers Expected

New EU border checks at the Port of Dover were suspended by French authorities to ease congestion, as motorists faced hours-long queues during a hot bank holiday weekend. This suspension applies to the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires third-party nationals, including those from the UK, to register fingerprints and photographs for Schengen Area entry. The port announced that travelers who miss their ferry due to queues can take the next available slot free of charge. Over 8,000 travelers are expected at the port today.

The UK is experiencing an exceptionally hot May bank holiday weekend, with temperatures potentially breaking several records. Highs of 30C are expected in southern England on Saturday, following Friday's 28.4C, the hottest day of the year so far, recorded in Heathrow, Cambridge, and Cranwell. Peaks of 31C are anticipated on Sunday. The current May temperature record is 32.8C, set in 1922 and 1944. The MCC at Lord’s cricket ground has waived its jacket requirement for gentlemen in the pavilion for two matches on Sunday due to the heat.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts on Friday morning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and the South East, effective until 5 pm Wednesday. These alerts indicate a likely rise in deaths, especially among those 65 and over or with health conditions, and increased demand on health and social care services. Yellow alerts, signifying possible significant impacts, were issued for the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West.