Holidaymakers embarking on a trip to Europe on the first day of the Easter holiday are facing waits of up to two hours.

The Port of Dover says inclement weather and high overnight winds reaching up to 70mph are to blame.

Those making the crossing by ferry to Dunkirk or Calais were told on Tuesday to expect long waits over the weekend.

It was anticipated people crossing the Channel will face longer wait times due to tighter security checks following the Moscow concert attack.

Port of Dover Travel announced on X early this morning: “The wait time from arrival at the port entrance/buffer zone is around 90 minutes.

“French Border Controls are flowing well, with the additional wait times early this morning due to adverse weather conditions last night.”

Wind gusts of up to 40mph continue to whip through The Channel after a yellow weather warning was issued for the majority of Kent yesterday.

Last night strong winds battered the Kent coast, Dunkirk and Calais, ahead of the Easter weekend.

A Kent County Council spokesman warned motorists early yesterday evening: “As Easter holiday approaches, Operation Brock is in place on the M20 to manage the flow of traffic.

“Anyone planning to use Le Shuttle and the Port of Dover are advised to plan their journeys and check with the travel operator before setting out.”

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