chunnel.co.uk › Passport Control & Customs
Channel Tunnel passport control and customs checks
Travelling through the Channel Tunnel means passing both UK and French passport control and customs before you board. Here is exactly what to expect, what documents you need, and how to cross smoothly.
When you cross the Channel Tunnel by car, you pass through both UK and French border controls before boarding the shuttle, whether you are heading to France or coming back. The checks cover passport control, customs and security, and they usually take just a few minutes. This page explains what happens at the border, what documents you need (including the new EES rules), what you can and cannot bring, and how to keep your crossing quick.
Passport control at the Channel Tunnel
All passengers pass through passport control when travelling through the Channel Tunnel. A key thing to know is that both borders are handled at the departure terminal: at Folkestone you clear both UK and French passport control before you board, and at Calais the same happens before your return. This is called juxtaposed controls, and it means you do not stop for passport checks on the other side, you drive straight off.
- One valid passport per passenger is required, including children. For travel to the EU, passports must meet the EU's validity rules.
- ID cards are generally not accepted for UK border crossings, so bring passports.
- Officials may ask about your journey and check documents for everyone in the vehicle.
The EES: new EU border checks
The EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital border system that registers non-EU visitors, including UK travellers, when entering and leaving the Schengen area. It replaces manual passport stamping with a digital record, and can include biometrics such as fingerprints and a photo on entry.
For Channel Tunnel travellers, this means there may be additional steps at the French border at Folkestone when the system applies to your trip. Because the rollout and exact process are being phased in and can change, always check the latest official guidance before you travel: the UK government's EES guidance and LeShuttle's own border information.
Advance Passenger Information (API)
Before you travel, you must submit Advance Passenger Information (API), which is the passport details for all passengers in your vehicle. You can complete API easily during booking. Without it, you will not be allowed to board.
- One valid passport per passenger, ID cards are not accepted.
- Make sure all documents are up to date before your trip.
- Allow extra time at the terminal during peak holiday periods.
See more about booking and requirements on our Eurotunnel tickets page.
What to expect at customs and security
At both Folkestone and Calais, you drive through border and customs control before boarding the shuttle. There are a few stages.
- UK border: checks when leaving the UK or re-entering. Officials may ask about your journey, inspect documents and check for restricted items.
- French border: passport control and customs before entering the EU. Officials may ask about goods, alcohol or tobacco.
- Security: vehicles can be subject to security checks. Keep your booking reference and passports ready.
Checks are usually quick, but queues can form on busy travel days, so have your paperwork ready before you reach the booths.
What you can and cannot bring
Customs rules apply to certain goods, including alcohol, tobacco, food and fuel.
- Personal luggage: no weight limit, pack freely for personal use. See our luggage rules.
- Alcohol and tobacco: duty-free and personal allowance limits apply, especially travelling from the EU to the UK. Above the allowance may lead to questions or duties.
- Food and plants: some fresh food, meat, dairy and plants are restricted. Check before travelling.
- Fuel: spare fuel in jerrycans is limited, and LPG vehicles are not allowed at all. See Channel Tunnel safety.
- Fireworks, firearms or dangerous goods: not permitted except with specific licences.
Pets and border control
If you are travelling with a dog or cat, you must meet the pet travel requirements: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate (which replaced the old GB pet passport). Dogs also need a tapeworm treatment for the return to the UK. There is a dedicated pet check-in at Folkestone. Full details are on our travelling with pets page.
Freight and commercial goods
If you are carrying commercial goods or driving for business, you cannot use the passenger service, you travel via Eurotunnel Freight, and your customs paperwork for the goods must be in order before travel. For a private house move in a car or van, personal belongings are fine on the standard service.
Tips for a smooth border crossing
- Complete API before you arrive at the terminal.
- Keep passports ready for all passengers, including children.
- Check your passport validity meets the EU rules well in advance.
- Declare gas bottles, firearms or any restricted items.
- Arrive at least one hour before your booked departure, more at peak times.
- Check the latest EES and border guidance before you travel.
Channel Tunnel customs and passport control FAQ
Do I go through both UK and French passport control?
Yes. You clear both UK and French border control at the departure terminal before boarding, so you drive straight off at the other end. This is called juxtaposed controls.
Is API required for Eurotunnel travel?
Yes. You must submit Advance Passenger Information (passport details for everyone in the vehicle) before you travel, usually during booking. Without API you cannot board.
Can I use an ID card instead of a passport?
No. For UK border crossings you need a valid passport for each passenger, and ID cards are generally not accepted. Make sure every passport meets the EU validity rules for travel into France.
What is the EES and does it affect me?
The EU Entry/Exit System is a new digital border system that registers non-EU visitors, including UK travellers, entering and leaving the Schengen area, and can include biometrics. It may add steps at the French border. The rollout is phased, so check the latest official EES guidance before travelling.
What goods are not allowed through customs?
Fireworks, firearms and dangerous goods (without licences), certain fresh food, meat, dairy and plants, and amounts of alcohol and tobacco above the allowance may be taxed. LPG vehicles are banned entirely. Check before you travel.
How early should I arrive for border checks?
At least one hour before your booked departure, and more during peak holiday periods or while new border systems are being introduced. Have all documents ready to keep things moving.
Do I need customs documents for personal luggage?
No. Personal belongings for your own use do not need customs paperwork, and there is no luggage weight limit. Commercial goods are different and require the freight service and proper documentation.
Passport control and customs at the Channel Tunnel are straightforward once you know what to expect: you clear both UK and French border control at the departure terminal, so there are no checks on the far side. Bring a valid passport for everyone, complete your API when booking, check the latest EES and passport rules before you go, and keep your documents ready at the terminal. Do that, and your crossing should be quick and smooth.