Coronavirus: P&O cross-Channel ferry services updates

What P&O ferry services are running between Dover and Calais, and how are refunds are being processed?

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P&O cross-Channel ferry services were hit by the coronavirus lockdown and are still not operating as normal. Here is the latest information:

What ferry services are P&O operating between Dover and Calais?

P&O says it is running running an 'optimised service' between Dover and Calais. Since July 1, 15 ferries a day have sailed out of Dover between 01h35 and 23h55.

The list of sailings from Dover is available here

Current services from Calais are available here

The crossing time is 90 minutes and P&O says check-in for vehicles closes 45 minutes before every departure time.

No foot passengers can travel on cross-Channel services until further notice.

As well as passports and tickets, will I need any additional documents?

Since June 15, travellers arriving in France from the UK and wider European Area (EU, Andorra, the Vatican, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland) no longer need to demonstrate their travel is essential or hold an international travel certificate.

Arrivals from outside the UK and wider European Area must complete an international travel certificate, which certifies that the journey is essential and confirms that they have not been suffering from a set of listed symptoms associated with Covid-19.

Currently, passengers returning to the UK must register their details before each entry into the UK using this online form, which must be presented on arrival at the UK border.

You may be fined up to £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details. You may also be fined up to £1,000 if you refuse to self-isolate if asked to do so.

In France, the most onerous coronavirus restrictions have largely been lifted. But some health measures remain in place. For the full list of coronavirus rules in France, click here

Read more: France holiday travel options and coronavirus rules

Do I need to wear a mask while travelling on a P&O ferry?

In line with recent government advice, all passengers/drivers must wear a face covering when travelling on public transport, which includes ferry travel.

The same is true if you are planning to use public transport in France while in the country.

Other health measures are in place on board P&O Ferries

Other rules, as laid out on the Foreign Office website, should also be followed.

How can I keep up to date with P&O services?

For the latest regularly updated information, see @POferriesupdate twitter feed, or search of #PODover or #POCalais on Twitter

If I decide not to travel, or if my sailing is cancelled, can I get a refund?

Passengers can amend travel dates online without incurring an amendment fee. To amend travel dates free of charge, you are asked to amend your booking online. This is applicable to both new and existing bookings, any difference in ticket price still applies.

For travel booked before July 31, P&O has said it will hold your ticket price as a credit against future travel, valid for 12 months from the date of travel. You can claim this credit note from P&O online.

Once completed, P&O will send an email within 28 days, to confirm that your credit has been activated, and explain how to re-book a future crossing.

Other refund options may be available through your travel insurance.

Read more: What does end of UK quarantine mean for travel insurance?

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