Truck and van drivers leaving the UK and travelling to France require a negative COVID test taken in the 72 hours before the arrival in France. It is not possible to enter France without a valid negative test. To help international drivers get COVID tested truck and van drivers entering France can now get tests at 23 Covid testing sites for international lorry and van are now operational.
Drivers leaving the UK via Kent needing a test should obtain their tests at one of these sites if they can. Those with a valid test will be able to use “fast track” access for Eurotunnel or Dover. Tests will still be available for those drivers entering Kent without a test. Those tests will be carried out at Sevington – M20 for the Channel Tunnel and at Manston for Dover departures.
COVID tests are being carried out at the following Information advice sites located at key services and locations:
• DFDS Larkhill – M74 (accessible from J8)
• Thurrock Services – M25
• Reading – M4 Eastbound
• Membury Services – M4 Eastbound
• Sutton Scotney – A34 Southbound
• Fleet Southbound – M3
• Peterborough Services – A1M
• Wetherby – A1M
• Hartshead Moor Services – M62
• Leicester Forest East, Southbound – M1
• Watford Gap – M1 Southbound
• Donington Park – M1
• Doncaster North – M18 / M180
• Rothwell Truck Stop – A14 / A6
• Hopwood Park – M42 / A44
• Tamworth – M42
• Heywood Distribution Truck Stop – Heywood
• Formula Services – Ellesmere Port
• Burtonwood Services – M62
• Junction 38 – M6 / A685
• Carlisle Stobart Truck Stop – M6
• Sandbach Services – M6 Southbound
• Rugby Stobart Truck Stop – A5 (close to J 19 on M6)
• Cherwell Valley – M43 / A43
HGVs over 7.5 tonnes travelling from GB to the EU must get an electronic Kent Access Permit before taking goods to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel. To apply you must:
• submit a self-assessment for compliance with EU import requirements
• verify you have the necessary EU customs and export documentation before the goods travel to port
• be able to verify that you meet UK customs declaration export requirements before the goods travel to port
Vehicles under 7.5 tonnes as well as all vehicles travelling to ports outside of Great Britain can use this service on an advisory basis.
HGV drivers or designated hauliers must use the Check an HGV is Ready to Cross the Border service for HGVs going via Dover or Eurotunnel. They must use it to obtain a Kent Access Permit before the HGV travels through Kent. This applies whether the HGV is carrying goods or not. If an HGV is empty or carrying post, the driver should still declare this on the Check an HGV service and obtain a valid KAP.
The Kent Access Permit will be valid for a 24-hour period from the time of issue.The person using the service will be able to select the date and time they want the Permit to start. HGV drivers can be fined £300 if they do not use the service when using the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel. They can also be fined if they are not using the correct route when heading to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel, as per the Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent 2020 Statutory Instrument 1146.
HGV drivers with a LHP will be able to use local roads, rather than join the Operation Brock system. HGV drivers with a LHP will still need to use the service to get a Kent Access Permit if they are travelling to the EU via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel.
