Calais - Checking your 'Van or MH

Millerman39

Our son, wife + 3 children were in Calais port. Our 12 year old autistic grandson wanted some 'fresh air'. On getting out of the car he shouted, "Dad 2 men are trying to get in to our caravan". Our son rushed round and the 2 men ran off.  At passport control
they were asked by police, before searching their 'van,  if they had seen anything suspicious. Of course they confirmed what had happened. They were then kept for some time being asked questions about where they had been (Jura) etc. This also happened in Dover
and their 'van was searched again.

They didn't mind but it was a timely reminder of the precautions we need to take. 

We travelled from St Malo last week & security there was also on 'high alert', with soldiers being all around and every vehicle 'searched'.  

ValDa

This is surprising as the port at Calais is now very well 'policed' with dog teams sniffing around the vans and high security fencing, so much more difficult to access the parking areas than previously.  Checks are definitely more thorough, though, and travellers can expect check-in to take longer.  When we last returned we waited for almost an hour to get through check-in and evey  vehicle was searched - car and caravan, and not just the usual cursory glance inside.

However, security all over France, is very tight as there is still a 'state of emergency' and there are even armed police lifeguards on some of the beaches in this area.

InaD

We don't use the ferry, but travel via the tunnel.  On our last trip May-July we noticed that the fencing had extended a long way out from the tunnel complex, almost to junction 40, with police cars parked along it in places.

commeyras

At Dunkurque last month our caravan was 'searched' by a very pleasant security guard.  No problems or hastle just very sensible action. No real dealy either but Dunkurque is less busy than Calais They were searching all caravans/campers not just us.