The following is taken from an email circular released by the DVSA:

HGV drivers travelling to or via France must continue to have proof of an authorised negative COVID test, conducted within 72 hours of travelling across the border.

Government urges drivers to get an authorised test at an independent site, or one of 34 information and advice sites before travelling to ports.

Those using Kent ports are now also legally required to have a Kent Access Permit.

  • HGVs leaving England for France can only cross the Channel with evidence of an authorised negative COVID test, that has been conducted within the 72-hour period before their departure. This measure is mandated by the UK and French governments, and will stay in place until further notice. Hauliers without an authorised negative COVID test taken within the 72-hour period will be turned away
  • HGV drivers arriving in Kent with proof of a negative Covid test and a Kent Access Permit will now be ‘fast tracked’, with quicker access to the port or Eurotunnel terminal

You should get tested before you arrive at a port:

Remember to get your Kent Access Permit:

Hauliers using the Short Straits (Port of Dover or Eurotunnel) must also use the Check an HGV is Ready to Cross the Border service to:

  • apply for a Kent Access Permit
  • check you have the paperwork you need to cross the border between Great Britain and the EU via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel

You can be fined £300 if you do not use the service when travelling through Kent ports, or if you provide a fraudulent declaration. Hauliers who arrive at ports without the correct Import and Export documents will be turned away.

COVID Protocol

Please ensure you are familiar with and following the correct COVID Protocol rules when travelling. Full guidance available here: gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-hgv-operators-and-drivers-crossing-an-international-border

Testing Positive

If your test result is positive you will need to take a confirmatory PCR COVID test; you will not be able to leave the UK or access any UK port until you have done so or have isolated for 10 days.

You should leave the site immediately and obtain a confirmatory PCR COVID test at one of the NHS Testing Facilities (https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test).

You will need to self-isolate until you receive a negative test result, or for 10 days.

Get support and further information

Use our Live Chat Function (https://transport-goods-to-and-from-eu.dft.gov.uk/) or visit one of our Information and Advice sites https://www.gov.uk/guidance/haulier-advice-site-locations to conduct a free advisory border readiness check today.

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