With the UK Public and Commercial Services union set to strike, the UK Home Office and Border Force are advising travellers planning to enter Britain on 1 Feb. 2023 to expect delays and longer wait times at border control.
The industrial action will run from Wednesday, 1 Feb., through Thursday, 2 Feb. at 7am.
The Home Office, in a statement late last week, has advised travellers to check the latest travel advice with flight operators before setting off.
“Please be patient and respect officers who are working to keep the UK border safe and secure for all travellers during strike action. We encourage all passengers eligible to use eGates to do so,” it said.
The proposed strike, the Home Office said, will impact international arrivals at all UK air and maritime ports as well as those travelling to the UK through UK border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France.
“Our number one priority is to keep our borders safe and secure, and we will never compromise on this. Military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across government are being trained to support Border Force at airports and ports across the UK in the event of potential strike action,” it said.
Border Force, it said, is ready to deploy resources to meet critical demand and support the flow of travellers and goods through the border; however, those entering the UK should be prepared for potential disruption.
“Border Force and industry work together very closely at a local and national level to agree plans for pressures while keeping the public safe and ensuring critical goods such as medicines and food can continue to flow across the border,” it added.
Travellers, the statement said, should check with travel agents, tour operators and airlines/carriers before setting off, to check if the proposed strike will affect their journey.
“Passengers can also check airport websites before travelling to stay up to date with the latest information related to travel or possible delays caused by strike action,” it advised.
The Border Force and the travel industry, it said, are working together “very closely at a local and national level and have regular meetings to agree plans for pressures while keeping the public safe”.
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