The Christmas travel plans of tens of thousands of ferry passengers at the Port of Dover have been delayed by IT problems with French border control.

Millions of motorists hit the roads this weekend in the Christmas getaway, with travel experts warning people to plan ahead to avoid “Grinch-worthy” delays.

Before the peak traffic arrival on Saturday morning, border staff at Dover began facing tech issues, the port said in a post on X, with some problems ongoing.

The port said it was working with partner agencies to resolve the issues, and urged passengers not to arrive more than two hours before their ferry departure time.

Almost 30,000 cars were expected travel out of the port during the festive period, with traffic peaking between 6am and 1pm from Friday to Sunday as part of what is forecast to be the busiest Christmas getaway on record in the UK.

P&O Ferries, which operates some of the ships from the port, said there were large queues on the approach roads and in the buffer area, but once through, passengers were having a smooth check-in with no delays. The company urged customers to allow extra time for their journey.

The Port of Dover post said: “We also ask that all port-bound traffic remain on the main roads to the port, the A20 and A2, and keep the local roads clear for the community.

“If customers do miss their scheduled sailing due to the wait times, their ferry operator will place them on the next available crossing.”

An estimated 37.5m leisure trips by car were planned between Wednesday and Christmas Eve, the RAC said.

Shaun Jones, an AA expert patrolperson, said: “It’s beginning to look a lot like traffic. Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check your route and allow extra time.

“Patience will be your best present this year.”

The RAC’s mobile servicing and repairs team leader, Nick Mullender, said: “With record numbers predicted to be taking to the roads this Christmas, journeys have the potential to be Grinch-worthy without some careful planning.

“The week before Christmas is one of the few times of year when most of the UK hits the road simultaneously, with 2025 looking to be the busiest getaway period since our records began.”

National Highways, which manages England’s motorways and major A roads, said it would “remove as many roadworks as we safely can so everyone can get where they need to go this Christmas”.