The Eurotunnel: what to expect when using the shuttle this summer
Are the loos open? Can I leave my car during the crossing? Your questions answered
Holidays to France have been back on the cards since July 10, when the quarantine on return rules were suspended and the FCO travel warning lifted. Since then, Britons have been flocking to Folkestone to board the car-carrying shuttle to Calais, not least due to its promise of a socially distanced journey. But how has the experience changed with the onset of the ‘new normal’? From face mask rules to online forms, here we break down what to expect when travelling on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle this summer.
Do I need to wear a face mask on the Eurotunnel?
It is now mandatory to wear a face mask inside the French terminal at Calais. The same rules will apply in the UK terminal from July 24. However, it is not required to wear a face covering while inside your own vehicle. Toilets on board the shuttle remain closed for now, though loo facilities are available in the boarding lanes and in both the Folkestone and Calais terminals.
After being closed for much of the pandemic, the terminal buildings have now reopened with a limited number of shops and services available. On-site cafés, including Leon and Starbucks, are operating as takeaway-only. Meanwhile, at the UK terminal a new ‘click and go’ service that delivers a limited selection of food, drinks and even hand-sanitiser direct to passengers cars, has been launched. Travellers can order refreshments via their phones, which will be swiftly dropped-off outside their vehicles.
An optional temperature-testing booth has also been introduced for those looking for extra reassurance ahead of their trip abroad.
What else do I need to do before I travel?
France has not introduced any additional border checks. In contrast, everyone entering the UK must complete an online Passenger Locator Form no more than 48 hours before they travel. Passengers are not allowed to cross unless they have filled out the form and will need to show the completed form upon arrival at the UK border, either by printing a copy or displaying it on their phones. Each adult passenger travelling in a group must complete a separate form.
The measure is part of the test and trace effort and the Government will use the information provided to contact holidaymakers if someone they’ve travelled with develops coronavirus symptoms.
Are as many services running as usual?
Yes. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is currently operating up to four services an hour from Folkestone to Calais. However, the company admits that some online bookings are being processed slowly due to the recent surge in demand. June 27 saw the operator’s biggest day for bookings ever, with three times as many passengers securing a crossing compared to the same date in 2019.
At the time John Keefe, director of public affairs at Eurotunnel, said: “Travel with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is proving very popular as you can go from home to holiday without leaving your car: no crowds, no contacts, 35 minutes to cross from Folkestone to Calais and you are on your way.”
He added: “We urge anyone who is planning to travel this summer to book sooner rather than later.”
The company is also offering refundable tickets, to reassure holidaymakers who fear last-minute border closures. Prices start at £72 per car for up to nine passengers.
Can my pet still travel with me?
Yes, so long as you hold a valid pet passport. Passengers bringing pets on their trip can use the newly reopened pet reception area in Calais, which includes an exercise area for animals, as well as the drive-through pet check-in service where travellers can remain in their car should they wish.
It is worth noting that the shuttle is the only mode of travel to Europe where pet owners can travel with their animals without leaving their vehicle.
