Changes to Testing for Freight Drivers Shipping to France

Following the latest update from the French government, from 22 February there will be new positive changes regarding freight driver COVID-19 testing when shipping to France.

The changes are as follows:

• Freight Drivers who spend less than 48 hours in the UK will not require proof of a negative COVID test to cross the border (in either direction).
• Freight Drivers from the Republic of Ireland (ROI) using the UK land bridge can also now rely on a test taken in ROI, as long as it is administered within 72 hours of departure from a UK port.

For UK drivers or those spending more than 48 hours in the UK, the testing requirements remain in place.

More information is available on UK Government’s website.

Rapid antigen tests for freight drivers at Hull port

On 19 January, Dutch government implemented further Covid-19 restrictions for anyone entering the Netherlands. The new requirement states that people arriving in the Netherlands from UK or Ireland must provide proof that they have tested negative for coronavirus following a rapid test directly before departure. This new requirement also applies to freight drivers. More information is available here.

For our Hull to Europoort route, we have set up a test centre at our Terminal 1 in Hull port (postcode HU9 5PS) and we ask any freight drivers that wish to use our service to arrive at least 1h and 30 mins time before departure in order to minimise the risk of missing the sailing. The test centre is opened Monday to Sunday from 14:00 to 19:30. The cost of the test is £29.

Essential information to enter the UK – Read before you book

*Freight drivers remain exempt from quarantine/self-isolation requirements on arrival in the UK, regardless of the countries they have travelled in, but please note that points 1 & 3 of the public health information below applies to all freight drivers and accompanying passengers.

The United Kingdom is taking steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
1) All persons (including UK nationals and residents) arriving in the UK from outside the common travel area must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of departure to the UK. For further information please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england.
2) To protect your health and others’, everyone must complete an online passenger locator form before arrival in the United Kingdom.
3) All arrivals must quarantine for 10 days unless exempt*. If you have travelled through a red list country in the last 10 days, you must have a valid Managed Quarantine Facility booked prior to departure. For information please visit: www.gov.uk/travel-quarantine-and-testing. Check the list of exempt countries immediately before travel and the list of work-related exemptions if travelling for work.
4) Everyone is required to take a coronavirus test on days 2 and 8 of their quarantine. You must have this booked prior to departure. For information please visit: www.gov.uk/travel-quarantine-and-testing.
5) It is a legal requirement that you wear a face covering on public transport in the UK.
6) If you quarantine in England, you may opt in to Test to Release. For further information please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel. 

Failure to comply with the above measures is a criminal offence and you could be fined. Please visit www.gov.uk/uk-border-control for detailed public health advice and requirements for entering the UK.