All links in the following article will take you to the gov.uk official website or the one that they advise is safe to use.
- You must have tested negative for coronavirus (COVID-19) up to 72 hours before you cross the border into France.
- You do not need a Kent Access Permit (KAP) if the HGV is under 7.5 tonnes or leaving from a different port.
- From 1 January 2021, HGV drivers must have a KAP to travel through Kent to the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel and on to the EU. The permit helps manage traffic by confirming drivers have the right documents for EU import controls.
Who needs a permit?
You need a KAP if your HGV is both:
- leaving Great Britain from the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel
- over 7.5 tonnes
You will need a permit even if the HGV is not carrying goods or if it is only carrying post.
Each permit is valid for 24 hours. You need a new permit each time the HGV leaves Great Britain.
The driver could be stopped and fined up to £300 for entering Kent without having a Kent Access Permit, or for making false declarations when travelling to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel.
Who does not need a permit?
You do not need a KAP if:
- the HGV weighs 7.5 tonnes or less
- you are not leaving Great Britain from the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel
- you are not travelling internationally, for example you’re just driving an HGV through or in Kent
- you are dropping off a trailer that will be taken across the border
You should still check that your HGV is ready to cross the border (links to gov.uk site), even if you do not need a KAP.
What the gov.uk service does not do
This service does not provide any customs or goods-specific paperwork apart from a KAP. Find out more about the documents you need.
Before crossing the border, you may also need to:
- make an entry summary declaration (or safety and security declaration) into the Import Control System (ICS) of the EU country you are crossing into
- get a local reference number from the shipper (or ‘consignor’) supplying the goods, if you’re travelling to a customs office of departure before taking the goods to the EU
What you’ll need
You will need:
- the expected date and time of arrival of the HGV in Kent
- the registration number (front number plate) of the HGV
To get a KAP, you will have to confirm which documents you have already. Before you start, check whether you have:
- an EU import document with a barcode (for example from an import declaration or Transit Accompanying Document)
- Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA) or Transport Internationaux Routiers (TIR) carnets
Use the service even if you do not need these documents, or you’re planning to collect them while travelling to the border. The service will tell you if you do not have a document you need.
Find out more about the documents you need.
If you’re carrying specialty, restricted, or controlled goods
You’ll need to confirm you have additional documents if you’re transporting:
- live animals
- animal products
- fish products
- plants
- other specialty, restricted, or controlled goods
Find out more about the paperwork needed for specialty, restricted or controlled goods.
Apply for a Kent Access Permit online at gov.uk
To get your permit, you will have to:
- confirm you have the correct customs and export documents before the HGV travels
- complete a self-assessment to confirm you meet EU import requirements
It takes around 5 minutes.
If you need help
Speak to an adviser online using webchat between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week.
Use the HMRC online support form if you need technical help with the service or more information.
Face-to-face advice for hauliers and HGV drivers
Get advice on the new rules in person at ‘haulier advice sites’ located at some motorway service stations and truck stops. Find your nearest haulier advice site.
What happens next
If the HGV is not ready to cross the border, you will be given instructions on how to get the paperwork you need.
If you have the correct paperwork, a KAP will be emailed to you. Share the permit with the HGV driver as both an email and a printed copy.
The permit is only valid for the 24-hour period stated on the permit. The driver must enter Kent and cross the border in this period. If the driver is going to arrive at the border before or after this 24-hour period, apply for a new permit.
