New border rules for school trips (MOANA and EES guide)

What is the MOANA border process for school trips? 

The MOANA border process was developed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Department for Education (DfE) with ferry operators using the Port of Dover. Its aim is to streamline border processes and reduce delays for school groups travelling to Europe and crossing between England and France via the Channel.    

It’s essentially a special pre-clearance scheme for school groups designed to lessen their waiting time in the queue at border control. It involves groups submitting their passport details ahead of the trip and these details being shared with the French authorities in advance of them arriving in Dover. 

How will 2026 EU border changes affect school party leaders and their trip planning? 

There will be very little extra work for party leaders to do. We will coordinate all the work including: 

• Providing party leaders with tools to easily gather passport details 
• Allowing extra time at ports within itineraries 
• Submitting passenger information to the ferry company by the deadline  
• Submitting any necessary paperwork and information to the French authorities ahead of the trip 
• Liaising with the coach company to ensure the required MOANA poster is displayed on the coach window and uses the dedicated fast-track lane 

For flight groups, there is no such procedure in place and nothing needs to be done in advance.  

What is EES and what are the implications on group travel? 

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border system that replaces the need for travellers to have their passport stamped manually at the EU border. All UK travellers, including under-18s, must register their fingerprints and photo at the EU border using electronic booths. 

Groups travelling to Europe by air will go through EES checks on arrival at their destination airport. 

School groups crossing the Channel by ferry or rail will have their EES checks on departure at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Eurostar terminals.  

Registration cannot be done in advance. As well as on entry, checks will happen again on exit. 

What support does Club Europe offer party leaders? 

We’ve built in extra time at ports and borders. Our itineraries allow for groups to arrive at the outward and homeward airports three hours ahead of the departure of their flight, to allow enough time to go through passport control. 

Tips for teachers organising school trips to Europe:

• Arrive early  
• Prepare students and your party within the pre-trip departure briefings 
• Check documents and passport data carefully 
• Work with Club Europe as your tour operator for peace of mind. We’re here to support and answer any questions or concerns. 

Let us plan your next school trip to Europe. See our support section for more information.