MOANA UK-France school group border process extended to Calais
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With immediate effect, eligible UK school groups that have used the MOANA process from Dover can now use this for their return journey from Calais.
The pre-clearance scheme has been extended following promising results from its introduction at Dover.
The MOANA process was developed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Department for Education (DfE) with ferry operators using the Port of Dover including P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries. Its aim is to streamline border processes and reduce delays for school groups crossing between England and France via the channel.
How does MOANA work?
Under the scheme, schools submit passenger details to their ferry operator at least 72 hours before travel, which allows French authorities to pre-approve the information, reducing checks at Dover and ensuring smoother coach journeys.
School groups using the MOANA process from Calais should display the same MOANA poster in their coach window that was used on the outward journey from Dover. Coaches will then be directed to a dedicated lane at Border Control. Passenger lists must also match the travelling group that travelled from Dover.
Are schools using MOANA?
Since its launch as a pilot in April 2025, school groups have benefitted from smoother border checks and reduced paperwork.
P&O Ferries was the first cross-channel ferry operator to participate in the scheme. In an update in January 2026 it reported strong uptake in November and December with 100% of school group bookings using the fast-track process on nine separate dates, and on P&O’s busiest day of the Christmas period, 85.71% of school groups opted for the service.
In a statement, P&O Ferries said it is committed to the MOANA scheme to streamline the border process for school groups travelling across the Channel
“This now includes enabling groups who have used the process from Dover to benefit from the same approach on their return via Calais. We continue to work closely with operators, schools and border agencies to help ensure journeys are as smooth and passenger-focused as possible.”
Gill Harvey, from the School Travel Forum welcomed the MOANA scheme extension, saying:
“The School Travel Forum is very pleased that further improvements for UK school groups travelling between the UK and France has been implemented following the recent extension of the Moana scheme. Originally launched to streamline border processing for school groups departing from the Port of Dover to France, the scheme’s benefits will now also be experienced by groups returning from Calais to Dover.
“The School Travel Forum welcomes this positive step forward and looks forward to continued cooperation between the two countries to further support educational travel opportunities for young people.”
Travelling to France on your educational visits? Speak to your ferry operator or school tour operator for advice on how to participate in MOANA to streamline your border crossing.
EVOLVE Advice clients can email advice@evolveadvice.co.uk for support with planing your overseas educational visits.