Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry: Complete Check-In Guide

Everything you need to know about checking in for your Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing: when to arrive, what documents to bring, the step-by-step check-in process for vehicles and foot passengers, security screening procedures, boarding times, common mistakes to avoid, and expert tips for a smooth, stress-free departure.

Check-in for Newhaven to Dieppe ferries opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before for vehicle passengers (30 minutes for foot passengers). Arrive 60-90 minutes early with your booking confirmation, valid passports for all passengers, and any required pet documentation.

Last updated: December 2025

Newhaven to Dieppe Complete Check In Guide

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✓ Check-In at a Glance

60-90 mins

Recommended
Arrival Time

45 mins

Check-In Closes
(Vehicles)

30 mins

Check-In Closes
(Foot)

2-5 mins

Typical
Check-In Duration

✅ Bring booking confirmation – printed or on phone
✅ Valid passports required – for all passengers including children
✅ Quick security screening – similar to airport procedures
✅ Vehicle height check – for vans, motorhomes, high vehicles
✅ NO late boarding – check-in closes strictly on time

When to Arrive at the Port

Timing your arrival correctly ensures a smooth check-in without unnecessary waiting or stress.

RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL TIMES:

Passenger Type	Recommended Arrival	Minimum Arrival
Vehicle Passengers (car, van, motorhome)	60-90 minutes	60 minutes
Foot Passengers (no vehicle)	60-75 minutes	45 minutes
Peak Season (July-August)	90 minutes	75 minutes
Overnight Ferry (23:00 departure)	90 minutes	60 minutes

CHECK-IN OPENING & CLOSING TIMES:

Check-In OPENS: 2 hours before scheduled departure

Check-In CLOSES (Vehicles): 45 minutes before departure

Check-In CLOSES (Foot Passengers): 30 minutes before departure

Example for 09:30 Ferry:

Check-in opens: 07:30
Recommended arrival: 08:00-08:30
Vehicle check-in closes: 08:45 (STRICT)
Foot passenger check-in closes: 09:00 (STRICT)

⚠️ CRITICAL: Late Arrivals NOT Accepted
If you arrive after check-in closes, you WILL be refused boarding with NO refund. DFDS will not delay the ferry. You must purchase a new ticket for the next sailing. Check-in closing times are strictly enforced. Always allow buffer time for traffic, parking, and unexpected delays.

WHY ARRIVE EARLY:

✓ Buffer for traffic – M25, A27, Brighton can have delays
✓ Find parking – Especially in summer peak season
✓ No stress – Relax in waiting area rather than rushing
✓ Get best seats – Foot passengers board first, choose seats
✓ Food/toilet breaks – Time to prepare before boarding
✓ Unexpected issues – Lost booking reference, wrong documents

Required Documents – Complete Checklist

Having the correct documents ready speeds up check-in and prevents boarding refusal.

📄 Essential Documents Checklist

1. BOOKING CONFIRMATION

Booking reference number (email confirmation)
Can show on phone OR printed paper
Contains: passenger names, vehicle details, sailing time
If lost: call DFDS +44 33 058 787 87 to retrieve

2. VALID PASSPORTS

Required for ALL passengers (including babies)
Must be valid for ENTIRE trip duration
UK passport holders: No minimum validity beyond trip dates
EU passport holders: Same rules (no minimum validity)
Non-EU passport holders: Check visa requirements for France
IMPORTANT: Passport book only (cards NOT accepted)

3. VEHICLE DOCUMENTS (if travelling with vehicle)

Vehicle registration document (V5C logbook)
Proof of ownership if vehicle not registered to you
Insurance documents (check covers France)
Hire car documentation (if rental vehicle)

💡 Preparation Tip: Create a documents folder the night before travel. Put all documents (booking confirmation, passports, pet papers, vehicle docs) in one place. Check everyone’s passport expiry dates. Take a photo of booking confirmation on your phone as backup. This saves frantic searching at check-in!

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN:

✓ Child passport – Every child needs their own passport (no longer included in parent passport)
✓ Parental consent letter – If child travelling with only one parent or guardian, carry letter from other parent
✓ Birth certificates – Not required but useful backup ID

TRAVELLING WITH PETS:

✓ Pet passport (or Animal Health Certificate)
✓ Microchip documentation
✓ Rabies vaccination certificate
✓ Tapeworm treatment certificate (dogs only, must be 1-5 days before travel)
✓ See our complete pet travel guide for full requirements

CLAIMING DISCOUNTS:

If booked with discount (student, senior, disabled):

✓ Student discount (5%) – Valid student ID card
✓ Senior discount (20%) – Photo ID showing age 60+
✓ Disability discount (20%) – Blue badge or equivalent proof
✓ Youth discount (20%) – Photo ID showing age 16-25

IMPORTANT: Discount bookings MUST show proof at check-in or full price will be charged.

COMMERCIAL/BUSINESS TRAVEL:

✓ Commercial vehicle paperwork – CMR documents, customs forms
✓ Business registration – If transporting goods
✓ Freight booking confirmation – Separate from passenger booking

To avoid unnecessary packing:

✗ Visa – UK and EU passport holders don’t need visa for tourism (up to 90 days)
✗ Return flight ticket – Not required (you’re on ferry!)
✗ Travel insurance documents – Recommended but not checked
✗ Hotel confirmations – Not required at ferry check-in
✗ International driving permit – Not required for UK license holders in France

Vehicle Passenger Check-In Process

Step-by-step guide for passengers travelling with cars, vans, motorhomes, motorcycles, or bicycles.

🚗 Vehicle Check-In Timeline

STEP 1: ENTER PORT (0 mins)

Drive through port entrance (automatic barrier)
Follow signs to check-in lanes
Stay in vehicle (don’t get out)

STEP 2: HEIGHT CHECK (1-2 mins) (if applicable)

Vehicles over 2m height directed to height gauge
Motorhomes, vans, high vehicles measured
Ensures vehicle fits in ferry hold
Most cars skip this step

STEP 3: CHECK-IN LANE (2-5 mins)

Join queue for check-in desk
Usually 1-3 vehicles ahead (rarely more)
Staff member approaches your driver window
Staff scan booking confirmation (hand through window)
Check all passengers’ passports (hand through window)
Ask questions: “How many passengers?” “Any pets?” “Any roof box?”
Issue boarding pass (shows lane number)
Return passports and booking
Staff direct you to holding lane

Time at desk: 2-3 minutes typically

STEP 4: HOLDING AREA (5-30 mins)

Drive to numbered lane (as shown on boarding pass)
Park vehicle in lane (straight line with others)
Turn off engine, apply handbrake
Stay in or near vehicle
Use terminal facilities if needed (toilets, vending)

STEP 5: BOARDING ANNOUNCEMENT (30-40 mins before departure)

Loudspeaker announcement: “Lanes 1-5, please prepare for boarding”
Return to vehicle
Start engine when marshaller signals
Follow marshaller onto ferry

STEP 6: ON FERRY (40-50 mins before departure)

Drive onto ferry following directions
Park where directed
Secure vehicle (handbrake, in gear)
Take valuables, leave vehicle
Walk upstairs to passenger decks

Total process: 2-5 mins at check-in, then 30-40 mins waiting before boarding

⚠️ Late Arrival Warning: If you arrive LESS than 45 minutes before departure, check-in may refuse boarding. This is STRICT. For 09:30 ferry, arrive by 08:45 at absolute latest (08:00-08:15 recommended). DFDS will NOT delay ferry for late arrivals.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS:

• “How many passengers travelling?” – Include driver, answer with number
• “Any pets onboard?” – Yes/no, if yes they check pet documentation
• “Vehicle height/length?” – For motorhomes, vans (they may measure)
• “Any roof box or luggage on roof?” – Yes/no (affects height)
• “Any dangerous goods?” – Gas bottles, spare fuel? (usually no)
• “Any commercial cargo?” – Only applies to freight vehicles

ANSWER HONESTLY: They’re not trying to catch you out. Accurate information ensures safe loading.

MOTORHOMES & CAMPERVANS:

• Measured for height and length
• Gas bottles allowed (must be turned off, disconnected)
• Fridge can run on 12V (not gas)
• Toilet cassettes must be emptied before boarding
• Follow specific motorhome boarding instructions

VANS & COMMERCIAL VEHICLES:

• Contents may be inspected (security)
• Must declare if transporting goods
• Some goods require commercial freight booking
• High-sided vans directed to specific parking areas

MOTORCYCLES:

• Check in at vehicle lanes (not foot passenger)
• Riders must remove helmets during check-in
• Motorcycles board separately from cars
• Tie-down straps provided on ferry

BICYCLES:

• Standard bicycles can be foot passenger or vehicle booking
• Electric bikes (e-bikes) follow standard bicycle rules
• Cycle trailers must be declared at booking

TRAILERS & CARAVANS:

• Measured for total length (vehicle + trailer)
• Must be declared at booking (affects price)
• Checked for secure attachment
• Specific loading requirements

Foot Passenger Check-In Process

Step-by-step guide for passengers travelling without a vehicle.

👣 Foot Passenger Check-In Timeline

STEP 1: ENTER TERMINAL (0 mins)

Walk into passenger terminal building
Clear signage to foot passenger check-in desk
Front of building, cannot miss it

STEP 2: CHECK-IN DESK (2-5 mins)

Present booking confirmation at desk
Hand over all passengers’ passports
Staff check documents, scan passports
Issue boarding passes (one per passenger)
Any luggage tags if needed

Questions asked:

• “Any large luggage for storage?” (big suitcases)
• “Travelling with pet?” (if yes, separate kennel instructions)
• “Do you need assistance?” (accessibility support)

STEP 3: SECURITY SCREENING (5-10 mins)

Walk through to security area
Airport-style security screening
Bags through X-ray scanner
Walk through metal detector
Liquids must be under 100ml
Laptops/tablets removed from bags

STEP 4: WAITING LOUNGE (10-60 mins)

Enter passenger waiting area
Comfortable seating (100+ seats)
Toilets, vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi
Departure screens show boarding time
Relax until boarding called

STEP 5: BOARDING ANNOUNCEMENT (30-45 mins before departure)

Announcement: “Foot passengers for Dieppe, please proceed to boarding”
Show boarding pass at exit gate
Walk to shuttle bus stop (outside terminal)

STEP 6: SHUTTLE BUS TO FERRY (40-50 mins before departure)

Board free shuttle bus
2-minute drive to ferry
Bus parks at ferry gangway
Walk up gangway onto ferry

STEP 7: BOARD FERRY & FIND SEAT (45-55 mins before departure)

Foot passengers board BEFORE vehicles
Walk straight onto passenger decks
Choose your seat (best selection!)
Store luggage, settle in

Total process: 2-5 mins check-in, 5-10 mins security, then wait comfortably

💡 Foot Passenger Advantage: You board 10-15 minutes BEFORE vehicle passengers, giving you first choice of seats. Aim for window seats, seats near power sockets, or quiet areas. Once vehicles board, all best seats are taken. This alone makes arriving early worthwhile!

HAND LUGGAGE (small bags, backpacks):

• Keep with you throughout
• No size limit for cabin luggage
• Must fit under seat or overhead
• Valuable items stay with you

LARGE LUGGAGE (big suitcases):

• Must be stored in supervised area on vehicle deck
• Staff ask at check-in: “Any large luggage?”
• Luggage tagged and taken to storage
• You collect from storage area at arrival
• FREE service, no charge

WHAT COUNTS AS “LARGE LUGGAGE”:

• Suitcases larger than carry-on size
• Multiple large bags
• Anything you cannot comfortably carry upstairs
• Bicycles (stored separately)

TRAVELLING WITH PETS (foot passengers):

• Pets cannot stay with you in passenger areas
• Two options:
1. Free kennels on vehicle deck (supervised)
2. Book pet-friendly cabin (£40-60)
• See our pet travel guide for full details

Security Screening

All passengers (vehicle and foot) undergo security screening before boarding. The process is similar to airport security but typically faster.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

✓ You CAN Bring

Liquids under 100ml (in clear bag)
Food and snacks
Medications (in original packaging)
Laptops and electronics
Cameras and chargers
Books and magazines
Baby formula and milk
Walking sticks/mobility aids

✗ You CANNOT Bring

Weapons (knives, guns, pepper spray)
Explosives or fireworks
Flammable liquids (over 100ml)
Sharp objects (scissors, razors loose)
Large bottles of water (over 100ml)
Compressed gases
Illegal substances
Certain batteries (checked case-by-case)

SECURITY PROCESS:

Place bags on conveyor belt – All bags through X-ray scanner
Remove electronics – Laptops, tablets removed from bags
Liquids in clear bag – 100ml maximum per item
Remove jacket/coat – Place in tray
Empty pockets – Phone, keys, coins in tray
Walk through metal detector – Step through when signaled
Collect belongings – Pick up from other side

If scanner detects something:

• Staff may hand-search bag
• Ask you to explain item
• Usually quick and polite
• Rarely causes more than 2-3 min delay

TYPICAL WAIT TIME: 5-10 minutes (can be 2 mins off-peak, 15 mins peak summer)

Boarding Procedures

Once check-in and security are complete, you’ll wait for boarding announcements.

Order	Passenger Type	Boarding Time
1st	Foot Passengers	40-45 mins before departure
2nd	Motorcycles	35-40 mins before
3rd	Priority Boarding (disabled, families with babies)	30-35 mins before
4th	Cars & Vans (by lane number)	25-35 mins before
5th	Freight Vehicles	20-30 mins before

WHY THIS ORDER:

• Foot passengers first = best seat choice
• Small vehicles before large = efficient loading
• Freight last = they secure vehicles after boarding

VEHICLE PASSENGERS:

• Loudspeaker announces: “Lanes 1-5, prepare for boarding”
• Return to vehicle, start engine
• Follow marshaller hand signals
• Drive onto ferry slowly
• Park exactly where directed
• Turn off engine, handbrake on
• Take valuables, lock vehicle
• Walk upstairs to passenger decks
• Find seat, store luggage

IMPORTANT: Once onboard, you CANNOT return to vehicle during crossing (safety regulations).

FOOT PASSENGERS:

• Announcement: “Foot passengers, proceed to boarding”
• Show boarding pass at gate
• Walk to shuttle bus stop
• Board free shuttle bus to ferry
• Walk up gangway
• Enter directly onto passenger deck
• Choose seat immediately
• Store luggage, settle in

Common Check-In Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ mistakes to ensure smooth check-in.

✗ Mistake #1: Arriving Too Late

Problem: Check-in closes 45 mins before departure. Arriving at 08:50 for 09:30 ferry = refused boarding.

Solution: Arrive 60-90 minutes early. Buffer for traffic, parking, unexpected delays.

✗ Mistake #2: Expired Passport

Problem: Check passport night before, discover it expired last month. Too late to renew.

Solution: Check ALL passports (including children’s) 8 weeks before travel. Renew if expiring soon.

✗ Mistake #3: Wrong Vehicle Size

Problem: Booked as “car” but actually have roof box, making vehicle over 2m. Charged extra at check-in.

Solution: Measure vehicle height INCLUDING roof box/bike rack. Declare accurately at booking.

✗ Mistake #4: Forgot Pet Documents

Problem: Arrive with dog but no pet passport. Dog refused entry to France, must return home.

Solution: Pet documentation takes weeks to arrange. Start 8-12 weeks before travel.

✗ Mistake #5: No Booking Confirmation

Problem: Booking made but confirmation email deleted. No record at check-in, causes delay.

Solution: Print or save confirmation to phone. Take screenshot. Note booking reference separately.

✗ Mistake #6: Passport Cards

Problem: Some countries issue passport cards. These are NOT accepted – passport book only.

Solution: Only standard passport books accepted. Check you have booklet not card.

✗ Mistake #7: Large Water Bottles

Problem: Bring 1L water bottle, confiscated at security (over 100ml limit).

Solution: Drink or pour away large bottles before security. Buy drinks after or bring 100ml bottles.

✗ Mistake #8: Missed Boarding Call

Problem: Check in, stay in vehicle, miss boarding announcement, hold up boarding.

Solution: After check-in, stay near vehicle but listen for loudspeaker. Be alert.

Expert Tips for Smooth Check-In

✓ Tip #1: Create Document Folder

Night before travel, gather ALL documents in one folder/envelope: booking confirmation, passports, vehicle docs, pet papers. Keep in easily accessible place.

✓ Tip #2: Check Passports Early

Don’t leave passport check until week of travel. Look 8 weeks ahead – gives time to renew if needed. Check EVERY family member including children.

✓ Tip #3: Pre-Pack Car Night Before

Don’t pack car morning of travel. Do it night before, then just add perishables morning of. Reduces stress, ensures nothing forgotten.

✓ Tip #4: Use Toilet Before Security

Toilets available before and after security, but queues are shorter before. Use toilet, get snacks THEN go through security.

✓ Tip #5: Foot Passengers: Board Early

As foot passenger, be at front of boarding queue. You board first and get best seats (window, near power, quiet). Worth arriving port early for this alone.

✓ Tip #6: Booking Reference Visible

Screenshot booking confirmation, save to phone home screen or print. Visible = faster check-in, no fumbling at desk.

✓ Tip #7: Peak Season Extra Buffer

July-August, arrive 90 minutes early (not 60). Check-in queues longer, security busier, parking fuller. Extra 30 minutes removes all stress.

✓ Tip #8: Prepare Security Tray Early

Before reaching security, empty pockets into bag, remove belt, have laptop ready. Don’t do this AT the tray – prepare while waiting in line.

Frequently Asked Questions: Check-In

What time should I arrive at Newhaven Ferry Port?

Arrive 60-90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Check-in closes 45 minutes before for vehicles and 30 minutes before for foot passengers. For the 09:30 ferry, arrive by 08:00-08:30. Peak season (July-August) and overnight ferry: arrive 90 minutes early. Late arrivals will be refused boarding with no refund.

What documents do I need to check in?

Essential documents: (1) Booking confirmation (printed or on phone), (2) Valid passport for every passenger including children (passport book only, not cards), (3) Vehicle registration document if travelling with car/van. Additional if applicable: pet passport and health certificates, student/senior ID for discounts, parental consent if child travelling with one parent.

How long does check-in take?

Check-in typically takes 2-5 minutes at the desk. For vehicles: drive to check-in lane, present documents through window, receive boarding pass, takes 2-3 minutes. For foot passengers: present documents at desk, passport scan, receive boarding pass, takes 2-5 minutes. Add 5-10 minutes for security screening. Total: 10-20 minutes typically.

What happens if I arrive late for check-in?

If you arrive after check-in closes (45 minutes before for vehicles, 30 minutes for foot passengers), you will be refused boarding with NO refund. DFDS will not delay the ferry. You must purchase a new ticket for the next sailing. Check-in times are strictly enforced. Always allow buffer time for traffic and delays.

Do children need passports?

Yes, every passenger including babies needs their own individual passport. Children are no longer included on parents’ passports. Must be full passport book (cards not accepted). Passport must be valid for entire trip duration. Birth certificates alone are not sufficient – valid passport mandatory for all ages.

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