P&O Ferries is reaffirming its commitment to the MOANA system, a streamlined border process developed in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Education (DfE), to help school groups and their travel organisers enjoy smoother, faster journeys across the Channel.
School groups enjoy quicker border checks if organisers submit passenger details to P&O Ferries at least 72 hours before travel. This allows French authorities to pre-approve the information, reducing checks at Dover and ensuring smoother coach journeys. Visa nationals living in the UK also benefit, as the process removes the need for an EU visa for school trips to France.
As the first cross-channel ferry operator to commit to the MOANA system, P&O Ferries is investing resources to ensure this dedicated school group clearance service continues to deliver for customers, removing stress and delays at the border and offering school customers a smoother travel experience. November and December saw strong uptake: on 9 separate dates, 100% of school group bookings used the fast-track process, and on P&O’s busiest day of the Christmas period, 85.71% of school groups opted for the service.
Louisa Bell, Passenger Managing Director at P&O Ferries, said, “We know how important reliability and peace of mind are for schools and their operators. That’s why we’re putting resources behind this enhanced border process – because it gives organisers confidence and allows them to deliver a stress-free experience for their customers. While it involves extra administration, the benefits for schools are clear: less worry, fewer delays, and more time focused on the trip itself.”
A spokesperson for the School Travel Forum said, “We greatly appreciate the support that P&O are providing to the educational visits sector. By collaborating with Government and operators to ensure the success of the MOANA process, they have significantly helped schools travel through Dover Port with minimal frustration and delay.”
For school group bookings and access to the MOANA system, please contact 01304 448899 or email the team.
