The Port of Dover has declared a critical incident as heavy traffic has caused long delays for coach passengers.
It comes as operators P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways also reported delays to ferry and bus services, citing bad weather and raids at French border controls as co-responsible for waiting times and queues.
DFDS announced on Twitter shortly after 9 p.m. that the waiting time for buses from arrival at the port is approximately seven hours.
P&O Ferries tweeted that it is providing refreshments to coach passengers waiting at the cruise terminal and working to deliver food and drink to passengers waiting in the buffer zone at the entrance to the port.
The port said the heavy bus traffic was due to the Easter holidays.
A spokesman said: “The Port of Dover can confirm a critical incident is underway as the port is currently experiencing heavy bus traffic due to the Easter holiday.
“Our current high volumes, combined with lengthy processing at border controls, has resulted in lengthy delays for coach passengers.
“The port, ferry companies and other partners are working hard to solve the current problem.”