A protest is affecting "all routes" in and out of the Port of Dover today (September 5), with dozens of people, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, gathered at the port.
The protest is causing major disruption, with four miles of traffic on the roads near the port.
The Port of Dover confirmed in a statement on X that a “public order incident” was under way and said it was in contact with Kent Police.
— Port of Dover Travel (@PoD_travelnews) September 5, 2026
Public order incident declared at Port of Dover amid protest
It said: “The Port of Dover can confirm that there is an ongoing public order incident happening around the town of Dover.
“This is affecting all routes in and out the port and the town.
“We are in contact with Kent Police to understand the situation.
“This situation is impacting our local community and our customers, so of course we are hoping for a swift resolution.”
Kent Police said on X that officers were present at the scene and engaging with protesters.
It said: “We are aware of a protest currently taking place at the Port of Dover.
“Officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters.”
Dover is the UK’s busiest international ferry and passenger port, dealing with 9,128,648 passengers by road in 2025 and 2,119,030 freight vehicles, according to the port’s website.
National Highways reported four miles of congestion and delays of up to 45 minutes on the A20 as a result of the protest.
It said: “A20 both directions in Kent between A256 (York Street) & A2 (Jubilee Way). – A large number of protesters are blocking three separate locations bringing all traffic entering the (Port_of_Dover) to a standstill.”
We are aware of a protest currently taking place at the Port of Dover.
Officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters. pic.twitter.com/cGxkV3wCxN— Kent Police (UK) (@kent_police) September 5, 2026
Mike Tapp, Labour MP for Dover and Deal, condemned the protest and said he was in contact with police.
Writing on Facebook, he said: “I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption.
“I bet if you asked any one of those ‘protesters’ they wouldn’t know small boat crossing are down by 40% and we are working hard to fix the mess.
“Go home, enjoy your weekend/get a job.”
Paul King, the Reform UK councillor for Dover West, said he has been told the demonstration is a “stop the boats protest”.
He wrote on Facebook: “Avoid the port area, large number of men have blocked the A20.
“I’ve been told it’s a stop the boats protest speaking to local women, they felt frightened by such a large group of men walking up the street.
“We don’t condone causing public disturbance by protest.
“But it’s a very good example of what is happening daily with the boats coming in.”
It is not yet confirmed why the protest is happening or who is involved.
Shipping companies DFDS and P&O Ferries advised customers that departures were continuing as scheduled, and those delayed would be accommodated on the next available crossing.
Rail operator Southeastern also reassured passengers that anyone delayed could use the next available train at no extra cost.
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