U.S. citizens using Eurotunnel
 

We are British citizens, and have taken the car through the Channel Tunnel by Eurotunnel many times, so know the border control procedures for those with E.U. passports.

On our next trip, we will have passengers travelling on U.S. passports. I assume that they will need to complete landing cards at Calais before going through British immigration. Does anyone know if it is possible to obtain the boarding cards in advance, so that they can be completed before arriving at the checkpoint? One can usually get through the checkpoint quite quickly, but not if passengers have to complete cards on the spot.

Incidentally, the French authorities (who are based in England) usually just wave one through. It is the British officials, operating in France, who take a greater interest and carry out checks.

I know what you mean about the British Immigration - you should try it some time in a Dutch registered car with UK passports - we always get stopped by the customs guys and the car is always nearly torn apart. They get a signal from the passport controllers I think. Last time we were on our way to a funeral, all in our funeral gear as we didn't have much time, (OH had no more free days and only one day compassionate leave) they still took it apart, so we missed the train and only just made it to the funeral on time.

However, I would suggest you phone or e-mail Eurotunnel to find out if they need a landing card. Maybe you can collect them from the place where they do the PETS check, before the tollbooths.

I am an American and have used the Eurotunnel many times -- there was never a landing card, just present the passport and ticket to the immigration booth, answer their questions sweetly and you are in, getting out they don't check.

This American has entered UK maybe 100 times and i've always always had to fill out that damn Landing Card before Customs and it's always been checked - but have never taken a car via EuroTunnel or "Erunnel" as Brits are fond of calling it

"It is the British officials, operating in France, who take a greater interest and carry out checks."

Ah, but how many Afghans are camped round Dover trying to smuggle themselves into France?