Terror fears have led to severe delays at the port of Dover reportedly leaving hundreds of motorists stranded overnight after security checks were heightened at the request of French authorities.
Holidaymakers and lorry drivers have been warned they face queues lasting hours and have been advised to stock up on food and water as the great summer getaway begins.
There are currently severe delays on the A20 and the A2 and there are measures in place to split tourist, freight and local traffic.
Highways England said in a statement on their website that "French border police at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel continue to follow French government requirements to deliver heightened security checks" following recent attacks.
"The A20 is closed eastbound between the M20 J13 and the junction with the A260 near Folkestone for the safety of traffic queuing to enter the Port of Dover so that it does not have to queue within the Roundhill Tunnel."
The Port of Dover advised local traffic to use alternative routes through the official Twitter account and said approximate waiting times on roads approaching the port is around four hours.
P&O Ferries tweeted: "Heightened security check at French Border Control in Dover due to events in France, we'll get you on your way as soon as you check in."
Dale Savage who has been caught in the delays for 12 hours as he makes his way to his brother's wedding, told BBC Breakfast "there was a bit of a camping spirit going on" among those stuck in the jam.
He said: "There are a lot of kids here, a lot of young children - a lot of people want to go on their holidays.
"There are no real frustrations, the real problem was no one knew what was going on - were not quite sure why we were being held there - wasn't sure whether it was an accident or something had happened further down in the port.
"There was a bit of a camping spirit going on, very much like Glastonbury earlier on in the year, but without the benefit of having a band to see at the end of it."