Border Force staff will walk out today in the first day of a series of strikes planned for the festive period.
Travellers can expect disruption and even airport closures, according to chief operating officer Steve Dann, as the border enforcer looks to replace its ranks with military and civil service volunteers.
Some 1,000 staff who usually check passports and guard the borders are expected to strike, including from some of the UK’s busiest airports.
Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham are among airports set to be affected, with strikes planned between Friday to Boxing Day and 28-31 December.
Disruption will likely spread to the railways and delivery services over the weekend too.
Royal Mail workers will strike on Friday and Saturday, marking bad news for those hoping to post Christmas presents and cards last minute.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers are also planning Christmas walkouts.
These will take place between Saturday 24 and Tuesday 17 December, threatening to cripple the railways on the days surrounding Christmas.