France entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders don't need a visa for short stays in France. You can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. This policy is unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in France. France does not require 6 months of remaining validity for UK passport holders, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at French airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines check this before boarding too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a signed attestation d'accueil from your host ready. Border officers ask for this often, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry evidence of at least €65 per day of your stay (bank statement, cash, or credit card). Officers rarely ask for it for UK passport holders, but it's a legal requirement under Schengen rules. | Recommended |
90-day limit applies to all Schengen countries
Your 90-day visa-free stay is for the entire Schengen area, not just France. If you've already spent time in Spain, Germany, or Italy, that counts towards your 90 days. Use the Schengen calculator to track your days.
ETIAS coming soon
From 2025, British passport holders will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to France and other Schengen countries. It's a simple online application costing €7, valid for 3 years. Keep an eye on official EU sources for the exact launch date.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
At French airports like Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer will check your passport, ask your purpose of visit, and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation.
2
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp is your proof of legal entry. Check the stamp is legible before you walk away.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Unless you're carrying restricted items, you'll walk straight through the green channel.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer than 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; must respect 90/180 rule.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires specific justification.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient income (at least €1,200/month) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay but no work.
Apply digital nomad visa
Passeport Talent – Profession Libérale
Up to 4 years
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For remote workers or freelancers with a contract and income above €2,000/month. Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance.
Apply work visa
Carte de Séjour Salarié
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in France. Employer must prove no EU candidate available. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Apply student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a French university or recognized institution. Allows part-time work (up to 964 hours/year).
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 1 year, allows multiple entries. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period. | €30/day (~$33 USD), max €3,000 (~$3,270 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through France
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in France, even if leaving the airside area for a connecting flight.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Risk in wooded areas, especially in eastern France; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food safety; risk is minimal for most travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions or residence permits; bring all original documents.
Lyon
Préfecture du Rhône
106 Rue Pierre Corneille, 69003 Lyon
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles long-stay visa applications and renewals.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to France
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen area. You cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) before you travel.
No, British passport holders can travel for business purposes visa-free for up to 90 days. This includes attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. You cannot work for a French employer or receive payment from a French company while on this visa-free stay.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into France, not your departure date.
No, it's a strict requirement. Even if your passport is still valid, if it has fewer than 6 months remaining from your entry date, you will be refused entry. Renew it first.
You may be asked. While it's not always checked, having a credit card or bank statement showing sufficient funds is wise. A common benchmark is around €65 per day of your stay.
Overstaying can result in a fine, a ban from re-entering the Schengen area, or both. The fine varies but can be up to several hundred euros. If you realise you'll overstay, contact the local prefecture (préfecture) in France to discuss your options before your visa-free period ends.
No, British passport holders do not need a transit visa for French airports, even if you stay in the international transit area. You can connect to a non-Schengen flight without passing through passport control.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.