Entry Requirements and Visa for Great Britain

People

For French Citizens

For French citizens and other European Union nationals, the main consequence of Brexit has been changes to entry requirements for the UK. Although it took some time to implement, these changes are now firmly in place.

For tourist (or business) travel, the days of simply using an ID card are over. A valid passport is now mandatory for the entire duration of your stay. Additionally, there’s the "Electronic Travel Authorisation" (ETA), which is the major new requirement. Fully effective since 2026, all European travellers, including babies, who do not need a visa must obtain an ETA before departure.

This is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries, with each stay limited to six months. The application is made on the official government website or via its dedicated app. Approval is usually granted within minutes, though a three-working-day buffer is recommended in case of issues. The cost is now £20 (roughly 25 €).

Other Nationalities

The same rules apply to all Europeans, whether EU citizens or not, as well as many other nationalities.

Long Stays

If you wish to stay as a visitor beyond the six consecutive months allowed by the ETA, there is theoretically a "Standard Visitor" visa that permits stays of up to a year, but only for valid reasons such as medical treatment. There’s also a "Standard Visitor Visa Long-Term", which is in principle more flexible. However, for many, the simplest solution remains leaving the country and re-entering. Just be aware that each stay must not exceed six months, and the total time spent in the UK should not exceed the time spent outside it. Otherwise, authorities may consider this an "intention to reside," which involves different requirements.

Otherwise, a long-stay visa is necessary if you plan to work, study, or settle in the UK.

In Case of Violation

As a tourist, the main risk is being banned from future entry, though theoretically, fines or administrative detention are also possible, though rarely enforced. In the meantime, this could complicate future ETA applications.

Vehicles

Despite Brexit, there are no changes for tourists bringing their own vehicles. In addition to the usual documents, your vehicle must display a country identifier on its number plate (e.g., F for France). You’ll also need headlight adaptors (essentially stickers, easily available locally) to avoid dazzling other drivers at night.

However, if you plan to drive in London (which is a ULEZ), don’t forget to register your vehicle on the "Transport for London" website before arrival to avoid automatic fines.

Consulates in France

• Consulate General: 16 rue d'Anjou, 75008 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 44 51 31 00. There are also around a dozen other representations across mainland France and overseas territories.