Traveling from France to the UK: What You Must Know (2026 Update)

Since Brexit and recent UK border changes, travel requirements for visiting the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) have changed —  again, and in 2025–2026 some important new rules have been introduced. Here’s what French and British travellers need to know.

1. Passport Requirements: Always Needed (Except Certain Residents)

French and other EU citizens

• You must have a valid passport to enter the UK. National ID cards alone are no longer accepted at UK borders unless you have a specific UK residency status under the Withdrawal Agreement.  
• A passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.  

British citizens

• British citizens must enter the UK with a British passport.  
• If you are a dual national (British + another nationality), you cannot use the other country’s passport to enter the UK — you must use your British passport or an alternative document such as a Certificate of Entitlement that proves your right of abode.  

2. What About French Residents with a Carte de Séjour?

• Being a resident in France with a carte de séjour does not replace a passport — you still need your passport to travel.  
• French residents must also meet UK border requirements like any other visitor (ETA or visa if required).

3. New: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Most Visitors

From 2 April 2025, the UK introduced a new entry requirement called the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE)

• This is not a visa, but a mandatory permission to travel if you do not already have permission to live, work, or study in the UK.  
• You must apply before you travel; airlines and carriers may refuse boarding if you do not have it.  
• The ETA cost is about £16 (around €19) and is linked electronically to the passport you apply with.  
• An approved ETA typically allows multiple visits, each up to six months, over a period of two years or until the passport expires — whichever is sooner.  

Who needs an ETA?

• Most EU citizens, including French passport holders, will need an ETA for short visits (tourism, visiting friends/family, business, short studies).  
• The ETA also applies for land border crossings (e.g., Eurostar or ferry).  

Who does NOT need an ETA?

• British citizens do not need an ETA.  
• Irish citizens are exempt (Ireland has special arrangements).  
• Anyone with a UK visa or existing immigration status (e.g., work visa, student visa, or settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme) does not need an ETA.  

4. Visas: When You Do Need One

• For short visits (up to 6 months), most French citizens and other EU nationals do not need a visa if they have an ETA.  
• For longer stays (working, studying longer than 6 months, joining family, etc.), you usually need to apply for an appropriate UK visa before travel.
• A visa may also be required if your purpose of travel is not covered by the ETA rules.

5. Dual Nationality: British + Another Passport

Important new rule (from February 2026):

• If you are a British citizen — even with dual nationality — you must enter the UK using your British passport.  
• You cannot board a flight to the UK using only a non-British passport, even if that passport reflects another nationality.  
• If you can’t currently get a British passport, you can instead obtain a Certificate of Entitlement showing your right to live in the UK, but British passports are typically simpler.  

Because of these changes, many British dual nationals living abroad are being advised to apply for a British passport well before travel, especially if planning trips to the UK soon.

6. Practical Tips Before You Travel

✔ Check your passport expiry date (it must be valid for your entire stay).
✔ Apply for your ETA well before departure — average processing is about 3 working days, but don’t wait until the last minute.
✔ Always travel with the passport linked to your ETA application.
✔ If you are a British dual national, make sure your British passport is ready.
✔ If your stay involves work, study, or long visits, check whether you need a formal UK visa.

Safe Travels!

En résumé pour nos lecteurs français

Depuis le 2 avril 2025, la Grande-Bretagne exige une Autorisation Électronique de Voyage (ETA) pour la plupart des visiteurs européens, en plus d’un passeport valide.  Les citoyens français doivent obtenir une ETA avant de voyager pour des séjours courts (tourisme, visites, affaires, études courtes). 

Pour les Britanniques, il est obligatoire d’entrer avec un passeport britannique, même en cas de double nationalité, ou de présenter une Certificate of Entitlement  Les détenteurs d’une carte de séjour française doivent toujours présenter un passeport et l’ETA si nécessaire. 

Pour des séjours plus longs, ou pour travailler ou étudier, il faut généralement obtenir un visa approprié. Les règles sont strictes : sans les bons documents, l’accès au Royaume-Uni peut être refusé.

Bon voyage!