Do I need a visa to go to France from the UK?

No, UK citizens (British passport holders) do not need a visa for short tourist or business trips to France (Schengen Area) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date and issued within the last 10 years; longer stays or working require a visa.

Do UK citizens need a visa to enter France?

Visa requirements. You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes France, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

What documents do I need to travel to France?

A valid passport issued less than 10 years before and valid for at least 3 months after the envisaged departure date; A valid visa, if required; Proof of accommodation covering the whole duration of the stay (hotel reservation and/or certificate of staying with a relative validated in the town hall);

Do UK citizens need to apply for ETIAS?

Yes, UK citizens will need an ETIAS authorization to travel to most European countries for short stays (up to 90 days) once the system launches, currently expected in late 2026, as it's a mandatory pre-entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, similar to the US ESTA. This applies to the Schengen Area and other countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, but not Ireland due to the Common Travel Area.
 

Do I need ETIAS to travel to France in 2025?

No, you will not need ETIAS to travel to France in 2025; the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) (the electronic visa-waiver) is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026, following the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) in late 2025, with a transition period where it won't be strictly enforced initially. You will need it for future trips to France and other Schengen countries if you're from a visa-exempt nation, but you have plenty of time to prepare. 

Apply Schengen Visa from UK | Step by step guide | Documents needed

When in 2025 will ETIAS start?

When will ETIAS go into effect? ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026. The exact date will be announced at least six (6) months before the system enters into operation. The Entry/Exit System (explained further) will begin on October 12, 2025.

How far in advance should I apply for ETIAS?

You should apply for an ETIAS authorization well in advance of your trip, ideally before booking your ticket or accommodation. While most applications are processed within minutes, in some cases, additional documents or an interview may be required, which can extend the process by up to 30 days.

Do I need a visa for France from the UK in 2025?

Beginning in mid-2025, UK nationals will not need a visa for short stays in Europe, but an ETIAS visa waiver will be required. Since Britain exited the EU, there are no new visa requirements for British citizens traveling to Europe for short periods, but there are some new rules and regulations of which to be aware.

How do I apply for ETIAS online?

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for ETIAS

1. Step 1: Access the Official ETIAS Website. To begin, visit the official ETIAS portal. ...
2. Step 2: Complete the ETIAS Application Form. ...
3. Step 3: Pay the ETIAS Application Fee. ...
4. Step 4: Submit Your Application and Wait for Processing. ...
5. Step 5: Receive and Use Your ETIAS Authorization.

How much will ETIAS cost?

An ETIAS will cost €20 (£17ish currently), though it'll be free for anyone under the age of 18 and those who are aged 71 and over. It will last for three years. You will be able to travel on multiple trips during those three years with the same ETIAS.

What do I need to go on holiday to France from the UK?

British citizens don't need a visa to enter France but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport's valid for France using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements.

Do I need an ETA to fly to France?

Who Needs ETIAS? ETIAS is mandatory for nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries and territories who wish to travel to France or other Schengen countries. This includes citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and many Latin American and Asian nations.

Do you need 3 months on your passport to travel to Europe?

Yes, for most European countries, including the Schengen Area, you need a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date and was issued less than 10 years ago, even if it has months left on its expiry. These two rules (10-year issue, 3-month exit validity) must both be met for non-EU/Schengen visitors, like UK citizens post-Brexit, to avoid being denied entry. 

Can I travel to France without a visa?

U.S. citizens with valid passports traveling for tourism or business can enter France without a visa for a period of 90 days within each six-month period. For French visa information please see the French Embassy's website .

Do French citizens need an ETA to enter the UK?

Everything you need to know for French citizens

Travelers visiting the UK for under six months require an Elecronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Do Brits need a visa for Europe?

No, UK citizens do not need a visa for short tourist trips (up to 90 days in 180) to the EU/Schengen Area, but starting in late 2026/early 2027, they will need to apply for a new ETIAS visa-waiver authorization online before traveling, similar to the US ESTA system, and will also face new EES border checks. For longer stays or different purposes (work, study), specific visas are required. 

What date in 2025 does ETIAS start?

EES started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026. You won't need an ETIAS for travel this year. The EU is looking to introduce ETIAS towards the end of 2026.

Does ETIAS can start apply now?

ETIAS is the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries. ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026.

Who needs to fill out an ETIAS form?

People from 59 visa-exempt countries will be required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. It is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

Will UK citizens need ETIAS?

Yes, UK citizens will need an ETIAS authorization to travel to most European countries for short stays (up to 90 days) once the system launches, currently expected in late 2026, as it's a mandatory pre-entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, similar to the US ESTA. This applies to the Schengen Area and other countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, but not Ireland due to the Common Travel Area.
 

What do UK citizens need to enter France?

For short trips (up to 90 days) from the UK to France, British citizens need a valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for 3+ months after departure) but no visa, though from late 2025, you'll need an ETIAS authorization; you should also carry travel insurance, proof of funds/accommodation, and a return ticket, as border officials may ask for them, and be aware of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) starting October 2025 requiring biometric scans at the border. For longer stays or work/study, a long-stay visa is required.
 

How early should I apply for a Schengen visa?

You must submit your application to the consulate at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand. You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.

Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe in May 2025?

Starting in May 2025, travelers from over 60 visa- exempt countries, including the U.S., will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization to enter most European countries.

What happens if you don't have ETIAS?

Yes. Unless you fall under one of the exceptions, you are required to have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS. Travellers without such authorisation will be refused entry at the border.

Are visa slots open for fall 2025?

For Fall 2025, F1 visa slots for Indian students will start to open around June or July, though there might be a few slots available in May. It is advisable to book your F1 visa slots for fall 2025 up to 120 days before your course starts.