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Post-Brexit Travel Guide to France
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Post-brexit travel guide

Now the UK has left the EU, some things have changed of course…

Since 1 January 2021, travel to France is different for UK citizens, so it is important you plan early to make sure you have everything in place in time for your trip.

You might need to plan ahead to do things like renew passports and update insurance, pet documents and driving permits.

It is also important that you check how the coronavirus pandemic may affect your travel plans.

Find out more:  Brexit.gouv.fr

Five steps to take when travelling to France from 1 January 2021

 

  • 1. Check to see if your passport will still be valid

    If you have a British passport, you will need to have at least six months left on your passport and your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years.

  •  2. Take out travel insurance with adequate healthcare cover

    No new European health insurance cards (Ehics) will be issued to UK citizens, but you can continue to use yours in France while validity lasts. It is always best to be covered when travelling abroad and ABTA recommends you take out a comprehensive travel policy before making any trip.

  • 3.  Make sure you have all the documents you need to drive in Europe

    If you are driving your own car, you’ll need a green card (insurance certificate) to show that you’re insured in the EU. You’ll also need a GB sticker on your car.

    If you only have a paper copy of your driving licence, you may also need an international driving permit.

  • 4.  Get the necessary vaccines and certificate to take your pet abroad

    Your pet passport will no longer be valid, instead you will need an Animal Health Certificate and your pet will need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

  • 5.  Check your mobile phone company’s policy on data roaming

    Rules around mobile data roaming are changing meaning you may face charges when using your phone abroad, including for making calls, sending messages or using the internet. Check with your mobile phone provider about their data roaming policy. 

Visa and passport

  • Do I need a visa to travel to France?

    You won’t need a visa for stays of less than 90 days. The European freedom of movement ended on 1 January 2021. UK travellers are allowed to visit EU countries visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

    From the end of 2022, under the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias), nationals from previously visa-free third countries, including UK citizens, will need to pay for a visa-waiver to visit Schengen-area countries.

  • Do I need to renew my passport?

    If you have a British passport, you will need to have at least six months left on your passport and your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years.