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What are the latest entry requirements for France?
France has dropped all of their Covid restrictions for holidaymakers and made it easier to visit. Travellers no longer need to show proof of vaccination, or a negative PCR or antigen test result. However, British holidaymakers do need to check their passport is valid for travel to the EU as the entry rules have changed since Brexit.
France is one of the latest European countries to lift its Covid restrictions for all travellers, regardless of vaccination status. Nor will you need to sign justifications for travel, a sworn statement or fill out any forms prior to arrival.
You also won’t be asked for proof of vaccination or to take a Covid test to travel between mainland France and its overseas territories, which include Guadeloupe and French Polynesia.
There are entry requirements for British travellers and other citizens of third countries - which is how the UK is defined since leaving the EU in 2020.
Your passport needs to have been issued less than 10 years before you enter the country and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
The post-Brexit passport validity rules apply to UK citizens travelling to any EU and Schengen Area countries (the only exception is Ireland). If you need to renew your passport, bear in mind that travellers have been advised to apply 10 weeks in advance of their departure date.
UK holidaymakers are allowed to stay in the Schengen Area - Europe’s passport-free travel zone - for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means you can stay in France for 90 days, or visit France and several other Schengen countries in one trip - as long as you don’t exceed 90 days in total.
From November 2023, British travellers will be charged €7 (around £6) to visit Schengen Zone countries, including France. UK passport-holders will need to apply for an electronic authorisation through ETIAS (European Travel Authorisation Scheme) and pay the fee before travelling. The EU’s new visa-waiver system was originally due to be introduced in 2021 but has been postponed three times.
Before booking a holiday abroad, check the entry requirements and latest FCDO advice on the gov.uk website. Travel restrictions can change very quickly and without warning.
Travelling to France: everything you need to know
Will I need an NHS Covid Pass when travelling in France?
It’s unlikely. Since 1 August, you no longer need to show proof of vaccination to enter the country. French museums, restaurants and cultural venues stopped asking visitors for a vaccination certificate back in March.
Do I need to wear a face mask?
Mask-wearing is no longer mandatory anywhere in France. However, the French authorities still recommend that masks are worn in enclosed spaces such as planes, trains and the metro.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in France?
No, little has changed regarding driving in Europe since Britain left the EU. UK travellers can still drive in France - and all EU and EEA (European Economic Area) - countries just using their British driving licence. If you’re driving in the EU, you’ll also need your vehicle logbook (V5C) (see our guide to driving abroad).
Do I need a UK sticker?
You need a UK sticker on your car if your number plate doesn’t include the UK identifier with the Union flag. In other words, you must have one if your number plate has a GB identifier with the Union flag; a Euro symbol; a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales; or numbers and letters only (no flag or identifier).
Do I need a green card to drive in France?
A green card is simply your insurance card certificate translated into several languages and internationally recognised. It’s not legally required but useful - otherwise you’ll need some other form of proof that your car is insured. Your insurance company can provide a green card and it’s valid for 90 days.
What else do I need to drive in France?
Reflective jackets (one for each occupant) and a warning triangle are compulsory in every vehicle in France. Another thing to be aware of is that the motorways are privately managed, so you must use the roadside emergency telephones or dial 112 if you break down. You’ll then be towed to a safe area.
