Since 1 January 2021, the UK has officially been outside the European Union. For French travellers, that translates into three concrete changes: a biometric passport is now mandatory (identity cards are no longer accepted), an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has been required since 2 April 2025, and freedom of movement has ended for long stays or work purposes. Here is what you need to know before crossing the Channel.
The ETA: a new entry requirement since April 2025
Since 2 April 2025, French nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. This requirement applies regardless of how you travel: by plane, ferry or Eurostar.
Key facts about the ETA:
- Current cost: £20 per person
- Valid for: 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
- Covers multiple trips throughout the validity period
- Every traveller needs their own ETA, including infants and young children
- Applications are made online via the official UK government portal
The ETA permits tourist stays, family visits and short business trips, for a maximum of 6 months.
Passport required: identity cards are no longer valid
Since Brexit, only a valid biometric passport is accepted for entry into the UK. The French national identity card is no longer a valid travel document for this country. Check your expiry date well in advance of your trip.
For stays of more than 6 months (work, study or residency), a long-stay visa is also required. Visit the UK visa eligibility checker for the exact conditions based on your situation.
Protect my trip to the UKHealthcare in the UK
The EHIC is still valid, but with important limitations
Good news: despite Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is still accepted in the UK, thanks to social coordination agreements between the EU and the UK. It gives you access to medically necessary treatment at NHS (National Health Service) facilities, on the same terms as local residents. Present it alongside your passport.
The EHIC also covers chronic conditions, pregnancies and births that occur during a temporary stay, provided the purpose of travel is not to seek that treatment.
What the EHIC does not cover
The EHIC does not cover medical repatriation, treatment in private clinics, or certain ancillary costs. In the event of a prolonged hospital stay or an emergency evacuation back to France, bills can be very high without insurance.
Supplementary travel insurance can cover:
- medical costs not reimbursed by the EHIC (top-up fees, private clinics)
- medical repatriation or air ambulance back to France
- situations where your EHIC has expired or cannot be used
Without additional cover, even a short stay in a private UK medical facility can result in substantial costs, with no safety net to fall back on.
French nationals in the UK: settled and pre-settled status
French nationals who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 were able to apply for status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Two statuses exist depending on length of residence:
Settled status (permanent residency)
French nationals who can demonstrate at least 5 years of continuous residence in the UK were able to obtain settled status, equivalent to indefinite leave to remain. This status allows absences of up to 5 consecutive years without losing entitlements.
Pre-settled status (temporary residency)
French nationals who had been resident for fewer than 5 years were able to obtain pre-settled status, which permits ongoing residence until 5 years of continuous residence is reached, at which point a move to settled status becomes possible. Note: an absence of more than 2 consecutive years results in the loss of this status.
Worth noting: the status is entirely digital (no physical card). Since July 2025, the rules on continuous residence have been relaxed: continuity is established provided total absence does not exceed 30 months over the preceding 5 years, which is good news for anyone who has spent lengthy periods abroad for work or family reasons.
Changes for French students
The UK left the Erasmus programme on 1 January 2021. French students wishing to study in the UK for more than 6 months must now:
- Obtain a UK student visa
- Secure a place at an approved higher education institution
- Demonstrate a sufficient level of English (usually with a recognised qualification)
- Show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs
International student tuition fees (for non-residents) have risen sharply since Brexit. Check fees directly with your target institution, as they vary considerably between universities and courses.
If you are looking to combine travel with a working experience abroad, other schemes are available outside Europe: working holiday programmes (WHV) offer a practical route to legally working in several destinations beyond the EU.
What changes for British nationals in France
British nationals wishing to live in France after 1 January 2021 need a long-stay visa, a residence permit and a work permit for any stay exceeding 3 months.
Those already living in France before 31 December 2020 were able to apply for a residence permit bearing the mention of the UK Withdrawal Agreement. Despite the extra paperwork, the UK remains one of the most popular destinations for French travellers, with London continuing to attract visitors for both tourism and business.
Before travelling to countries that require specific entry authorisations, always check the rules in advance. This applies, for instance, to Thailand’s DTV visa and to visiting Colombia, where entry requirements have recently been updated.
FAQ
Do French nationals need a visa to visit the UK?
No, no visa is required for tourist stays of less than 6 months. However, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) has been mandatory since 2 April 2025. It costs £20, is valid for 2 years with multiple entries, and must be applied for online via the official UK government portal before you travel.
Can you still use a national identity card to enter England?
No. Since Brexit, only a biometric passport is accepted for entry into the UK. The French national identity card is no longer a valid travel document for this country, regardless of the length of stay.
Is the EHIC still valid in the UK?
Yes. Thanks to bilateral EU-UK agreements, the EHIC is still accepted at NHS facilities for medically necessary treatment during temporary stays. However, it does not cover medical repatriation or treatment in private facilities, so travel insurance remains essential for genuine peace of mind.
Does Erasmus still operate between France and the UK?
No. The UK left the Erasmus programme on 1 January 2021. French students wishing to study in the UK must now obtain a UK student visa and meet the institution’s admission requirements, including proof of a certified level of English.
What is settled status?
Settled status is the permanent residency status granted to European citizens (including French nationals) who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 and can demonstrate at least 5 years of continuous residence. It confers indefinite leave to remain. Those with fewer than 5 years of residence at that date were able to apply for pre-settled status while working towards the 5-year threshold.
