France Schengen Visa for UK Citizens 2026
| Key Facts — France for UK Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | No — Visa Free |
| Max Stay | 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Visa Fee | N/A (ETIAS €7 from 2025) |
| Processing Time | Instant (ETIAS online) |
| Apply At | etias.com (when required) |
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for France?
No. Despite Brexit, British passport holders can visit France and all 27 Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This covers tourism, family visits, and short business trips.
From 2025, UK travellers must register for ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area. The online application costs €7 and remains valid for 3 years.
Schengen Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
No visa is needed, but border officials may ask for: a valid British passport (min. 3 months validity beyond departure), proof of accommodation, return flight ticket, travel insurance (min. €30,000 coverage), and evidence of sufficient funds (~€120/day).
How to Apply (ETIAS)
- Complete the ETIAS application at the official website.
- Pay €7 by card — confirmation arrives by email, typically within minutes.
- Carry your passport and ETIAS confirmation when you travel.
- ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
Required Documents at the Border
- Valid British passport
- ETIAS authorisation (from 2025)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel/health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify current requirements at france-visas.gouv.fr before travel.
Cost & Validity for UK Travellers
UK citizens pay no visa fee to enter France for tourism. The permitted stay is 90 days in any 180-day period, granted automatically on arrival with a valid passport. Because entry is visa-free, there is no application form, no embassy appointment and no processing wait — entry is granted at the border.
Length of Stay & Overstaying France
The standard tourist stay for UK citizens is 90 days in any 180-day period. Overstaying this limit in France can lead to fines, deportation and a temporary re-entry ban, so track your permitted days carefully. If you need longer, enquire about an extension or a different visa category with France’s immigration authority before your authorised stay expires.