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Do you need a visa to visit France from the UK: France travel requirements
France is one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers, whether you’re planning a romantic trip to Paris or a glamorous holiday on the French Riviera. However, since Brexit, many travellers are unsure about entry requirements.
If you’re going to France soon and wondering if you’ll need to get a France visa from the UK, this guide explains everything you need to know. This includes visa requirements, documents and upcoming changes.
We'll also introduce the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. This clever debit card automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate in 150+ countries, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* - or it's free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.
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Do I need a visa to visit France from the UK?
No, UK citizens don’t need a visa for a short-term visit to France.1
You can enter France for tourism, family visits or short business trips for up to 90 days within a 180 day period without a visa. If you’re travelling for short-term studies or training, you also won’t need a visa.1
Entry requirements for France
Although you won’t need a visa for entering France and staying there up to 90 days, you still need to follow Schengen Area rules.
The most important requirement applies to your passport. It needs to be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave France and must have been issued within the last ten years. If you don’t meet these requirements, you can be denied entry at the border.1
French border officials may also ask you to provide some additional documents, so it’s best to have them ready. This can include proof of travel insurance, an onward or return ticket and proof of accommodation. You might also be asked for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
If you’re staying with friends or family, have them send you a welcome invitation or attestation d’accueil.1
For stays longer than 90 days, or if you intend to work, study or live in France, you’ll need an appropriate visa. If you travel frequently within the Schengen Area, track your days so you don’t accidentally overstay.1
France EU Entry/Exit System
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) introduced on 12 October 2025 is another requirement for anyone entering France and the wider Schengen Area. You’ll need to register your fingerprints and a photo at the border, usually before immigration.
However, if you travel through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras, you can register before leaving the UK. Until EES fully rolls out and replaces the existing system, your passport will continue to be stamped.1
Travel to France: ETIAS
It’s also important to note that from the last quarter of 2026, UK travellers will need to apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation before entering France. This isn’t a visa, but an online authorisation system made to improve border security in the Schengen Area.2
Types of visas available for France
If you intend to stay in France for more than 90 days, or travel for work, study or residence, you’ll need a visa. UK residents who don’t hold a British passport will also need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa.
Long-stay visas are required if you intend to stay in France for more than 90 days. They’re valid for three months to a year and you can extend them by registering with the French authorities to obtain a residence permit.3
A long-stay visa will allow you to stay in France for an extended period, study, join your family or work.3 The professional purpose visa is also suitable for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals.4
How to apply for a visa
The first step is determining the purpose of your visit and the type of visa you need. Requirements vary depending on whether you are travelling for work, studying, long term residence or family reunification in France. The visa wizard on the France-visas.gouv.fr website can be helpful with this.5
You should then fill out an online application, provide your passport and supporting documents, along with some photographs. The next step is booking an appointment with a visa application centre, providing biometrics and paying the visa fee.5
The relevant centre for getting a France visa from the UK is TLS Contact. You can expect to get a result within 15 working days, although there might be delays.6
How much does a French visa cost?
Most UK citizens visiting France for less than 90 days don’t pay any visa fees, as a visa isn’t required.
For those who do need visas, a short-stay Schengen visa costs €90. Long-stay visas are slightly more expensive at €99, but they’re free for foreign spouses of French nationals.7
UK travellers will also need to pay the ETIAS fee from the end of 2026. The fee is €20, but some categories of travellers are exempt.8
Travel with Wise to save on currency conversion
For most UK passport holders, travelling to France remains simple and visa free, as long as you have a valid passport and meet other border requirements. If you plan to work, study or live in France for longer than 90 days, it’s essential to apply for the appropriate visa well in advance.
Whether you need a visa or not will depend on your circumstances but one thing you will need is a way to pay for things in euros. This is where Wise could help the next time you travel to France.
Open a Wise account online and you can order the Wise card for a one-time fee of £7. You can use this clever card in 150+ countries. It automatically converts your pounds to local currency whenever you spend using the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* – or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.
You also get two free ATM withdrawals for up to 200 GBP (or currency equivalent) each month. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.
Sources used:
1. Gov.uk - France entry requirements
2. European Union - who should apply for ETIAS
3. France-visas.gouv.fr - long-stay visa
4. France-visas.gouv.fr - work in France
5. France-visas.gouv.fr - visa application process
6. France-visas.gouv.fr - applying for a visa in the United Kingdom
7. France-visas.gouv.fr - visa fees
8. European Union - what is ETIAS
Sources last checked on date: 08-Dec-2025
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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