Travelling to France from the UK (2026 Guide)

Travelling to France from the UK (2026 Guide)

If you’re planning travel to France from the UK in 2026 whether flying, taking the Eurostar, ferry, or driving; here’s what you actually need to know.

I’ve done this route personally, driving from London to Rouen via the Eurotunnel with Roly my dog in the front seat, and later continuing across France and into Spain.

This guide combines:

• Entry rules
• Visa reality
• ETIAS
• Driving requirements
• Insurance
• Food restrictions
• The 90/180 rule

All in one place with the practical nuance you only understand once you’ve done it.

Table of Contents

• France Entry Requirements for UK Citizens (2026)
• Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for France?
• ETIAS Explained (When It Applies)
• Driving to France from the UK (Documents Checklist)
• UK Car Sticker Rules for France
• Travel Insurance Requirements
• How Long Can You Stay in France? (90/180 Rule)
• What Food Can You Take to France from the UK?

France Entry Requirements for UK Citizens (2026)

UK citizens can enter France visa-free for short stays.

You can stay: Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family.

Your passport must:

• Be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date
• Be less than 10 years old on the date of entry

When I crossed from Folkestone to Calais, passport control was efficient but thorough. UK exit. EU entry. Questions were minimal, but documents were checked properly. 

Border officers can ask for:

• Proof of onward travel
• Accommodation details
• Evidence of funds
• Travel insurance

As part of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), non-EU travellers (including UK passport holders) may now have their biometric data recorded on entry. This can include fingerprints and a facial image, replacing traditional passport stamping at many Schengen borders.

Most short tourist trips pass smoothly. But if you’re starting a longer European journey, they will look more carefully.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for France?

For short stays under 90 days, no.

You only need a visa if:

• You’re staying longer than 90 days
• You’re working in France
• You’re relocating
• You’re applying for residency

If you’re planning a longer move, you’ll need a long-stay visa (VLS-TS).

ETIAS Explained (When It Applies)

ETIAS will apply to UK travellers visiting the Schengen Area once it launches.

When active:

• You’ll need to apply online before travel
• Pay a small fee
• Receive approval valid for multiple trips

It is not a visa, it’s pre-travel authorisation.

Launch timelines have shifted multiple times, so always check official guidance before departure.

Driving to France from the UK (Documents Checklist)

If you’re driving whether for a holiday or a full road trip, here’s what you need.

I drove from London to Folkestone, stayed overnight, then crossed early via Eurotunnel. The process is smooth but structured.

Required:

• Valid passport
• UK driving licence
• V5C logbook
• Proof of motor insurance
• UK identifier sticker (if not on number plate)

You do not need an International Driving Permit.

Pet Travel Note

If you’re travelling with a dog, you must complete pet check-in before boarding the shuttle.

They:

• Scan the microchip
• Check rabies vaccination
• Review the Animal Health Certificate

I break this down step-by-step in Travelling to Europe with a Dog from the UK: The Complete Guide. If you’re bringing a dog, read that fully.

What It’s Actually Like to Drive in France

The moment you roll off the Eurotunnel in Calais, you’re on the motorway within minutes. Driving on the right feels strange for about 15 minutes. Then it clicks.

Motorway speed limit: 130km/h (around 80mph)

It’s faster than the UK’s 70mph, but enforcement is real. Speed cameras are common, especially near major routes.

Motorways are excellent. Service stations are frequent. Signage is clear.

From Calais to Rouen, the drive took just over three hours.

The biggest adjustment? Thinking in kilometres.

UK Car Sticker Rules for France

You must display: A UK sticker or A number plate with “UK” and the Union flag

Travel Insurance Requirements

For short tourist trips, insurance isn’t strictly mandatory but strongly recommended. For longer stays or visa applications, comprehensive medical cover is required.

France can request proof of insurance at entry, especially if you appear to be staying longer. The old “GB” format is no longer valid. This is one of the small post-Brexit details people miss.

How Long Can You Stay in France? (90/180 Rule)

This rule catches people out.

UK citizens can stay: 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen countries. It is cumulative.

60 days in France + 30 days in Spain = 90 days used.

When I began my long-term road trip, tracking this became essential. Once you’re moving between France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, it adds up quickly.

If you overstay:

• Fines are possible
• Entry bans are possible
• Future visas become harder

Track your days carefully.

What Food Can You Take to France from the UK?

Post-Brexit restrictions apply.

Generally, you cannot bring:

• Meat products
• Dairy products
• Fresh animal-based goods

Packaged snacks and dry goods are usually allowed.

If you’re stocking up before crossing (as I did in Folkestone), make sure you’re not packing restricted items.

Check official DEFRA guidance before departure.

Final Thought

Travelling to France from the UK in 2026 is straightforward but no longer casual.

The differences compared to pre-2020 travel:

• Passport validity rules
• 90/180 Schengen limit
• Vehicle identifier requirements
• ETIAS (once live)
• Stricter food restrictions

If you’re organised, the process is smooth.

When I drove out of London with Roly in the front seat, the systems felt structured but workable. Once you understand the rules, the road opens up.