UK Freedom Hub 2026
France 🇫🇷 UK 🇬🇧
France to UK visa guide
France to UK visa guide Official February 2026 guidelines for French citizens. Mandatory UK ETA enforcement begins 25 February 2026. Enjoy up to 6 months for tourism and business.| Path Category | Stay Limit | Requirement | 2026 Status / Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK ETA (Tourism) | 6 Months | Mandatory from Feb 25 | £16 (approx. €19) |
| Business Visitor | 6 Months | ETA Required | Visa-Free Stay |
| Student (Short) | 6 Months | ETA + Course Proof | Eligible |
1. Mandatory UK ETA (Feb 25) No ETA, No Travel
The UK's "No Permission, No Travel" policy is fully enforced from **25 February 2026** for French citizens.
- Who Needs It: All French passport holders visiting for tourism, family, or business for up to 6 months.
- Application: Use the official **UK ETA app** (iOS/Android) or GOV.UK. Most approvals take minutes, but apply **3 days** early.
- Cost & Validity: It costs **£16** (approx. €19) and is valid for **2 years** or until your passport expires.
- Carrier Fines: Eurostar, Air France, and ferries will deny boarding without a valid ETA to avoid fines.
2. Passport Mandate & SmartGates Passport Only
Post-Brexit identity verification rules are strictly enforced in early 2026.
- No ID Cards: French National ID cards are **NOT** accepted for entry. You MUST use a valid biometric passport.
- ePassport Gates: French e-passport holders (ages 10+) can use automated **SmartGates** at London St Pancras and major airports for faster entry.
- Dual Nationals: Dual British-French citizens must travel on their **British passport** to be exempt from the ETA.
3. Live Service: Eurostar & Border Alert
Operational status for cross-Channel services as of February 2026.
- Eurostar Delays: Rolling technical cancellations are reported through **March 21, 2026**. Check your specific train status on the Eurostar app.
- Border Volume: Border Force recommends arriving at Gare du Nord/St Pancras at least **90 minutes** early to account for initial ETA verification.
- EES Pilot: While the full EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launch is April 10, French hubs are already testing biometric kiosks, causing occasional bottlenecks.
4. 2026 Customs: Wine & Cigarettes Strict
Bringing goods into the UK from France follows post-Brexit personal allowances.
- Wine Allowance: You can bring up to **18 litres** of still wine duty-free.
- Spirits/Beer: Limit is **4 litres** of spirits (>22%) OR **9 litres** of fortified wine, plus **42 litres** of beer.
- Tobacco: Allowance is **200 cigarettes** OR 250g of tobacco.
- Other Goods: Items like electronics or gifts are tax-free up to a value of **£390**.
- Food Alert: Strictly NO meat or dairy products can be brought from France into the UK.
© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Information Verified via UK Home Office & French Directorate for Legal Information.