United Kingdom entry requirements for France passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders can visit the UK for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa for up to 180 days per trip. This policy has been in place since the UK left the EU and remains unchanged in 2026.
Apply for United Kingdom eVisaRequired for most visa-exempt visitors since 2024-2025. Not a visa — approval is linked electronically to your passport. Apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic visa (evisa)You need to apply and get approval for an evisa before you fly. Apply before travel | You must obtain an electronic visa (evisa) before traveling to the United Kingdom. The application is submitted online. There is no visa on arrival for French citizens. | Required |
| Evisa application fee and processingYou'll need to pay a fee and wait for processing; plan ahead. Check current costs and timelines | The evisa application fee and processing time are not specified in the database. Check the official UK government website for the latest fee and expected processing duration before applying. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. At least 6 months | Your French passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the United Kingdom. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for border control. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps or visa vignettes. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return or onward ticket can help prove your intentions to leave. Not specified | The database does not indicate a mandatory return or onward ticket requirement. However, border officers may ask for evidence of your travel plans, so it is recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to show you can cover your expenses. Not specified | The database does not specify a minimum amount of funds required. However, you should be able to show you can support yourself during your stay if asked by border officials. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into the United Kingdom. | Not required |
| Visa extensionYou cannot extend your stay; plan your trip accordingly. Not extendable | The evisa is not extendable. You must leave the United Kingdom before your authorized stay expires. | Not required |
eGates are faster but not guaranteed
If the eGates are down or you're not enrolled, you'll queue at the manned booth. Allow 30-60 minutes for immigration at busy airports like Heathrow.
Overstaying is serious
Staying beyond 180 days without a visa can result in a 1-10 year ban from the UK. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at UK border control
At airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester, follow signs for 'UK Border' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for 'Non-UK / Non-Irish passports'. French passport holders with a biometric passport can use eGates if enrolled in the UK's EES scheme; otherwise, join the manned booth queue.
2
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer will likely ask: purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer honestly and briefly. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready if asked.
3
Receive entry stamp (or eGate confirmation)
If using a manned booth, you'll get a stamp in your passport showing the date of entry and the permitted stay (usually 6 months). If using eGates, no stamp — but your entry is recorded electronically. Keep your boarding pass as proof of entry date.
4
Collect luggage and proceed
After passing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional checks for most visitors. You're free to enter the UK.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost£115 (approx. $145)
For those who do not qualify for visa-free entry or want to avoid any doubt.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2, 5, or 10 years
Cost£432 (2yr), £771 (5yr), £963 (10yr) – approx. $545, $970, $1,210
For frequent visitors; must still leave after 6 months each visit.
Marriage Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost£115 (approx. $145)
For getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months
Cost£115 (approx. $145)
For specific paid engagements (e.g., guest lecturing, arts).
work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, extendable
£625–£1,423 (~$790–$1,795 USD) depending on length and occupation
For those with a job offer from a UK employer in an eligible occupation. Requires sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds. Can lead to settlement.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Length of course plus up to 4 months
£363 (~$458 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For full-time study at a UK educational institution. Must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, extendable
£1,021 (~$1,287 USD) plus £1,000 per dependent
For those with a viable, innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 in investment funds.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, extendable to 5 years for settlement
£1,523 (~$1,920 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For partners of British citizens or settled persons. Must meet financial and relationship requirements.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (for stays over 6 months or if visa required)For visits longer than 6 months or if you do not qualify for visa-free entry. | £115 (approx. $145) |
| Visa extension (inside UK)Rarely granted; only for exceptional circumstances. | £1,000 (approx. $1,260) plus £19.20 biometric fee |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – if applicableNot currently required for French citizens, but may be introduced in future. | £10 (approx. $13) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Kingdom
No transit visa needed
French citizens do not need a visa to transit through the UK, including airside transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or pass through UK border control, you must meet the normal visitor visa requirements (usually visa-free for French citizens).
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenza (flu)RecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)RecommendedHepatitis AConsiderHepatitis BConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; avoid tick bites.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in grassy/wooded areas; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas may have moderate air pollution, but generally not a health risk for short stays.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – London
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa applications and inquiries; extensions are not handled in person – apply online.
Manchester
UKVI – Manchester
1st Floor, 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3BN
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Limited services; most visa matters handled by post or online.
Practical information for FR travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Kingdom
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The 180-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, family visits, and short-term study. You cannot take paid or unpaid employment. If you want to work, you need a work visa (e.g., Skilled Worker visa).
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before you travel (e.g., a Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months, or a different visa category). Overstaying can lead to a ban.
No. French passport holders are not required to register with the police when visiting the UK for up to 6 months. This only applies to certain nationalities and visa categories.
If you're transiting airside (not passing through UK border control), you don't need a visa. If you need to enter the UK (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), the same visa-free rules apply for up to 180 days. Just have your onward ticket ready.
Yes, if you have a biometric passport and are enrolled in the UK's Entry/Exit System (EES). French passports are eligible. eGates are faster — no stamp, no questions. If you're not enrolled, join the manned booth queue.
A recent bank statement (last 3 months), a credit card, or cash. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, showing you have enough to cover your stay (roughly £50-100 per day) is sufficient.
Yes, but you need a pet passport or an EU pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination, and a tapeworm treatment for dogs. You must use an approved transport route (e.g., Eurotunnel or ferry). Check the UK government website for the latest rules — they change frequently.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.