🇬🇧 Traveling to Paris After Brexit: What UK Tourists Need to Know in 2025

Paris remains one of the top travel destinations for UK tourists — and that hasn’t changed since Brexit. But some rules have. If you’re planning a trip to the French capital in 2025, here’s everything you need to know about passports, visas, health insurance, and border procedures.

1. Passport Rules After Brexit

Since the UK officially left the EU, British citizens are now considered third-country nationals. This means your passport must meet specific requirements to travel to France:

• It must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter France
• It must have at least 3 months’ validity remaining on your return date

Tip: Always check your passport’s issue and expiry dates before booking your trip.

2. Visa-Free Travel — For Now

British citizens do not need a visa for short stays in France of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourism, business, or family visits.

However, from late 2025, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be implemented. It’s a mandatory online pre-travel authorisation, similar to the U.S. ESTA system.

➡️ Key points about ETIAS:

• Expected launch: End of 2025
• Fee: Around €7
• Valid for 3 years or until passport expiry
• Must be obtained before travel

We recommend checking official EU sites for the latest updates.

3. Border Control & Entry to France

Post-Brexit, UK travellers are no longer able to use EU/EEA lanes at passport control.

At the French border (including Gare du Nord via Eurostar), expect:

• Longer queues, especially during holidays
• A passport stamp on entry and exit
• Possible questions about your purpose of visit and length of stay

Tip: Keep proof of your accommodation or return ticket handy, just in case.

4. Travel Insurance Is Now Essential

Before Brexit, UK tourists had access to state healthcare in France via the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Now:

• Old EHICs are no longer valid unless they were issued before Brexit
• You may be eligible for the GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card), which covers medically necessary treatment in France
• Private travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for repatriation or unexpected medical costs

5. Roaming Charges: Not Always Free

Brexit removed the guarantee of free EU roaming. While many UK networks still offer inclusive data in France, policies may vary:

• Check your mobile provider’s fair use limit
• Confirm whether roaming is free, capped, or charged
• Download maps or travel apps in advance in case of limited data

6. Customs Rules: What You Can (and Can’t) Bring

Since the UK is now outside the EU customs union, there are limits on what you can bring into and out of France:

➡️ From UK to France:

• No meat, milk, or products containing them (this includes sandwiches)
• Limits on alcohol, tobacco, and cash
• Personal items and gifts allowed within duty-free limits

➡️ From France to UK:

• Duty-free alcohol and tobacco allowed, but declare anything over the limits
• Keep receipts for high-value items

Check the UK and French customs websites for up-to-date allowances.

7. Driving in France

You can still drive in France with your UK driving licence in 2025 — no international driving permit (IDP) is needed for short stays. Don’t forget:

• Bring your insurance certificate (green card no longer required)
• Display a UK sticker on your vehicle (if it doesn’t already have a GB/UK badge)
• Carry required items: reflective vest, warning triangle, headlamp converters

Final Tips for a Smooth Trip to Paris

• Learn a few basic French phrases — it’s always appreciated
• Be aware of potential transport strikes or local demonstrations
• Consider arriving earlier than usual at the Eurostar terminal or airport
• Keep documents handy and stay calm at border controls

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Paris is as enchanting as ever — and visiting as a UK tourist is still perfectly doable. Just be aware of the new rules and allow extra time for formalities. With the right prep, your post-Brexit Paris trip in 2025 will be seamless, exciting, and très magnifique.