The ETIAS in France is a new travel authorization for British citizens that will be required starting in mid-2025. If you’re a British citizen planning to visit France, or any other country in the Schengen Area, you’ll need to apply for an ETIAS before you travel. This simple, online process takes only a few minutes and is valid for three years.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about ETIAS, including who needs it, how to apply, and what to expect at the border.
Do I need an ETIAS to travel to France?
Yes, you need an ETIAS to travel to France.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a pre-travel authorization required for travelers whose countries are exempt from a visa to enter France and other countries within the Schengen Area.
A valid ETIAS is required if you:
- Have a valid British passport.
- Will be visiting France and other European Union (EU) countries for less than 90 days.
I have dual citizenship in France and the UK. Do I need to apply for an ETIAS?
No, you do not need an ETIAS if you are a dual citizen in France and the UK.
If you are a citizen of the EU you won’t need an ETIAS travel authorization. Since you have a French passport, you are an EU national. This means you are exempt from an ETIAS when visiting France or any other EU nation.
Do I need to apply for an ETIAS every time I visit France or other countries requiring it?
No, you do not need to apply for another ETIAS travel authorization once you have a valid one.
Your ETIAS travel authorization lasts for three years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first.
You are free to come and go to France or any country within the Schengen Area as many times as you want within that time. Just make sure you respect the overall limit of your authorized stay.
How does the ETIAS application process work?
Applying for an ETIAS is a simple process that takes a few minutes to accomplish. You can choose to apply on your own or have someone else like a travel agency apply for you.
The application is entirely done online. Through the ETIAS application portal, you need to fill in your personal information, passport details, medical history, criminal record (if any), your first destination in the Schengen Area, and your date of arrival in that country.
After double-checking your information, you are required to pay €7 using your debit or credit card. This application fee is waived if you are below 18 or above 70 years old.
How long can I stay in France with a valid ETIAS?
You can visit countries in the Schengen Area, including France, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period with a valid ETIAS.
This rule applies whether you’re going as a tourist, to see family or friends, for business meetings, cultural events, sports events, or short-term studies or training.
Make sure that your entire visit stays within the 90-day limit. Keep in mind that any visits you’ve made to Schengen countries in the 180 days before your travel also count towards your 90-day limit.
How will I receive my ETIAS travel authorization?
After your application, you will receive an email with your ETIAS travel authorization. The authorization is linked to your passport, so there is no need to print it out.
Does an ETIAS travel authorization guarantee my entry to France?
No, a valid ETIAS does not guarantee your entry to France.
Although having an ETIAS travel authorization allows you to board your flight, bus, or ferry to countries that require it, the final say is up to the border guards at the crossing point.
Authorities can deny entry based on French laws or security reasons. They might also ask for more documents to make sure you meet the entry requirements.
Aside from an ETIAS, what other requirements do I need to enter France?
Aside from your valid passport and ETIAS travel authorization, prepare the following to present to French border guards:
- Proof of your accommodation in France, like:
- Confirmation of hotel reservation
- ‘Attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) from your host in France
- Proof of ownership of a house in France, such as a tax or utility bill
- Travel insurance
- Return ticket or proof that you will be leaving France
- Proof of money to cover all your expenses during your stay in France
- If you don’t have a “welcome invitation” or a pre-booked place to stay, you might need to show that you have at least €120 per day for however long you are planning to stay.
I want to stay in France for more than 90 days. Do I need an ETIAS?
No, you do not need an ETIAS for stays longer than 90 days.
In order to extend your stay in France, whether it’s for work, study, business travel, or other purposes, you will need to meet the entry requirements set by the French government.
You can find out which type of visa you might need by consulting with the French Consulate in London.
My previous ETIAS application was denied. Can I apply again?
Yes, you can apply for an ETIAS even if your previous application was denied. A past rejection does not guarantee that a new application will be turned down automatically.
With ETIAS launching next year, it is important to be updated with the latest news to ensure you don’t encounter any inconveniences with your application.
Check our other country guides as well to know the entry requirements if you’re traveling somewhere in Europe other than France.