European Travel Information and Authorization System
ETIAS Requirements for UK citizens
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) launches in 2023. ETIAS will change the way UK citizens and visitors from other visa-exempt countries travel to countries in the Schengen zone.
STEP 1
Get notified when ETIAS is mandatory
STEP 2
Start ETIAS Application online
STEP 3
Receive ETIAS confirmation
STEP 4
Welcome to Europe
Who will need ETIAS to travel to France?
In 2023 and beyond, every person travelling from one of the 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United Kingdom, regardless of age, will need to apply for pre-authorisation through ETIAS. British citizens will be relieved to know that the fully-online application process is simple and accessible. Once a traveller has ETIAS approval, they needn’t reapply for 3 years unless their linked passport expires before then.
CITIZENS OF VISA-EXEMPT COUNTRIES
Citizens of 60 countries throughout the world (including the UK, the USA, Australia, and Canada) enjoy visa-free travel within the European Union. Currently, these travellers only need a valid biometric passport to enter a Schengen country. However, starting in 2023, citizens from visa-exempt countries will need to add one more step to their travel prep – submitting the ETIAS application form.
SHORT TERM TRAVELERS (UP TO 90 DAYS)
ETIAS authorisation does not permit a visitor to stay in France for more than 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, or if you’re planning to work or study in France, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa.
CHILDREN & MINORS
When it comes to ETIAS applications, age doesn’t matter. Border officials will demand proof of ETIAS approval for adults and children alike. If you’re travelling with a minor, ensure his or her parent or other legal guardian has submitted an ETIAS application for the child.
Get notified when ETIAS becomes mandatory
Check the latest news about travel requirements in Europe
ETIAS Required Countries
Keep in mind that since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the European Union. As a visa-exempt country, travellers from the UK will need to submit an ETIAS application. Here’s a full list of the 60 countries whose citizens will need ETIAS approval to travel to France:
Albania
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
El Salvador
Georgia
Granada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao
North Macedonia
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Montenegro
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
Samoa
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Ukraine
UAE
Vanuatu
Venezuela
United Kingdom
United States
How to apply for ETIAS to France from the UK
As long as you’re filling out an ETIAS application for yourself, you shouldn’t run into any issues, and the process should only take about 10 minutes. You’ll need to provide passport information, your name, date of birth, citizenship details, email address, phone number, and some less-basic information like work and education experience, and travel, medical, and criminal history. If something doesn’t add up or your application seems suspicious, the reviewing border agent may request additional information or an in-person interview. In most cases, though, the application process will be straightforward, and you’ll be approved for travel within 24 hours.
Required documents
In the majority of cases, the only required document is a biometric passport. The UK has been providing biometric passports exclusively for over a decade. So if you have a valid passport issued by the UK government, then you have the required biometric passport. To be considered valid, the passport or travel document should have:
- A printed (not glued or affixed in any way) photograph
- Machine readability
- An electronic passport chip (though this isn’t mandatory)
If your travel document doesn’t meet the criteria, border officials may request additional documents before processing your application.
