UK ETA för franska passinnehavare: Inreseregler 2025

Introduction

Beginning in 2025, French passport holders visiting the UK must abide by an important new requirement: the UK ETA. In particular, this electronic travel authorization is mandatory for short stays. To clarify, it is not a visa. Nevertheless, travelers must still acquire it before their UK trip.

If you’re planning to visit the UK from France soon, then this guide covers essential information.

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital entry permit. Specifically, it’s part of the UK’s new border control system that they introduced after Brexit.

Furthermore, the ETA helps the UK track who is entering the country, improving security and efficiency at the borders. It’s similar to other systems like the U.S. ESTA and the upcoming EU ETIAS. Hence, travelers who don’t need a full visa must obtain the ETA.

Do the French Need an ETA?

As French citizens enjoy visa-exempt travel when visiting the UK, they must apply for the ETA before entry. Correspondingly, this applies to visits for tourism, business, short study, or medical treatment.

Moreover, they must have an approved ETA before boarding their plane, train, or ferry to the UK. Even if they’re only staying a few days, the ETA is mandatory.

Until 2028, French school groups are exempt from the ETA requirement. In particular, this applies to students under the age of 18 who join school trips to the UK.

To clarify, the UK ETA does not replace a visa for long stays or work. Hence, if you’re planning to live, work, or study long-term, you’ll need a visa, not an ETA.

French Citizens and the ETA

Overall, the ETA application is simple and entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the ETA application process so you can avoid going through complex visa processes.

At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.

Step 2: Upload a passport photo. It must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you.

Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Ensure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. Additionally, the passport of the minor must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.

Step 4: Provide your personal information:

• Contact details
• Home address
• Employment information
• Citizenship information
• Criminal history, if any

Overall, make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.

Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. In particular, you can pay using suitable electronic payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, or debit card.

Step 6: Pay the application fee.

Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. You will receive an email with the decision. Next, the ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.

Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period, or until your passport expires. Because mistakes can delay approval, make sure to triple-check all entries before you submit.

Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.

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Entry Rules for French Citizens

While French citizens still enter the UK visa-free, the ETA adds a new step.

In 2025, border agents will check your ETA electronically upon arrival. Correspondingly, entry points like airports, Eurostar, and ferry ports will enforce ETA checks. Without a valid ETA, you may be denied boarding or entry. Meanwhile, customs and immigration procedures remain the same, apart from this added layer.

Although you don’t need a printout, your passport must nevertheless match the ETA data. Specifically, with the ETA, you can stay in the UK for up to six months per visit.

Preparing for UK Travel from France

If you’re planning UK travel from France, then apply for the ETA at least a week in advance. In addition, double-check that your passport is biometric and valid for the duration of your stay. Overall, for fast, reliable, and professional ETA processing, apply via EVS.

Additionally, save your ETA confirmation and keep it accessible on your device, just in case. Moreover, check for updates on the official UK government site before each trip.

Remember, the ETA is not a visa. It’s a pre-approval for short, visa-free visits. Hence, French citizens who overstay or break rules could face travel restrictions later.

Use the ETA system responsibly to ensure smooth UK entry.

ETA Facts for French Citizens

• Required from: 2025
• Who needs it: All French citizens entering the UK for short stays
• Validity: 2 years or until passport expiry
• Application: EVS
• Stay limit: Up to 6 months per visit
• Purpose allowed: Tourism, business, short study, family visits, medical care
• Required for: Air, train, and ferry travel

Conclusion

The UK ETA adds a new but simple step for French travellers entering the UK in 2025.

To clarify, it’s not a visa, and it won’t make travel harder—just more secure and streamlined.

As such, apply early, travel smart, and stay informed to make the most of your UK visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter the UK more than once with one ETA?

Yes, your ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. You can enter the UK multiple times during this period for short stays.

Do I need an ETA to transit through the UK?

Yes, even for airport layovers, you will need an approved ETA from 2025.

I have dual French-UK citizenship. Do I still need an ETA?

No, if you travel with your UK passport, the ETA is not required.

What about children and families?

Every traveller, including children, needs their own ETA. Parents must apply for minors.

Does having an ETA guarantee entry?

No. Border agents can still deny entry for security, documentation, or conduct reasons.

What happens if I forget to apply for an ETA?

You may be denied boarding or refused entry to the UK.

Will the UK ETA apply to travel from other EU countries too?

Yes. The ETA applies based on your passport, not where you’re traveling from.

Which countries are eligible for the travel authorization?

In particular, business travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Argentina
3. Australia
4. The Bahamas
5. Bahrain
6. Barbados
7. Belize
8. Botswana
9. Brazil
10. Brunei
11. Canada
12. Chile
13. Costa Rica
14. Grenada
15. Guatemala
16. Guyana
17. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National overseas)
18. Israel
19. Japan
20. Kiribati
21. Kuwait
22. Macao Special Administrative Region
23. Malaysia
24. Maldives
25. Marshall Islands
26. Mauritius
27. Mexico
28. Federated States of Micronesia
29. Nauru
30. New Zealand
31. Nicaragua
32. Oman
33. Palau
34. Panama
35. Papua New Guinea
36. Paraguay
37. Peru
38. Qatar
39. Samoa
40. Saudi Arabia
41. Seychelles
42. Singapore
43. Solomon Islands
44. South Korea
45. St. Kitts and Nevis
46. St. Lucia
47. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
48. Taiwan
49. Toga
50. Tuvalu
51. United Arab Emirates
52. United States
53. Uruguay

Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 2025:

1. Andorra
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Bulgaria
5. Croatia
6. Cyprus
7. Czechia
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Italy
17. Latvia
18. Liechtenstein
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta
22. Monaco
23. Netherlands
24. Norway
25. Poland
26. Portugal
27. Romania
28. San Marino
29. Slovakia
30. Slovenia
31. Spain
32. Sweden
33. Switzerland
34. Vatican City

This also covers eligible dual citizenships.

Photo: Evisa Express, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons