This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from France in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for French citizens, updated fees in Euros, and visa requirements for non-EU residents. France and Britain share the closest geographical proximity of any major European nations—just 34 kilometres across the English Channel at its narrowest point. Whether you're a French citizen needing an ETA for a short visit or a non-EU national requiring a visa, this guide provides the latest requirements, application process, and expert tips to help you plan your UK journey.
The ties between France and Britain run extraordinarily deep—the Norman Conquest of 1066 permanently shaped English language, law, and culture, with French terms still used in British courts today ("oyez," "dieu et mon droit"). The Entente Cordiale of 1904 transformed centuries of rivalry into enduring alliance. Modern connections are equally remarkable: the Eurostar whisks over 11 million passengers annually between Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras in just 2 hours 15 minutes, while the 50-kilometre Channel Tunnel—the world's longest undersea tunnel—carries millions more by car and freight. Today, approximately 150,000 French-born residents live in the UK, while 148,000 Britons have made France their home.
UK Visa from France: Overview & Requirements 2026
The UK visa requirements from France have changed significantly since Brexit. French citizens no longer enjoy freedom of movement but remain visa-free for short visits of up to 6 months. However, from April 2, 2025, French citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Non-EU nationals residing in France, such as Indian, Algerian, Moroccan, or Tunisian passport holders, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip.
UK Entry Requirements for French Citizens
French citizens need: (1) a valid passport, (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK within 6 months. No visa is required for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. For work, study, or longer stays, French citizens must apply for the appropriate visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics.
The UK entry requirements for French citizens are straightforward for short visits but have changed since Brexit. French nationals can no longer use EU/EEA lanes at UK airports and must go through passport control like other non-EU visitors. However, e-Gates are available for French passport holders at major UK airports.
What Do French Citizens Need to Enter the UK?
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay (no minimum validity requirement)
- Approved ETA: €19, valid for 2 years, apply via UK ETA app
- Return/Onward Travel: Evidence of return Eurostar/flight or onward journey
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or host's address in UK
- Sufficient Funds: Ability to support yourself without working
- Genuine Visitor: Intent to leave within 6 months, not live in UK
At UK border control—whether arriving via Eurostar at St Pancras, ferry at Dover, or flight—officers may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. While detailed questioning is rare for French visitors, having your hotel booking and return travel details accessible on your phone can speed up the process. For comprehensive information about what's allowed during your visit, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors.
Do French Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?
French citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings). However, from April 2, 2025, all French citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, French citizens must apply for the appropriate visa.
The UK introduced the ETA system to improve border security and streamline entry processes. French citizens were among the European nationals included in the April 2025 rollout. According to the official UK government ETA guidance, applications opened on 5 March 2025, and the requirement became mandatory from 2 April 2025.
UK ETA Requirements for French Citizens
- ETA Fee: €19 (£16) per person
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Multiple Entries: Yes, unlimited visits within validity period
- Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (often minutes)
- Application: Via UK ETA app (recommended) or gov.uk website
- Requirement: Each traveller needs own ETA (including babies and children)
Do I Need a Visa for UK from France? ETA vs Visa Comparison
For more information about the ETA system and exemptions, see our comprehensive guide on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
UK Visa Fees from France 2026 (in Euros)
UK visa fees from France in 2026 start at €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa. French citizens only pay €19 for an ETA (not a visa). Fees have increased from 2024: the 6-month visitor visa rose from €138 to €152, and spouse visa fees increased from €2,218 to €2,323. All fees are paid in Euros and are non-refundable.
The UK visa fees are set by the Home Office and converted to Euros for applicants in France and other Eurozone countries. The fees below are current as of January 2026:
UK Tourist Visa from France Price 2026
Work, Study & Family Visa Fees from France
UK Tourist Visa from France
French citizens do not need a tourist visa—they only need an ETA (€19) for tourism visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in France (Indian, Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian passport holders) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) for any UK tourist visit. Both categories allow tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends/family. Apply via the UK ETA app (French) or VFS Global (non-EU).
The term "UK tourist visa from France" can mean different things depending on your nationality. French passport holders visiting as tourists only need an ETA, while non-EU nationals residing in France must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
Travel to UK from France: Who Needs What?
For details on what you can and cannot do during a UK tourist visit, including business meetings and short courses, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors. If you plan multiple visits, consider a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years).
UK Visa from France for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens residing in France pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies regardless of nationality—whether you're an Indian, Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian, Chinese, or other non-EU passport holder living in France. The application must be made through VFS Global in Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, and typically takes 3 weeks to process.
France hosts significant communities from former French colonies and other non-EU countries who may wish to visit the UK. Indian nationals, Algerians, Moroccans, and Tunisians residing in France represent substantial populations who frequently travel for business or tourism. Unlike French citizens, they must obtain a visa for any UK trip, regardless of the duration or purpose of their visit. Your French titre de séjour (residence permit) does not grant visa-free access to the UK.
UK Visa for French Residents (Non-EU Passport Holders)
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your UK stay
- French Residence Permit: Proof of legal residence in France (titre de séjour or carte de résident)
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Employment Proof: Letter from French employer confirming employment and leave
- Travel Itinerary: Eurostar/flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor's invitation letter
- Ties to France: Evidence you will return (employment, property, family)
For information about potential refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons. If your visa is refused, our guide on chances of getting a visa after refusal explains your options.
Can French Citizens Work in the UK?
French citizens need a work visa to work in the UK since Brexit. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), requiring sponsorship from a UK employer and a minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). French citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed. Alternative routes include the Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18-35) and Health and Care Worker visa (€364).
Since Brexit, French citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The freedom of movement that previously allowed French nationals to live and work in the UK ended on 31 December 2020. However, French citizens benefit from being able to submit biometrics via smartphone app rather than visiting a Visa Application Centre.
Work Visa UK for French Citizens
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for French nationals seeking employment in the UK. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
- Visa Fee: €922 (up to 3 years) or €1,821 (over 3 years)
- Minimum Salary: £41,700 per year (general threshold from July 2025)
- IHS: £1,035/year (exempt for Health and Care Worker visa)
- Sponsor Required: Yes, employer must have valid sponsor licence
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years
Youth Mobility Scheme from France
French citizens aged 18-35 may be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without needing a job offer or sponsor. Places are limited and allocated by ballot. The visa costs €382 plus IHS (discounted rate of £776/year).
Student Visa from France
French nationals who wish to study in the UK for longer than 6 months need a Student visa. Short courses of up to 6 months can be undertaken on an ETA without needing a visa.
- Visa Fee: €628
- CAS Required: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from licensed institution
- IHS: £776/year (discounted student rate)
- Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term time
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Post-Study: Graduate visa allows 2 years work after completing degree (reducing to 18 months from January 2027)
Spouse Visa from France
French nationals can apply for a Spouse visa to join their British or settled partner in the UK. The financial requirement is £29,000 minimum annual income (with planned increases to £38,700).
- Visa Fee: €2,323
- Initial Grant: 33 months
- Financial Requirement: £29,000 minimum (planned increases to £38,700)
- IHS: £1,035/year
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years on spouse route
How to Apply for UK Visa from France
The UK visa application from France process differs depending on whether you're a French citizen or a non-EU national residing in France.
For French Citizens (ETA or Visa Applications)
For ETA: Simply download the UK ETA app and complete the application in minutes. No appointment needed.
For Work/Study/Family Visas: French citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit biometrics from home—no Visa Application Centre visit required. Complete your online application at gov.uk, pay the fee, then use the app to scan your passport and take a selfie.
For Non-EU Nationals in France
UK visa applications from non-EU nationals in France are processed through VFS Global, which operates Visa Application Centres across France. You must complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then book an appointment at a VAC to provide your biometrics.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in Euros)
- Step 3 (French): Use UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics
- Step 3 (Non-EU): Book biometrics at VFS Global (Paris, Lyon, Marseille)
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents online or at VAC
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 6: Receive eVisa or collect passport with vignette
UK Visa Application Centres in France (VFS Global)
VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres across France for non-EU nationals. Book your appointment through the VFS Global France website:
UK Visa Processing Time from France
Standard UK visa processing time from France is approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas and other non-settlement applications. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (€1,199) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options including priority visa services.
France to UK Travel: Key Statistics
France and the UK share one of the world's busiest international travel corridors, with millions crossing the Channel annually by Eurostar, ferry, and flight:
- Channel Tunnel: Over 20 million passengers annually (Eurostar + Eurotunnel Le Shuttle)
- Eurostar: 11+ million passengers; Paris-London in 2h 15min
- Cross-Channel Ferries: Multiple daily sailings Dover-Calais (90 minutes)
- Flights: London-Paris is one of world's busiest air routes
- French in UK: ~150,000 French-born residents (2021 Census)
- British in France: ~148,000 registered UK nationals (2024)
- Distance: Just 34 km (21 miles) at Channel's narrowest point
- French citizens need an ETA (€19) — apply via UK ETA app, strictly enforced from 25 February 2026
- French citizens can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics — no VAC visit needed
- Non-EU residents in France pay €152 for 6-month Standard Visitor visa
- Work visas require sponsorship; minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025)
- IHS of £1,035/year required for visas over 6 months (students pay £776)
- VFS Global centres: Paris, Lyon, Marseille (for non-EU nationals)
For the latest official information on UK entry requirements, visit the gov.uk visa checker or the Standard Visitor visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French citizens need a visa to visit the UK in 2026?
French citizens do not need a visa for short visits up to 6 months. However, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. Apply using the UK ETA app on your smartphone. The ETA requirement has been in effect since 2 April 2025, and is strictly enforced from 25 February 2026—without an approved ETA, French citizens cannot board Eurostar, ferries, or flights to the UK.
Do I need a visa for UK from France?
It depends on your nationality. French citizens and other EU nationals only need an ETA (€19) for visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in France (Indian, Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian passport holders, etc.) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) regardless of their French residence status. Your French titre de séjour does not grant visa-free access to the UK.
How much is a UK visa from France for non-EU citizens?
Non-EU citizens residing in France pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies to all non-EU passport holders including Indians, Algerians, Moroccans, Tunisians, and Chinese nationals living in France. Longer-term visitor visas cost €569 (2 years), €1,017 (5 years), or €1,269 (10 years). Applications must be made through VFS Global in Paris, Lyon, or Marseille.
How long can a French citizen stay in the UK?
French citizens with an ETA can stay up to 6 months (180 days) per visit for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. There is no annual limit on the number of visits, but frequent or lengthy stays may raise questions about genuine visitor status. For work, study, or settlement, French citizens must apply for the appropriate visa with its own validity periods.
Can a French citizen work in the UK after Brexit?
No, since Brexit, French citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), which requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid licence and meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold (from July 2025). French citizens aged 18-35 may also qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme (€382). French citizens can attend business meetings on an ETA but cannot undertake paid employment.
Can French citizens use the UK Immigration: ID Check app?
Yes, French citizens (and other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) applying for UK work, study, or family visas can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit their biometrics from home. This means no visit to a Visa Application Centre is required. Simply scan your passport chip using your smartphone's NFC capability and take a selfie to complete the identity verification process.
How long does UK visa processing take from France?
Standard UK visa processing from France takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor and other non-settlement visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599 extra) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority service (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability. ETAs are typically processed within 3 working days, often within minutes.
What is the difference between the UK ETA app and UK Immigration: ID Check app?
The UK ETA app is for applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation—used by French citizens for short visits (tourism, family, business) up to 6 months. The UK Immigration: ID Check app is for submitting biometrics when applying for visas (work, study, family visas). French citizens use the ETA app for visits and the ID Check app when they need an actual visa for longer stays or work purposes.