ETA required
French visitors need a UK ETA
ETA required for travel from 2 April 2025
French citizens need a UK ETA for travel from 2 April 2025. That includes Eurostar: UK immigration checks happen at Gare du Nord, not after you arrive at St Pancras. No ETA, no boarding the train. The same applies to many Le Shuttle/Folkestone car routes — you are presenting to UK controls in France. Fee £20. If you have EU Settlement Scheme status, do not apply for an ETA; travel as a resident. Airside transits through Heathrow that never pass UK border control currently do not need an ETA; hopping off to see London between flights does.
French travel facts
| Passport | France |
|---|---|
| Roll-out | ETA required for travel from 2 April 2025 |
| What you need | UK ETA (£20) |
| Stay | Usually up to 6 months as a visitor |
| Work | Not allowed on visit permission |
| Landside transit | ETA required if you pass UK border control |
Mistakes french visitors make
- Turning up at Eurostar with a passport and no ETA. They will refuse boarding.
- Using a French ID card without checking whether the carrier accepts it with your ETA.
- Assuming a day trip from Lille is ‘still the EU’. It is still entering the UK.
London notes for French arrivals
Eurostar arrives St Pancras. Skip Heathrow entirely. Tap in on the Northern or Victoria line; contactless caps apply. Driving off Le Shuttle: you will owe Congestion Charge if you enter the zone in charging hours, and ULEZ if the car is non-compliant.
FAQs
- Does Eurostar need a UK ETA?
- Yes for French citizens who need an ETA. You clear the UK border before the train moves.
- I live in France with a titre de séjour and a Brazilian passport.
- The UK follows the Brazilian passport: Brazil is an ETA nationality. French residence does not change that.
Other passports
Bodhixt is not affiliated with UKVI. Confirm on GOV.UK before you book. Apply via https://www.gov.uk/eta only.