British holidaymakers entering France could be asked to prove they have €120 (£100) to spend for each day of their stay. Those with pre-booked private accommodation will need to show at least €65 (£54) of spending money for each day of their stay.
For the first time Brits may be asked to produce proof of their financial means when entering France at border control. The changes are due to the EU classing the UK as a third country post-Brexit.
Those visiting family or friends will only need to prove that they have €32.50 (£27) per day to spend. However, they will need to show an official welcome invitation (attestation d’accueil) that must be approved by the local mayor’s office of the French resident they’re staying with.
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The move follows Spain’s rule change that requires tourists to have €85 (£71) a day of spending money when entering the country. Here are the new rules for British passport holders entering France.
How much money do Brits need to prove they have to enter France?
Brits may be required to show where they intend to stay, travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and proof that they have enough money for their stay. The minimum cash requirements depend on your accommodation plans.
Travellers with no proof of booked accommodation will need to show they have €120 to spend for each day of their stay.
British visitors with a second home in France “will need to be able to prove ownership or tenancy of your property e.g. a tax or utility bill”, the FCO states.
Travellers with private accommodation booked - which includes an Airbnb, hotel, campsite, or gite booking - will need to show they have €65 for each day of their stay, The Local reports.
Brits planning to stay with family, friends, or a third party in France will need to show they have €32.50 per day to spend. They will also need an official welcome invitation (attestation d’accueil) approved by the mayor’s office of the resident they’re staying with. The resident will need to “send the original attestation” to you before you enter France, the FCO and French Government website states.
Do Brits need a visa to enter France?
No, Brits can spend up to 90-days in the Schengen area within a 180 period without a visa. However, it’s important to remember that visits to other countries in the Schengen area count towards your 90 day visa-free quota.
The FCO’s travel advice states: “You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.”
You will need to have your passport stamped by border control on entry and exit from France. This is so that border control can monitor how much of your 90-day visa-free limit you’ve used up.
What are the passport rules for UK citizens entering France?
Brits entering France must make sure their entire party has passports that meet the validity requirements. UK citizens entering France must have a passport that meets the following criteria:
Issued less than 10 years before the date of your arrival. Check the ‘date of issue’.
Valid for at least 3 months after the day of your departure. Check the ‘expiry date’.
These Schengen area passport rules apply to UK citizens visiting any EU country, apart from Ireland.
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