France: Schengen Guide for UK Travellers
Yes, France is a member of the Schengen zone. Every day you spend in France counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance within any rolling 180-day period. As a UK passport holder, you are now subject to the Schengen 90/180-day rule when visiting France, a significant change from the pre-Brexit era when British citizens could stay indefinitely.
France is the UK's closest major European neighbour, reachable by Eurostar in just over two hours. From the boulevards of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence, the ski slopes of the Alps to the vineyards of Bordeaux, France has long been a favourite destination for British travellers. Tracking your days is particularly important if you visit France multiple times a year, as many UK residents do for weekends, holidays, and second home visits.
Key Facts
- Schengen Member: Yes
- EU Member: Yes
- Year Joined Schengen: 1995
- Capital: Paris
- Currency: Euro
- Languages: French
France was one of the original five signatories of the Schengen Agreement in 1985, alongside Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
Visiting France Regularly?
Multiple trips to France can eat through your Schengen days quickly. A weekend in Paris here, a week in Provence there. Use Entorii to track every French trip and see exactly how many days remain.
How Long Can You Stay?
UK passport holders can stay in France (and the wider Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. This 90-day allowance covers all Schengen countries combined. A week in Paris plus two weeks on the Cote d'Azur plus a ski trip to Chamonix all count as the same pool of days.
Second home owners in France face the biggest challenge. Before Brexit, spending several months at a French property was routine. Now, stays beyond 90 days require a long-stay visa. If you own property in France, careful day-tracking is essential to avoid overstaying.
Top Destinations in France
Paris (3-5 days)
The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, world-class restaurants, and the Seine.
French Riviera (7-10 days)
Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and the coastal towns between Monaco and Marseille.
Provence (5-7 days)
Lavender fields, hilltop villages, Avignon, and excellent rose wine.
French Alps (7 days)
Chamonix, Val d'Isere, and Courchevel for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Bordeaux & Wine Country (3-4 days)
The wine capital of France with stunning architecture and vineyard tours.
Getting There from the UK
France is the most accessible European country from the UK. The Eurostar runs from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in 2 hours 16 minutes, with additional services to Lille, Lyon, and Marseille. The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes cars from Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes. Ferry services connect Dover to Calais (90 minutes), Portsmouth to Caen, Le Havre, and Saint-Malo, and Newhaven to Dieppe. Direct flights from most UK airports serve Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and many regional airports.
Travel Tips
France is well connected by its high-speed TGV train network, which links Paris to most major cities in under four hours. Book TGV tickets through SNCF Connect for the best early-bird prices. Restaurants typically serve lunch from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 7:30pm; arriving outside these windows may mean limited options. Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill is appreciated.
If you drive, be aware that French motorways (autoroutes) charge tolls that can add up on longer journeys. Many French cities have low-emission zones (ZFE) that restrict older vehicles. Check requirements before driving into city centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is France in the Schengen zone?
Yes. France has been a member of the Schengen zone since 1995. It was one of the original five countries that signed the Schengen Agreement in 1985.
Can I still take the Eurostar to Paris after Brexit?
Yes. The Eurostar continues to operate from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. However, UK passport holders now go through Schengen border checks at St Pancras before departure, and the days spent in France count toward the 90/180-day Schengen limit.
Do the French overseas territories count as Schengen?
No. French overseas territories such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion, and French Guiana are not part of the Schengen zone. Days spent in these territories do not count toward your 90-day Schengen limit. However, metropolitan France (mainland France plus Corsica) is fully within the Schengen zone.
How long can UK citizens stay in France after Brexit?
UK citizens can stay in France for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period under the Schengen rules. This limit applies across all Schengen countries combined. For stays longer than 90 days, you need a French long-stay visa.
I own a second home in France. How does the 90-day rule affect me?
Owning property in France does not grant you the right to stay beyond the 90-day Schengen limit. You must still comply with the 90/180-day rule. If you want to spend more than 90 days at your French property, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from the French consulate in the UK.