UK to France: Schengen Rules, Travel Time & Entry Requirements (2026)
France is one of the closest and most accessible Schengen countries from the UK. Whether you take the Eurostar from London to Paris in just over two hours or fly to Nice, Lyon, or Marseille, every day in France counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance.
Weekend breaks in Paris, ski holidays in the Alps, and summer trips to the Côte d'Azur are staples of UK travel. Since Brexit, keeping track of your Schengen days is essential if you visit France — and other European countries — regularly.
Quick Facts
| Flight Time | 1–1.5 hours |
| Typical Stay | 3–7 days |
| Schengen Zone | Yes — Schengen member |
| Schengen Days Used | 3–7 days of your 90-day allowance |
| Visa Required | No — visa-free for up to 90 days |
| ETIAS Required | Yes (from late 2026, €7) |
| Key Airports | Paris CDG, Paris Orly, Nice, Lyon, Marseille |
| Airlines | Eurostar, Air France, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair |
Track Your France Days
Every day in France counts toward your Schengen limit. Use Entorii to track your 90/180-day allowance across all European trips.
Entry Requirements
UK citizens can enter France visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date and issued within the last ten years. From late 2026, ETIAS travel authorisation will be required (€7, valid 3 years). The same rules apply whether you enter by air, Eurostar, or ferry.
Schengen Impact
France is a founding Schengen member. All days spent in France — including overseas departments like Martinique and Réunion — count toward the 90-day Schengen limit. If you took a city break in Amsterdam last month, those days reduce your allowance for France. Use Entorii to see your remaining days at a glance.
Popular Multi-Country Combinations
France + Spain (10–14 days)
Both Schengen. Take the TGV from Paris to Barcelona.
France + Italy (10–14 days)
Both Schengen. Train from Nice to the Italian Riviera.
France + Switzerland (7–10 days)
Both Schengen. TGV from Paris to Geneva in about 3 hours.
Travel Tips
The Eurostar is often the easiest way to reach Paris from London — city centre to city centre in 2 hours 15 minutes. For southern France, budget flights to Nice or Marseille are plentiful. France uses the Euro. Basic French goes a long way outside tourist areas. Book Eurostar and TGV tickets early for the best fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from the UK to France?
The Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Flights to Paris take around 1 to 1.5 hours, plus airport time.
Does France count toward my Schengen 90 days?
Yes. France is a Schengen member. Every day there counts toward the shared 90-day limit across all Schengen countries.
Do I need ETIAS for France?
From late 2026, yes. ETIAS costs €7, is valid for three years, and is applied for online. It does not change the 90/180-day stay limit.
Can I take the Eurostar without a visa?
Yes. UK citizens travel visa-free to France for short stays. You go through passport control at St Pancras before boarding. The same 90/180-day Schengen rules apply.