tourist visa to uk from france

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Travel to UK from France

If you’re a French national looking to move to the UK, there are a number of visa and immigration options available to you.

For more information about moving to the UK and what you need to do to become eligible, reach out to one of our immigration professionals for more information. Call us on  (+44) 333 4149244 , or contact us  online .

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Benefits of Choosing IAS’ Immigration Lawyers

At IAS, we understand that every case and client is unique, so we provide bespoke assessment and support to each client. With us, you get a dedicated immigration lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring your application is successful. Enjoy the following benefits with IAS:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A personalised Letter of Representation to help compile a compelling case for approval

Continued support from your lawyer in the event of any complications.

Services we Provide

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

Overview of Travel to the UK from France

The UK and France have had a long and historic relationship going back centuries, particularly in the field of immigration.

There are over 130,000 French-born residents in the UK, with the number continuing to rise rapidly, even in light of the UK’s departure from the EU.

Although there are now more steps that French nationals need to follow in light of Brexit, there are still a variety of routes and pathways to choose from that will make settling in the UK a very tangible possibility for many.

These include the  EU Settlement Scheme , work visas and  Family visas .

Can I Still Apply for the EU Settlement Scheme?

French citizens may still be able to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, even though the main deadline has now passed.

You may be able to apply if any of the following apply to you:

• You have a French (or other EU) family member who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
• You’re exempt from immigration control, or you stopped being exempt from immigration control after 30 June 2021
• You’re already in the UK with limited leave to enter or remain in the UK (such as if you’re here on a work or study visa) which expires after 30 June 2021
• You must have lived with them in that country by 30 December 2020, and returned to the UK with them

You may also still be eligible to apply if you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying before the main deadline, such as if you were in an abusive relationship, or if you had a medical condition that prevented you from applying.

Get in touch with our immigration experts for help with your move to the UK from France.

UK Work Visas for French Nationals

Many of the UK’s visas and immigration routes are centred around attracting international talent through work visas. Many of these can also lead to permanent settlement in the UK, known as  indefinite leave to remain .

Some of these visas include the following:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care Worker visa
• Scale-Up Worker visa
• Minister of Religion visa 
• International Sportsperson visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s all-purpose, general work visa that covers most professions and industries. The other visas in this list, meanwhile, target more specialist niches, such as those who wish to work in healthcare or in the sports industry.

UK Family Visas for French Nationals

The UK also has a variety of Family visas that are appropriate for anyone who has a British or Irish citizen or someone with UK settled status as a family member.

You may be able to apply for a Family visa as one of the following:

• A  spouse ,  civil partner  or  unmarried partner of at least 2 years
• Fiance, or proposed civil partner
• Adult dependent relative

Note that these categories each have different eligibility requirements you must adhere to in order to apply. For this reason, it’s worth checking carefully what the individual requirements are based on your own situation.

How Can IAS Help?

When moving to a new country, it’s essential to be on top of whatever legal and immigration rules and requirements you’ll have to follow in the process.

If you’re a French national looking to move to the UK, whether it be for work, your spouse, your family, or any other reason, IAS can help.

We are friendly, experienced immigration advisers who can help you with every step of the migration process. Whether it be assisting with your UK visa application, helping you with the logistics of moving your possessions in France to the UK, or expert legal advice on your complex immigration situation, we can help.

For more information about the services we offer, and what we can do for you, reach out to one of our friendly legal advisers today. Call us on  (+44) 333 4149244 , or contact us  online .

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the covid-19 restrictions for the uk.

As of 2022, you no longer need to take a COVID-19 antigen test, show proof of vaccination status or vaccine pass, or quarantine when travelling to England as your destination country.

However, travel advice for Wales, Scotland and certain transport providers such as trains or airlines may vary.

How much time am I allowed to spend outside the UK?

There may sometimes be formal restrictions on how much time you’re allowed to spend outside of the UK.

For example, if you wish to apply for indefinite leave to remain, you must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months period.

However, many visas in and of themselves may allow you to travel back to France as often as you like, as long as you don’t violate the terms of your visa.

Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

Many EU nationals, including those from France, can still visit the UK for up to 6 months at a time without having to apply for a visa.

This includes visits that involve tourism, seeing family and friends, studying, or volunteering for a registered charity for up to 30 days, amongst other things.

What our clients are saying

We are the UK’s leading immigration specialists

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We’ve had over 9000 applications approved

We are now open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 6pm.

How our UK Immigration Lawyers can help

At the Immigration Advice Service our lawyers specialise in a wide range of UK visas, nationality and asylum applications and have represented clients in various successful complex and high-profile cases.

Get in Touch

Immigration Advice Service Ashwood House, Ellen Street Oldham, OL9 6QR

We have over 20 offices across the UK, find a branch near you.

Related pages for your continued reading

Corporate Immigration Support

Our lawyers support multinational corporations and entrepreneurs to obtain employee visas, business immigration licences and business visit visas.

UK Family Visa

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients achieve their Family visas, we can help you reunite with your partner, parent, or child.

UK Spouse Visa

Obtaining a spouse visa can be nerve racking. You want to get it right the first time and we want that for you as well. Get in touch with us for a personalised spouse visa application service.

Sponsor Licence

Businesses looking to sponsor foreign employees to work in the UK must obtain a sponsor licence. Get in touch with us now for support.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Get in touch with us for expert, success-oriented assistance for indefinite leave to remain, long residence and settlement in the UK.

Global Immigration

We provide global immigration support in several other countries including the USA, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland, and France.

In the news

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What documents can a frenchman use to travel to the united kingdom.

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Less than 6 months

To travel to the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), you must present your passport valid at the border.

Only the French have a status (provisional or not) of resident (called Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status ) in the United Kingdom will be able to continue to present their identity cards until 2025.

A simulator shows you the documents you can travel with in the UK:

Know the documents required to travel to Europe

Warning  

if you are stopping at an international airport in the United Kingdom, it is recommended to check the documents required by your country of destination. If necessary, you will need to make a visa application .

More than 6 months

In case of a stay of more than 6 months in the United Kingdom, you must apply for a visa . This is mainly the case if you want to work, study or settle there.

Traveling with one of his parents

A French miner who travels to the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), must have a passport valid.

Only French minors with a status (provisional or not) of resident ( Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status ) in the United Kingdom will be able to continue to present their identity cards until 2025.

Traveling alone or with another person

A French minor traveling to the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) must have with him:

• a valid passport
• and one authorization to leave the territory (AST) if he is not accompanied by his parents.

With what documents can a French minor travel abroad?

Travel abroad: for which country should a Frenchman apply for a visa?

Holidays abroad: how to be well insured?

Additional topics

Identity card

Authorization to leave the territory (AST)

Identity documents required to travel by air

Conditions of entry and residence in the United Kingdom

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Useful information for traveling to the United Kingdom

Visa application fees

1 select the country you are making your application from.

Change this answer

2 Select the visa category you would like to see fees for

3 select the visa type you would like to see fees for, standard visitor visa - for uk, isle of man, jersey and guernsey, short-term study visa, parents of children at school, child visitors.

Find out about visa application processing times

New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

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Entry Requirements for American Travelers to France

Inspiration

Reading time: 0 min Published on 4 January 2023, updated on 16 April 2024

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

All U.S. and Canadian citizens, including infants, need a valid passport to enter France. Visas are not required for American and Canadian visitors staying in France for up to 90 days. For more information, contact your nearest French Consulate. See a list of local French consulates in the U.S.

It is mandatory in France to carry some form of identification at all times. If you lose your passport, the nearest U.S. Consulate will issue Americans a limited-validity replacement if travel is imminent, or a full-validity passport if further travel is not within two weeks. When in France, please carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. The copy will facilitate issuance of a replacement ($75 fee for adults, $85 for children). The American Embassy in Paris is at 2, avenue Gabriel, tel. 01 43 12 22 22. The Passport Section is nearby at 4, avenue Gabriel (open 9a.m.-noon, Monday- Friday). There are other Consular Offices in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Rennes, Strasbourg and Toulouse that provide assistance to American citizens.

Entering France : Travelers from countries outside the European Union (EU) must declare certain articles when entering France. Duty and import taxes are levied on items not for personal use that individually or collectively exceed 175€ in value. Certain categories of items for personal use (tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, coffee and tea, etc.) may be brought in untaxed up to certain authorized amounts. The following are forbidden or subject to strict control: drugs, radioactive materials, firearms, endangered species, plants, ivory and food, meat and dairy products. Carry prescriptions to authenticate any controlled substances. “Monetary instruments” equal to more than 10,000€ (whether brought into or taken out of France) must be declared. When in doubt, consult the French Embassy , a French Consulate or the French Customs and Excise Service's “ Info Douanes Service ” in Paris at tel. 08 20 02 44 44 (8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday)

Re-entering the U.S. : Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You're charged a flat rate of duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases, and any dollar amount beyond that is subject to duty at whatever rates apply. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is $200. Have your receipts or purchases handy to expedite the declaration process. Note: If you owe duty, you are required to pay upon your arrival in the United States, using cash, personal check, government or traveler's check, or money order; some locations also accept Visa or MasterCard.

BRINGING YOUR PETS TO FRANCE

Travelers may bring dogs, cats and ferrets into France. Each family is limited to five animals, which must have valid rabies vaccination certificates and be identifiable by a microchip or tattoo. For more information, including details about travel with pet rodents, reptiles, birds or other species, visit www.ambafrance-us.org or contact the French Embassy.

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Foreign Office advice for Brits heading to Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal

T he Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice for Brits planning holidays in Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal. As many UK holidaymakers prepare to jet off to these popular European destinations in search of summer sun, it's crucial to be aware of the latest guidelines to ensure a smooth journey.

Regular updates from the Foreign Office provide essential information that tourists need to know before leaving the UK. This includes key advice on passport requirements.

When it comes to passport rules, the requirements are largely the same for Spain, France, Greece, Italy and Portugal, as reported by the Liverpool Echo . Before you can leave the UK, certain conditions must be met regarding your passport.

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It's important to verify that your passport meets these requirements prior to travelling. If your passport was issued before October 1, 2018, additional months may have been added to its expiry date.

This advice is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for individuals travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK, for most common types of travel. The authorities in the country you are visiting are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules.

If you're uncertain about whether these requirements apply to you, it's recommended to get in touch with the local embassy or consulates in the UK.

Do I need a visa?

Typically, you can travel to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece without needing a visa. These countries are part of what's known as the Schengen area of the EU, which allows travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

This applies if you're travelling as a tourist, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. The area encompasses 26 countries in total.

Do I need a vaccination?

Currently, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for those entering Italy. However, the advice for Spain, Portugal, France, and Greece states: "Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice."

"Check with your travel provider for changes."

Passport, visa and vaccination rules for Brits going to France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece

It is safe to say we are all fed up with the seemingly never-ending winter we are experiencing this year, any hint of sunshine or blue skies is quickly interrupted by a drop in temperatures and the desire to put the heating on as we approach May. If you're looking to escape the dreary weather and get some summer sun abroad, you should familiarise yourself with the travel guidelines for the country you're planning on travelling to.

With the summer fast approaching, many will be jetting off abroad for some rest and relaxation. Popular destinations include Spain, France, Greece, Italy and Portugal. To avoid any issues on your travels make sure to check any rules.

The Foreign Office regularly updates its guidance on what tourists need to know in advance of heading out of the country. Below, we've pulled out some of the key bits of advice including passport requirements, as reported by Liverpool Echo.

READ MORE: Londoners could be charged to visit popular seaside spot in 'tourist tax'

Passport requirements

For all of the above destinations, passport rules are largely the same. Before you are allowed to jet off, your passport must be:

issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)

valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before October 1, 2018, then extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. The authorities in the country you are visiting set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the local embassy or consulates in the UK.

Do I need a visa?

You can typically travel to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece without a visa. The countries fall into what is known as the Schengen area of the EU which grants travel 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. The area covers 26 countries in total which are all listed on the GOV.UK website.

Vaccination requirements

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Italy. Advice for Spain, Portugal, France, and Greece all state: "Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel provider for changes."

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Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

What you need to know about crossing the UK border and visiting the UK.

What you need to enter the UK

If you’re an eu , european economic area ( eea ) or swiss citizen.

Irish citizens can continue to enter and live in the UK .

EU , EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. In other cases, find out if you need to apply for a visa to enter the UK .

You can cross the UK border using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK .

EU , EEA and Swiss citizens can continue to use the automatic ePassport gates to pass through the border on arrival.

You cannot use an EU , EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK unless you:

• have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme , or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit , or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• have a frontier worker permit
• are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

In these cases, you can continue to use your national ID card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025.

If you’re waiting for a decision on your application for settled or pre-settled status

You can still use your EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK if all of the following are true:

• you’ve applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• you’ve been issued with confirmation your application is valid
• you’re not applying as a joining family member

Other types of cards

British citizens can continue to use a Gibraltar identity card to travel to the UK .

Irish citizens can continue to use a passport card to travel to the UK .

You must have the correct documents to show at the UK border if you’re travelling to the UK . You cannot use any documents to enter the UK that are not listed here.

If you’re a non- EEA family member of an EU , EEA or Swiss citizen

You need a valid national passport, and one of the following:

• an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
• a UK -issued EEA family permit
• a UK -issued biometric residence card

You cannot use an Article 10 or Article 20 residence card issued by an EEA member state.

If you’re from a non- EEA country

Your passport (and visa if you have one) will be checked at border control. You’ll usually be asked why you’re coming to the UK . You can use the UK / EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates if you’re from:

• New Zealand
• South Korea
• United States

Travelling from within the Common Travel Area (CTA)

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is made up of the UK , Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man).

There are different document requirements if you are travelling to the UK within the CTA.

Business travel to the UK

If you’re an EU , EEA or Swiss Citizen travelling to the UK for a short business trip, you may not need to apply for a visa.

Under the UK ’s new points-based immigration system , you can continue to visit the UK without applying for a visa. In most cases you can stay for up to 6 months. You may participate in a wide range of activities including business-related activities such as meetings, events and conferences. You may enter the UK multiple times during that period but you may not live in the UK by means of frequent or successive visits.

As a business visitor, you cannot:

• do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
• do a work placement or internship
• sell directly to the public or provide goods and services

Read more about visiting the UK on a business trip and check whether you need to apply for a visa to carry out your intended activities.

Check the Visitor Rules and see the full list of business and academic activities you can do as a visitor to the UK .

Read more about what you can do when visiting from Ireland or one of the Crown Dependencies and check whether you need to apply for a visa.

Working in the UK or sending employees to work in the UK

If you require EU , EEA or Swiss citizens to work in the UK for longer than 6 months, they need to apply for a visa. Find out more about working in the UK .

If you employ or intend to employ an EU , EEA or Swiss citizen who commutes to the UK , see the guidance for frontier workers .

Trading with the UK

EU business can find out more about trading with the UK .

Commercial goods (merchandise in baggage)

You must tell customs (‘declare’) if you are bringing commercial goods into the UK in your accompanied baggage or small motor vehicle. Commercial goods are things to sell.

You need to make a full customs declaration if you are bringing commercial goods that are any of the following:

• above the total value of £1,500 into Great Britain
• above the total value of £873 into Northern Ireland
• excise , restricted or controlled goods
• weigh above 1,000 kilograms

Check the rules on merchandise in baggage .

Professional qualifications

Find out how to get your EU , EEA or Swiss qualification recognised in the UK .

School travellers entering the UK

Schools in france.

You can visit the UK using the France- UK school trip travel information form .

This allows:

• children who are EU , EEA or Swiss citizens to enter with their national identity card instead of a passport
• children who are citizens of other countries to enter without a visa, even if they would normally need one to visit the UK

Schools in other countries

All schoolchildren need a passport to visit the UK .

Children who are citizens of other countries may also need a visa - check if you need a UK visa .

What you can bring into the UK

Read the updated guidance on:

• how you bring horses to and from the UK
• how you bring endangered plants, animals or their products to and from the UK

Bringing your pet to and from the UK

Find out about pet travel to Europe .

Bringing goods into the UK

Some rules have changed when you bring goods for your own use from the EU to the UK . Find out more about bringing goods into the UK .

Controls on cash

Individuals travelling from the EU to the UK with £10,000 or more in cash will need to make a declaration. Find out about taking cash in and out of the UK .

Healthcare in the UK

EEA and Swiss citizens visiting the UK should check the guidance on healthcare for the latest information on access to NHS healthcare.

Driving in the UK

If you have a non- uk licence.

Visitors with a non- UK driving licence can drive in the UK . You do not need an international driving permit ( IDP ).

If your vehicle is not insured in the UK

If you have vehicle insurance issued in the EU , Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland, you should carry an insurance green card or other valid proof of insurance.

To be valid, other proof of insurance must be a document issued by the vehicle insurance provider which includes the:

• name of the insurance provider
• number plate or other identifying particulars of the vehicle
• period of insurance cover

Contact your vehicle insurance provider before you travel.

If your vehicle is insured in a country outside the EU , Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland, what you’ll need to do will depend on if your country is a member of the green card system .

If your country is a member, you will need to carry a green card.

If your country is not a member, your vehicle will need UK vehicle insurance .

Using your mobile phone in the UK

How much you pay for calls, texts and mobile data in the UK and the EU will depend on your operator. Please check before you travel.

Updated the section on school travellers with information on the France-UK school trip travel information form.

Updated 'School travellers entering the UK' as the List of Travellers scheme is no longer in operation.

Updated to remove information about travelling to England during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Updated information on use of ID cards to enter the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

Updated information for Irish citizens travelling to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies.

Those with an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen national ID card who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme will be able to use it to enter the UK whilst they wait for the decision on their application.

Added information for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 but not yet received a decision. Added guidance for Gibraltar identity card holders. Added guidance for Irish citizens.

First published.

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UK will 'not take back asylum seekers from Ireland until France takes back Channel migrants'

Ireland's government is pledging emergency legislation to send asylum seekers that cross into the country from Northern Ireland back to the UK in the wake of the Rwanda bill.

News reporter @thejournojames

Monday 29 April 2024 15:20, UK

The UK will not take back asylum seekers who cross the border into Ireland "until the EU accepts that we can send them back to France", according to a government source.

The comment comes amid an escalating row between Dublin and Westminster over the Irish government's plans for new legislation to enable asylum seekers who cross the border from Northern Ireland to be sent back to the UK.

Irish justice minister Helen McEntee told a parliamentary committee last week that more than 80% of recent arrivals in Ireland came via the land border with Northern Ireland.

Ireland's deputy prime minister and foreign secretary Micheal Martin said the threat of deportation to Rwanda was causing "fearful" migrants to head for Ireland instead of the UK.

As the row deepened on Sunday night, Irish prime minister Simon Harris vowed the country would "not provide a loophole for anybody else's migration challenges".

He also said that "close" collaboration and cooperation between the British and Irish governments was "not just desirable, but absolutely essential".

However, a UK government source said any bid to return asylum seekers from Ireland would be rejected unless France agreed to do the same with boats crossing the Channel.

"We won't accept any asylum returns from the EU via Ireland until the EU accepts that we can send them back to France," the source said.

It comes as figures showed the number of migrants that crossed the Channel in small boats during the first four months of the year was at its highest-ever level .

A major operation by the Home Office to detain migrants across the UK in preparation for their deportation to Rwanda had begun "weeks earlier than expected".

Ministers from both countries met in London on Monday as part of a pre-planned conference, involving Mr Martin and the Northern Ireland secretary, Chris Heaton-Harris.

However, a meeting between the UK home secretary, James Cleverly, and Ms McEntee, planned for Monday, was postponed late on Sunday night.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Heaton-Harris said the issue showed the Rwanda plan was "clearly working" as a deterrent, adding: "[It is] having some impact already - an impact that will obviously increase as the first flights take off for Rwanda."

But he promised the UK government would "monitor all this very closely and continue to work with the Irish Government on these matters".

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

'A global challenge'

Mr Martin said the UK government's Rwanda policy - which became law last week after much legal and political back-and-forth - had already impacted Ireland because people were "fearful" of staying in the UK.

"Maybe that's the impact it was designed to have," the former taoiseach told The Daily Telegraph.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Sky News on Sunday that the UK's Rwanda scheme was already working as a deterrent .

He also said the comments from Irish politicians showed that illegal migration was a "global challenge".

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"[That] is why you're seeing multiple countries talk about doing third country partnerships, looking at novel ways to solve this problem, and I believe [they] will follow where the UK has led," he said.

Mr Harris, who took over as taoiseach in April, is already facing pressure from voters to tackle migration in Ireland - which has seen anti-immigrant protests in recent months .

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Read more from Sky News: Dublin anti-immigrant camp 'not about racism' Irish PM apologises over Stardust nightclub fire

He has asked his justice minister to "bring proposals to cabinet to amend existing law regarding the designation of safe 'third countries' and allowing the return of inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK".

Irish ministers are expected to discuss emergency legislation on Tuesday.

The legislation is being drafted in response to an Irish High Court ruling that found Ireland designating the UK as a "safe third country" for returning asylum seekers, in the context of the Rwanda plan, is contrary to EU law.

Ms McEntee said she would seek government approval for the legislation to be "rapidly drafted so that the UK can again be designated as a safe country for returns".

"My department has been working on this as a priority since last month's High Court judgment and I intend that returns to the UK will recommence once the law is enacted," she added.

Related Topics

• Migrant Crisis
• Migrant crossings