You can travel to France for vacation, work, or other reasons if you live in the UK. Nonetheless, there are a few important things that one must keep in mind:
What you need to Visit France from UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)?
When planning a trip to France, it is important to check the validity of your passport to make sure that it will remain valid throughout your stay.
It is recommended that your passport remains valid for at least six months. In terms of visa requirements, as of my most recent update in January 2022, UK nationals travelling to France for business, pleasure, or family visits are not required to have a visa for visits that last up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay for a longer period or for other reasons, you may need to apply for a visa. It is always advisable to visit the official website of the French Embassy or Consulate in the UK to clarify the current criteria for visas.
When traveling to France, it is best to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers your health.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): EHIC cards are no longer valid due to the UK’s exit from the EU. Applying for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will pay for any essential medical care while in France, is a better option. In addition to GHIC, having travel insurance is advised.
Travel Plans: Make travel plans that include the length of your visit, lodging, and schedule.
Transport: There are several ways to get from the UK to France, including air, train, boat, and even the Channel Tunnel. Make sure all of your travel arrangements and tickets are in order.
Currency: The Euro is the currency used in France. If you don’t have any euros with you, you can use French ATMs to get cash.
Language: It’s useful to acquire some basic French phrases even though many people in France speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Travel Documents: Bring along all the paperwork you’ll need, such as your passport, GHIC, and any applicable visas.
Customs laws: Learn about the laws governing customs in the UK and France. There can be restrictions on how much duty-free merchandise you are allowed to bring.
Safety precautions include having a copy of critical contacts and papers on hand in case of an emergency and being familiar with the local emergency numbers.
COVID-19 Considerations: Review the most recent COVID-19 regulations and France’s entry requirements. These are subject to change, so it’s critical to stay informed about any new health and safety regulations or travel restrictions.
Note that: It's important to keep in mind that travel regulations and requirements can change, so it's advisable to verify the most up-to-date information before your trip. You can do this by visiting the official websites of the UK and France, and it's a good idea to consult with your travel agent for the latest updates.
Can I visit France using NHS?
Yes, you can use your NHS (National Health Service) coverage to obtain essential healthcare services while in France for a brief visit as a UK resident, such as for tourism or business. For medically necessary treatments while you are temporarily visiting another European Economic Area (EEA) nation, such as France, the NHS offers coverage.
You should have documentation of your NHS coverage with you when you travel to France, such as an NHS card or a letter from your general practitioner, and be ready to give your NHS number when you need medical attention. Usually, emergency and necessary medical care is covered by this coverage.
Nonetheless, having travel insurance is always a good idea because it can cover non-medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other trip-related expenses.
Longer stays or particular objectives, such as employment or study in France, may require you to take residency and visa requirements into account, and access to healthcare may be governed by different regulations. The French Embassy or Consulate in the UK is a good place to start for the most recent information about travel arrangements.