The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union took effect on February 1, 2020, when a “transition” period began under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.

The purpose of this agreement was to set up a transition period until December 31, 2020 to prepare for the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU. During this period, European Union law continued to apply in the United Kingdom. The purpose of the transition period was to organise the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom while safeguarding the rights of UK and European citizens.

Until December 31, 2020, British nationals and their family members were able to come to France without any formalities.

As of January 1, 2021 and until September 30, 2021, British nationals and their family members will be able to enter France if they have a valid passport and documents proving that they are covered by the withdrawal agreement, if they do not yet have a residence permit or a travel document. If they are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, they will have to apply for a long-stay visa, a residence permit and a work permit, where appropriate, to enter and reside in France for more than 3 months.

Find our dedicated sheet ” Fact sheet : British nationals and their family members “

As of October 1, 2021, British nationals and their family members will have to be in possession of a valid passport and, if they reside in France, a residence permit or, if they arrive in France, a circulation document to come to France.

For more information on the content of the agreement, please visit the dedicated section of the EU Council website.