These recent updates highlight additional documentation that may be required when entering France, the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), and temporary border controls currently in place at Germany's land borders.
Staying with Family or Friends in France
If you are staying with family, friends or another private host in France, you may be asked to provide a welcome invitation, known as an Attestation d'Accueil.
The document:Must be obtained by your French host from their local town hall (Mairie).
Must be sent to you before travel.
May be requested by French border officials as proof of your accommodation arrangements.
Travellers staying in private accommodation should ensure this paperwork is in place before departure.
Visiting a Second Home in France
Those travelling to a second home in France may be required to show evidence of ownership or tenancy.
Examples include:
Property tax documents
Utility bills
Tenancy agreements
Other official documentation confirming ownership or occupancy
Keeping copies of these documents readily available can help avoid delays should they be requested during border checks.
Documents Border Officials May Request
When entering France, you may also be asked to provide:
Utility bills
Tenancy agreements
Other official documentation confirming ownership or occupancy
Keeping copies of these documents readily available can help avoid delays should they be requested during border checks.
Documents Border Officials May Request
When entering France, you may also be asked to provide:
Proof of travel insurance
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Proof of accommodation
Return or onward travel tickets
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen Area, including France.
Under EES, UK travellers making short visits may be required to register biometric information such as:
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Proof of accommodation
Return or onward travel tickets
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen Area, including France.
Under EES, UK travellers making short visits may be required to register biometric information such as:
A facial photograph
Fingerprints (where applicable)
The new system replaces passport stamping and creates a digital record of entry and exit.
Travellers should note:
✅ Registration is free of charge.
✅ No action is required before travel.
✅ Your digital record remains valid for three years.
✅ Additional processing time may be required at border crossings.
If travelling via Dover, Eurotunnel or Eurostar, biometric information may be collected before you leave the UK.
Travelling Onward to Germany?
Those driving or travelling through Europe should be aware that temporary border controls remain in place at Germany's land borders.
As a result:Border checks may be conducted at crossings into Germany.
Travellers should carry passports and supporting travel documentation.
Additional journey time should be expected.
Germany-Poland Border Checks
Anyone travelling onward between Germany and Poland should also be aware that Poland has introduced checks on the Germany-Poland border.
Vehicles may be stopped and documentation examined by border authorities, which could result in delays.
Check Your Passport Before Travel
For travel to France and the wider Schengen Area, ensure your passport:
✅ Was issued less than 10 years before the date of arrival.
✅ Has at least three months' validity beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
Whether you're travelling on leave, visiting family, heading to a second home, or driving across Europe, ensure you have all required documentation with you and allow additional time for border checks.
Always check the latest GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice relevant to the country/countries being travelled to or through, before departure. See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Fingerprints (where applicable)
The new system replaces passport stamping and creates a digital record of entry and exit.
Travellers should note:
✅ Registration is free of charge.
✅ No action is required before travel.
✅ Your digital record remains valid for three years.
✅ Additional processing time may be required at border crossings.
If travelling via Dover, Eurotunnel or Eurostar, biometric information may be collected before you leave the UK.
Travelling Onward to Germany?
Those driving or travelling through Europe should be aware that temporary border controls remain in place at Germany's land borders.
As a result:Border checks may be conducted at crossings into Germany.
Travellers should carry passports and supporting travel documentation.
Additional journey time should be expected.
Germany-Poland Border Checks
Anyone travelling onward between Germany and Poland should also be aware that Poland has introduced checks on the Germany-Poland border.
Vehicles may be stopped and documentation examined by border authorities, which could result in delays.
Check Your Passport Before Travel
For travel to France and the wider Schengen Area, ensure your passport:
✅ Was issued less than 10 years before the date of arrival.
✅ Has at least three months' validity beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
Whether you're travelling on leave, visiting family, heading to a second home, or driving across Europe, ensure you have all required documentation with you and allow additional time for border checks.
Always check the latest GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice relevant to the country/countries being travelled to or through, before departure. See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice