Eurotunnel Brexit Guide: Travelling Between the UK and France
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The UK’s departure from the European Union changed several aspects of travelling between Britain and mainland Europe. If you are planning a holiday, a business trip or a day trip to Paris from London, it is important to understand the current passport, immigration and travel-document requirements before you leave.
This Eurotunnel Brexit guide explains the main points to check when travelling through Eurotunnel LeShuttle, the vehicle shuttle service connecting Folkestone in Kent with Coquelles near Calais in France. It also explains how to plan your onward journey from London to Paris and other destinations in France.
Travel requirements depend on your nationality, residence status, destination and reason for travelling. Always confirm the requirements that apply to you with the relevant authorities before departure.
What Does Brexit Mean for Eurotunnel Travel?
Brexit is no longer an upcoming event. The UK has left the European Union, and travellers must follow the applicable UK and EU border, immigration and customs rules.
Eurotunnel LeShuttle continues to carry vehicles and their passengers through the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone and Coquelles. Travellers should check their travel documents, complete any required passenger information and allow sufficient time for check-in and border procedures.
Brexit does not mean that travelling between the UK and France is no longer possible. However, British citizens travelling to France must comply with the applicable Schengen entry conditions, while visitors entering the UK must meet UK immigration requirements.
For the latest information about travelling to France, consult the UK Government’s France entry requirements guidance.
Passport and Entry Requirements After Brexit
Before travelling through Eurotunnel LeShuttle, check that every passenger has the correct travel documents. Requirements vary according to nationality, immigration status and the purpose and length of the trip.
Passport validity when travelling to France
For British citizens travelling to France for a short visit, a passport generally needs to have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and remain valid for at least three months after the intended departure date from the Schengen area. Special circumstances and different nationalities may be subject to different rules.
Check your passport well before departure. Do not assume that a passport is acceptable simply because the expiry date has not passed.
Do you need a visa to visit France?
British citizens can generally visit the Schengen area for tourism and certain other short-stay purposes for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Time spent in other Schengen countries also counts towards the limit.
Different rules apply to employment, longer stays, study and certain other activities. Other nationalities may need a visa or additional authorisation. Check the requirements for every country on your itinerary.
Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK
Some visitors travelling to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. An ETA is a UK entry requirement, not a general permit for entering France. Eligibility depends on nationality and immigration status, and exemptions apply.
Check the latest eligibility and application information on the official UK ETA website before travelling to the UK.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES): What Travellers Should Know
The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) began operating on 12 October 2025. It records the entry and exit of eligible non-EU nationals making short stays in participating European countries, including France.
British citizens travelling to the Schengen area for short stays may need to register biometric details, such as a facial image and fingerprints, at the border. Exemptions apply, including to certain people holding qualifying residence status.
When travelling through LeShuttle, follow the instructions given at the terminal and allow extra time for border formalities. The process may take longer during busy periods, and procedures can evolve as the system is implemented.
You do not need to buy an EES authorisation. For current official information, see the UK Government’s EU Entry/Exit System guidance.
Preparing for Your Eurotunnel LeShuttle Crossing
Good preparation helps make your journey through the Channel Tunnel more straightforward. Before travelling, work through this checklist.
- Check that every passenger has the required valid passport and any necessary visa or travel authorisation.
- Provide the passenger information required for your LeShuttle booking before the stated deadline.
- Check your booking reference, crossing time and check-in instructions.
- Allow sufficient time for check-in, immigration and customs procedures.
- Review current travel advice and any disruption affecting your route.
- If driving, check that your vehicle documents, insurance and driving licence are suitable for travel in France.
- Check French road regulations and any local emissions-zone requirements for your destination.
- Arrange suitable travel insurance and keep important documents accessible.
LeShuttle carries vehicles and passengers through the Channel Tunnel. It is different from Eurostar, which operates passenger trains between London St Pancras International and destinations on the European rail network.
For check-in instructions and the operator’s latest requirements, visit the official LeShuttle pre-travel checklist.
Travelling from London to Paris After Brexit
Paris remains a popular destination for London residents, international visitors, families and business travellers. Depending on your starting point, schedule, luggage and preferences, you can travel between London and Paris by train, coach, air or a private road transfer.
The best option depends on the full journey rather than the ticket price alone. Consider travel to and from stations or airports, luggage, passenger numbers, border formalities and your final destination.
Choosing the right transport
- Train: A practical option for travellers whose destinations are convenient for central London and Paris railway stations.
- Coach: May suit passengers looking for a lower-cost scheduled service and who are comfortable with fixed departure times.
- Air travel: Can be suitable for onward journeys, although airport transfers and check-in time should be included in the overall plan.
- Private road transfer: May suit families, groups, business travellers or passengers who prefer a pre-arranged vehicle and a journey planned around their pickup and destination.
For further information about road travel options, visit our London to Paris transport guide.
London to Paris Private Transfers with Heathrow Gatwick Cars
Heathrow Gatwick Cars (HGC) provides private-hire transport services in the UK. If you are planning a journey from London to Paris or another destination in France, contact us to discuss your itinerary and whether your requested international transfer can be arranged.
An international road journey requires more planning than a standard airport transfer. Before confirming a booking, the route, Channel crossing arrangements, passenger documentation, vehicle suitability, operating permissions, availability and full price must be agreed.
When requesting a quotation, please provide:
- Your pickup address and requested departure date and time.
- Your destination address in France.
- The number of passengers and amount of luggage.
- Any child-seat, accessibility or special travel requirements.
- Whether you require a one-way or return journey.
- Your preferred vehicle type, if applicable.
Do not assume that the Channel crossing, parking, waiting time, return travel or other costs are included until these details have been confirmed in writing.
Travelling to France with a Dog
If you intend to travel to France with a dog or another pet, check the applicable animal-health and border requirements well before departure. Depending on the animal and circumstances, requirements may include microchipping, rabies vaccination and an accepted animal health certificate or other recognised documentation.
Dogs may also need tapeworm treatment within the specified period before entering certain destinations, including Great Britain on return from France. Requirements depend on the direction of travel and the destination.
Read our related guide: Travelling to France with a Dog.
Always verify the latest rules with the relevant government authority and your transport operator before travelling with a pet.
Official Eurotunnel Brexit and France Travel Information
Border rules, immigration requirements and travel procedures can change. The following official resources are useful when preparing for a trip between the UK and France.
- LeShuttle: Travel documents and passenger requirements
- LeShuttle: Pre-travel checklist
- GOV.UK: France entry requirements
- GOV.UK: EU Entry/Exit System
- GOV.UK: Electronic Travel Authorisation
Use these resources to verify the requirements applicable to your nationality, residence status, travel dates and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eurotunnel Brexit Travel
Has Brexit changed travel through Eurotunnel?
Yes. Travellers must meet the relevant passport, immigration and customs requirements following the UK’s departure from the EU. LeShuttle continues to operate between Folkestone and Coquelles. Check the latest official travel guidance before departure.
Do I need a passport to travel through Eurotunnel to France?
A valid passport is required for most travellers using LeShuttle. Check the operator’s current document requirements and the entry rules that apply to your nationality and immigration status.
Do British citizens need a visa for a holiday in France?
British citizens generally do not need a visa for short tourist visits to the Schengen area of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Different rules apply to longer stays, employment and certain other activities.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System?
The Entry/Exit System is a digital border system used to record eligible non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen area for short stays. Some travellers may need to register biometric details at the border. Follow the latest official instructions.
Can I travel from London to Paris by private car?
A private road journey may be possible depending on the transport provider, route, vehicle, crossing arrangements and operating permissions. Confirm all arrangements and the complete fare with your provider before booking.
Can I take my dog through Eurotunnel to France?
Pets may travel when the applicable animal-health documentation, vaccination and other entry requirements are met. Check the current rules for both the outward and return journeys before travelling.
Where can I find the latest Eurotunnel travel requirements?
Consult the official LeShuttle website and GOV.UK’s France entry requirements and foreign travel advice. These sources provide current information about travel documents, border procedures and relevant changes.
