What impact will this have on your travels?

Passport for tourist stays of less than 6 months

If you plan to visit the UK for more than 6 months to work, live or study, you’ll need a long-stay visa to cross the border. However, check the British visa information portal to see if the nature of your stay requires a visa, as the visa you apply for depends on your situation.

French people living in the UK for more than 5 years

The 300,000 French nationals among 3 million Europeans who live in the land of Shakespeare and who have already lived there for at least 5 years will be able to retain their right to live and work in the UK. And for an unlimited period. They will be able to obtain settled status (permanent resident status). To apply for this status, the British authorities require proof of at least 6 months’ residence in the UK in the last few months. Permanent resident status also means that you can stay outside the UK for up to 5 consecutive years without losing your rights.

French people living in the UK for less than 5 years

It’s a little more complicated for French nationals who have been living in the UK for less than 5 years. If they wish to retain their rights to work, residence and social benefits guaranteed by the Withdrawal Agreement, they must apply for pre-settled status (temporary residence) until they can apply for settled status after 5 years’ residence in the territory. Temporary resident status implies having resided on the other side of the Channel during the 6 months preceding the application, and not having settled after December 31, 2020. Note also that you must not spend more than 2 consecutive years outside the country, otherwise you will automatically lose your status.

Access to health care

If you were a French resident in the UK before December 31, 2020, you will continue to have access to the National Health Service.

If your trip began before December 31, 2020, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will remain valid until the end of your stay to limit your healthcare costs in the event of hospitalization.

But if you’re planning to travel to the UK after January 1, 2021, you’ll need to pay close attention to what happens next! You can continue to use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in the event of health problems during your stay, until it expires (so check the date before you leave).

You will also need additional travel insurance to cover medical expenses not covered by the European Health Insurance Card. Also, if your EHIC is about to expire and you’re still traveling, taking out travel insurance will enable you to be reimbursed for healthcare costs or repatriation. If you don’t have travel insurance, even very high private hospital bills cannot be covered under any circumstances. A bad fall while watching Big Ben could cost you an arm!

Changes for students

Since 1987, the UK has taken part in the Erasmus program, which enables French and European students to study at British universities. Following the Brexit, the Erasmus exchange program has ended since January 1, 2021.

If you want to study in the UK for more than 6 months, you’ll need a student visa, but that’s not all! To obtain it and be accepted into a higher education institution, you’ll need to speak, read, write and understand English to a certain level. You’ll also need to be able to insure and finance your schooling. Fees currently range from 7,000 to 8,000 euros per year.

What’s in it for the British?

British residents on the Old Continent are also seeing changes. Currently, over 1.3 million Britons live in the European Union.

British nationals who have been in France for more than 5 years before December 31, 2020 will simply have to apply for a residence permit before July 31, 2021 to remain in France. This will read “United Kingdom Withdrawal Agreement from the European Union”.

British nationals wishing to come and live in France after January 1, 2021 will also need a long-stay visa, a residence permit and a work permit to stay in the country for more than 3 months.

Good to know: the fall in the value of the pound is making the destination more attractive! London will therefore remain a very accessible city for European travelers. The bustling British capital is keen to maintain its appeal to French tourists and business travelers alike.

So if you’re planning to go to London soon, don’t forget your passport if you don’t want to get stuck at the airport!

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