You may have heard that changes are coming in 2025 on how the United Kingdom and the European Union control their borders. Note: Irish passport holders will not require an ETA due to the Common Travel Area (CTA).
The key changes are as follows:
Entering the UK for a short stay / ETA:
There are important changes to be aware of if travelling to the UK. If you don’t need a visa and you are travelling for a short stay of less than six months, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is a digital permission to travel.
Non-European Visitors: An ETA will be mandatory for travel to the UK from 8 January 2025
European Visitors: An ETA will be mandatory for travel to the UK from 2 April 2025
You can check your ETA requirements and apply on the official UK government website.
Irish passport holders will not require an ETA due to the Common Travel Area (CTA).
Full details on making an ETA application can be found here.
Entering the EU / EES and ETIAS:
The EU is introducing two new border management systems:
- Entry Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals: European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders from 12 Ocotber 2025. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026. Check the official Entry/Exit System website for more details.
- European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for people from visa-exempt non-EU countries, such as the UK. This will require an application, for which a small fee is payable, for an ETIAS authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay (defined as up to 90 days within any 180 day period). Check the official ETIAS website for more details.
If you're travelling on the Dover Calais ferry route, it's important to ensure you have the correct passport, visa, and travel documentation before departure. Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality and destination.
EU Citizens: UK Entry Requirements and Travel Documents
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens travelling from Calais to Dover must carry a valid passport to enter the UK. Your passport should remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in Britain.
Do EU Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can visit the UK for holidays and short stays without a visa in many cases. However, depending on the purpose and length of your visit, a visa may be required.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Most eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. You may be exempt from the ETA requirement if you:
- Hold UK immigration status
- Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
- Qualify under one of the UK Government's exemption categories
- Irish citizens with a valid Irish passport
Can EU Citizens Travel Using a National ID Card?
No. In most cases, EU, EEA, and Swiss national identity cards are not accepted for entry into the UK. Travellers should carry a valid passport when travelling on the Dover–Calais route.
British Citizens: Passport and Visa Requirements for France
British citizens travelling from Dover to Calais must ensure their passport meets France's entry requirements.
UK Passport Validity Rules for France - your passport must:
- Have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry into France.
- Be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date from France.
Before travelling, check both the passport issue date and expiry date carefully.
Do British Citizens Need a Visa for France?
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits to France and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You may need a visa, permit, or additional documentation if you plan to:
- Stay longer than 90 days
- Work in France
- Study in France
- Travel for certain business purposes
We recommend checking the latest travel requirements using the French Government Visa Checker and UK Government travel advice for France.
Entry/Exit System (EES) for Travel to Europe
The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border system that replaces traditional passport stamping for non-EU nationals.
The Entry Exit Scheme Europe registers all non-EU nationals entering for short stays. The system includes biometric checks, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. This data will be collected on your first trip to the EU and once registered, your EES travel pass linked to your passport will be valid for up to three years, meaning future trips will only require a quick fingerprint or photo check.
Non-EU passengers using Irish Ferries should factor in additional time for EES travel checks. On the Dover - Calais route, checks will occur before departure in Dover.
Non-EU Nationals: Passport and Visa Requirements
Non-EU nationals travelling on the Dover to Calais route should check entry requirements well before departure.
What Travel Documents Are Required?
Depending on your nationality, you may require:
- A valid passport
- A visa for France
- A UK visa
- A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Additional supporting documents
Apply for Travel Authorisations Early
Visa and travel authorisation applications can take time to process. To avoid delays or disruption to your plans, we strongly recommend arranging all required documentation several weeks before travel.
For the latest information:
- Check the French Government Visa Checker for travel to France.
- Visit the UK Government website for travel advice for France..
Quick Guide: Dover to Calais Passport and Visa Requirements
EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens
- Valid passport required for UK entry
- ETA may be required
- National ID cards are generally not accepted
British Citizens
- Valid UK passport required
- No visa needed for tourist visits up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Passport must meet Schengen validity requirements
Non-EU Nationals
- Valid passport required
- Visa and ETA requirements depend on nationality
