Documents for a London → Paris Trip in 2026
The classic London + Paris itinerary now requires two separate travel authorisations: a UK ETA for the London leg and ETIAS for the Paris leg (expected sometime in 2027). Whether you're taking the Eurostar or flying between cities, the paperwork is the same.
What you need for the London leg
A UK ETA is required for all visa-exempt visitors to the United Kingdom. £16 per person, applied for online at least 3 working days before travel. Valid for 2 years, allowing multiple entries.
What you need for the Paris leg
Before ETIAS launches: just your passport. From 2027 (when launched): an ETIAS authorisation (€20, free for kids and seniors), applied for at the official EU portal. ETIAS covers all Schengen countries, not just France.
The Eurostar and the border
On the Eurostar from London to Paris, you clear French border control before boarding in London (juxtaposed controls). You'll need to show your passport and, once ETIAS launches (expected sometime in 2027), your ETIAS will be checked at this point. EES biometrics will also be captured here.
A typical 7-day London + Paris itinerary
Document timeline:
- 3+ months out: ensure passports valid for 3+ months past return
- 4 weeks out: apply for UK ETA (~£16, mostly instant)
- 4 weeks out: apply for ETIAS once it launches (expected sometime in 2027)
- 1 week out: print or save confirmations of both authorisations
- At London check-in: passport check + ETA confirmed automatically
- At St Pancras Eurostar: French border check, ETIAS confirmed, EES biometrics captured
Find out what your family needs
Four quick questions. Personalised per family member. Tells you exactly what to apply for and when — UK ETA, ETIAS, EES, or nothing.
Take the quizCommon questions
Do I need a French visa for a London-Paris trip?
No — for visa-exempt nationals (US, Canada, Australia, UK citizens), you don't need a visa. You need a UK ETA for the UK portion and ETIAS for the France portion (expected from 2027, once launched).
Is my UK ETA valid in France?
No. UK ETA is for the United Kingdom only. France requires ETIAS (from 2027 (once launched)) — a completely separate authorisation.