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 (starting October 2026). 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 October 2026: just your passport. From October 2026: 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, starting October 2026, 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 October 2026 launch is confirmed for your dates
- 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 (starting October 2026).
Is my UK ETA valid in France?
No. UK ETA is for the United Kingdom only. France requires ETIAS (from October 2026) — a completely separate authorisation.