What are the consequences of Brexit?

Since 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom has no longer been part of the European single market, and freedom of movement between the UK and the European Union has ended. For French and other EU citizens, Brexit mainly affects travel requirements, moving to the UK, working and studying in the UK.

Short tourist stays remain relatively straightforward, but moving to or working in the UK now requires, in most cases, an appropriate immigration status or visa.

Travelling to the UK after Brexit

French citizens and many other EU citizens can still travel to the UK for a short stay without applying for a visitor visa. For tourism, visiting family or friends and certain other permitted activities, stays can generally last up to 6 months.

Brexit has nevertheless introduced two important changes: a passport is now the standard travel document, and most European travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling.

Do you need a passport to travel to the UK?

Yes. In most cases, French and other EU citizens must present a passport valid for the entire duration of their stay to enter the UK.

Some people whose rights are protected under the EU Settlement Scheme can still travel using an EU national identity card. The document used must be correctly linked to their UK Visas and Immigration account where required.

Do you need an ETA after Brexit?

Yes, in most cases. French citizens and many other Europeans travelling to the UK without a visa must obtain a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before their trip.

The ETA is electronically linked to the passport used for the application. It allows travel to the UK for stays of up to 6 months depending on the purpose of the visit, but it is not a visa and does not give you the right to move to or work freely in the UK.

Living in the UK after Brexit

The main consequence of Brexit for EU citizens wishing to move to the UK is the end of freedom of movement. A French citizen can therefore no longer simply move to the UK on the basis of EU citizenship alone.

The rules nevertheless depend on when you arrived and your immigration status.

You were already living in the UK before Brexit

EU citizens who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 were able to protect their rights through the EU Settlement Scheme and settled and pre-settled status.

Depending on the holder's circumstances, these statuses allow them to live, work and study in the UK and access certain services and benefits.

You want to move to the UK today

If you do not have rights under the EU Settlement Scheme or another right of residence, you will generally need to obtain a visa corresponding to the reason for your move.

There are several visa categories depending on your circumstances, including work, study, family, international mobility and routes for people with particular talents or skills.

Brexit has therefore not made it impossible to move to the UK, but EU citizens are now subject to the UK immigration system, like many other foreign nationals.

Working in the UK after Brexit

Since the end of freedom of movement, a French or other EU citizen who wants to come to the UK to work will generally need a visa or immigration status that gives them the right to work.

The Skilled Worker visa is one of the main routes for coming to the UK for employment, but it is not the only one.

The Skilled Worker visa

To obtain a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet several requirements, including having an offer for an eligible job from a UK employer authorised to sponsor overseas workers.

Your salary must also meet the requirements for the job. As a general rule, you currently need to earn at least £41,700 per year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is normally higher.

Different rules or lower salary thresholds may apply in certain circumstances, depending on factors such as the occupation, the applicant's circumstances or the sector.

New applicants for a Skilled Worker visa must generally demonstrate English language skills at least at B2 level. Different provisions apply in some cases, including for certain people who already held this visa before 8 January 2026.

Are there other visas for working in the UK?

Yes. Depending on your nationality, profession and plans, other routes may be available, such as the Global Talent visa, certain family visas or the Youth Mobility Scheme for eligible nationalities.

France does not currently participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme. French citizens therefore cannot use this visa solely on the basis of their French nationality.

If your goal is to work in the UK, our guide to finding a job in the UK explains the main steps to take.

Studying in the UK after Brexit

EU citizens coming to the UK for a long-term course no longer automatically benefit from the same conditions as before Brexit.

For many courses lasting more than 6 months, you now need to obtain a Student visa.

What are the requirements for a Student visa?

Applicants must, among other requirements, have been accepted by an education provider with a student sponsor licence and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). They must also meet the English language and financial requirements applicable to their circumstances.

The current financial requirements for living costs are:

• £1,529 per month in London;
• £1,171 per month outside London.

These amounts are required for up to 9 months, in addition to any outstanding course fees. Exemptions apply in certain circumstances.

A Student visa application currently costs £558. Applicants generally also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £776 per year for students. The total amount depends in particular on the length of the visa.

Do EU students pay higher tuition fees after Brexit?

Brexit has also changed the status of many EU students when it comes to university tuition fees. New students coming from the European Union are no longer automatically entitled to UK home fee status and may have to pay international student fees.

The rules nevertheless depend on immigration status, place of residence, when the student moved to the UK and other criteria. International fees should therefore not be considered an absolute rule for every EU citizen.

Healthcare in the UK after Brexit

Despite concerns at the time of Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can still be used in the UK in certain circumstances.

During a temporary stay, a valid EHIC issued by an EU country can provide access to medically necessary healthcare within the UK's public healthcare system, subject to the applicable rules.

For people moving to the UK on certain visas, access to the healthcare system generally involves paying the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the visa application. This then provides access to the NHS in the UK for the duration of the visa, subject to the rules and charges that continue to apply to certain services.

Driving in the UK after Brexit

Brexit does not prevent French or other European travellers from driving in the UK with a valid foreign driving licence.

Visitors with a valid French or EU driving licence can drive in the UK and generally do not need an International Driving Permit.

If you bring your own vehicle, you must also have valid insurance. If your vehicle is insured in the European Union, you should carry valid proof of insurance and check the conditions with your insurer before travelling.

FAQ about the consequences of Brexit

Do you need a visa to visit the UK after Brexit?

Not necessarily. For tourism or a short visit, French citizens can generally stay in the UK for up to 6 months without applying for a visitor visa. However, an ETA is generally required before travelling.

Can you travel to the UK with a national identity card?

In most cases, no: French and other EU citizens must travel with a valid passport. However, some people whose rights are protected under the EU Settlement Scheme can continue to use a national identity card under certain conditions.

Can you work in the UK without a visa after Brexit?

An EU citizen who does not already have the right to work in the UK will generally need to obtain a visa that allows them to work. An ETA or entry as a visitor does not give you the right to come to the UK and freely take up employment.

Can you still move to the UK after Brexit?

Yes. However, you need an appropriate immigration status, such as a work, study or family visa, unless you already have another right of residence such as settled status or pre-settled status.

Does the European Health Insurance Card still work in the UK?

Yes. A valid EHIC issued by an EU country can still be used to access certain medically necessary healthcare services during a temporary stay. However, it is not a substitute for travel insurance.

Can you drive in the UK with a French driving licence?

Yes. Visitors can drive in the UK with a valid French driving licence and generally do not need an International Driving Permit.

Summary

Since Brexit, travelling to the UK remains relatively straightforward for French and other EU citizens, but moving to, working or studying in the UK involves more formalities.

• Travel: a passport and, in most cases, an ETA for a short visa-free stay.
• Moving to the UK: a visa or immigration status is generally required unless you already have protected rights.
• Work: freedom of movement has ended and new arrivals generally need a visa that allows them to work.
• Study: a Student visa is generally required for relevant courses, and new rules apply to university tuition fees.
• Healthcare: the EHIC remains useful for certain temporary stays, while the IHS applies to many long-term visas.
• Driving: visitors can continue to use a valid French driving licence in the UK.

Immigration rules can change quickly. Before travelling to the UK to work, study or settle there, always check the requirements that apply specifically to your nationality, immigration status and plans.