Post-Brexit British visitors to France may be asked to show proof of their accommodation, including an official certificate obtained in advance if they are staying with friends or family, once Covid-related travel restrictions are lifted.
The rule, which has applied to British travellers since the UK left the EU, requires anyone in France hosting non-EU nationals to complete an attestation d’accueil form and submit it for approval to their town hall, a process that can take up to a month.
Once stamped and returned, the form, which costs €30 (£26) and requires supporting documents such as proof of address, income and right of residence, must then be forwarded to the guest so they can show it at the border if asked to do so.
Second homeowners and holidaymakers staying in hotels or rented accommodation will not need the attestation, but may equally be asked to provide evidence of where they will be staying in France, such as a utility bill or confirmation of their booking.
It is not clear to what extent the rule, which is consistent with Schengen zone border requirements for third-country nationals and has long applied to visitors to France from countries such as the US, will be implemented for British travellers in practice.
But accounts of mistreatment of EU citizens in the UK suggest the chance of tougher border checks in the future cannot be excluded and the British government has advised travellers, including those staying with friends or family, to follow the rules.
“British nationals visiting France should be prepared to show proof of accommodation at the border such as a hotel booking confirmation or an attestation d’accueil certificate, if staying with a host,” a government spokesperson said.
They added that travellers should check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice for details of Covid-related requirements and restrictions, and noted that the FCDO currently advised against all but essential travel to France.
Border control officers are also entitled to ask non-EU visitors to show they have a return ticket or evidence of the funds to buy one, as well as proof that they can cover the costs of their stay and have adequate health insurance.
The spokesperson said the British government was currently “seeking urgent clarity” from the French government on exactly what the healthcare insurance requirements were for British tourists staying in private accommodation.
“All British nationals should continue to ensure they have a valid EHIC or GHIC (global health insurance card) and obtain travel insurance that meets all their needs when travelling to the EU,” the spokesperson added.
Only one attestation d’accueil is required per family, but groups of friends will need one each, according to campaign group Rift. Some travellers, including people coming to France because of the serious illness or death of a relative, are exempt.