BRITISH tourists planning to jet off to France have been warned that they may need to pay extra fees to enter the country.
Holidaymakers are now being told that they must have a formal letter of invitation from the French resident they are planning on staying with.
The new rule applies to Brits and other non-EU citizens who will need to demonstrate they have a place to stay during their visit.
It can be proved by a hotel, hostel or Airbnb booking confirmation, but an official letter of invitation is required of anyone who is planning to stay with a relative or a friend.
The UK Foreign Office warned: "You may be asked to provide an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) from your host.
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"The French resident hosting you must get the ‘attestation d’accueil’ from their local mayor’s office, and send the original ‘attestation’ before you enter France."
The certificate will set Brits back by €30 (£25.70).
The French government explained that this is required under short-term, Type C visas.
Brits can travel to France for less than three months under this visa - except in exceptional circumstances.
But, the French government added that they are also required to hold other documents.
There vary according to the purpose of one's stay, but you must present your passport, visa, and other proof for your visit.
In this category comes the welcome invitation, proof that you have a sufficient amount of cash, and guarantees of your return - e.g. a return ticket.
Unlike Spain, it is not yet clear if Brits will be fined if they fail to produce these documents upon request in France.
Back in July 2023, Brits were warned that they had to pay £70 to enter the country under their new rules of having an official invitation letter.
The document must be issued by the police and provided to you by the person you plan to stay with and it costs €75.05 (£64.44).
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Brits were also warned that they couldn't apply for the letter themselves, as the person hosting you must declare that they are inviting you and are responsible for you.
Hosts need to submit the application form alongside a document confirming where they live, DNI and a copy of the guest's passport.
And there is an additional €7 (£6) fee to collect the document from the police station.
