British citizens who own second homes in France could soon get relief from post-Brexit visa restrictions under new legislation passed by French lawmakers.
Relief After Pressure from French Politicians
The French Senate and National Assembly voted to automatically grant long-stay visas to British property owners in France.
This would allow them to spend as much time as they want in the country without it counting towards the 90-day limit for the rest of the Schengen Area.
The move comes after pressure from French politicians who have many British-owned properties in their constituencies.
Forced Time Abroad For British Homeowners
Since Brexit, British visitors can only spend 90 out of 180 days in the Schengen Area before they must leave.
This has forced some British homeowners in France to spend long stints abroad to comply with the 90-day limit.
Some have gone on holidays to Egypt because they can’t legally remain in their French residences.
After hitting the 90-day maximum in October, British residents would have to stay out of France and all Schengen countries for the first three months of 2023.
France requires long-stay visas for stays over 90 days for any purpose. However, these have been slow, expensive, and difficult for British citizens to obtain.
Campaigners Welcome the Move
Campaign groups like France Visa Free have lobbied hard for visa relief for British property owners.
“This is a huge step in the right direction,” said group spokesperson Stephen Jolly. “It recognizes that those with a home in France should be allowed to live there as they did pre-Brexit.”
Jolly said the current visa process is unreasonable since French citizens can spend six months in the UK without owning property there.
More Changes Sought
The new French law only covers British homeowners.
France Visa Free wants the government to ease restrictions for all UK visitors planning extended stays.
The UK recently lifted its ban on French citizens using ID cards to enter Britain.
This came after a near-total drop in educational visits from the EU due to passport requirements.
ETIAS Looms for British Travelers
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) starts in May 2025.
It will require British visitors to get pre-travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area.
ETIAS could further complicate travel for British citizens staying over 90 days in France.
They may need both a French long-stay visa and an ETIAS for the rest of Europe.
Tighter Immigration Control Across Europe
France’s selective visa easing highlights growing friction over European Union (EU) immigration policies post-Brexit.
While simplifying stays for British homeowners, France still wants tighter control over other UK migrants.
The UK and EU continue balancing immigration control with travel freedom.
However, easing barriers for select groups like homeowners and students remains contentious.
Travel Rules Still in Flux
The French Parliament’s move to automatically provide long-stay visas to British homeowners provides relief after post-Brexit travel limits.
However, campaigners say that more must be done for British visitors without property in France.
Both countries continue adjusting cross-border travel rules.