Home » France Travel News » France Rolls Back Intrusive Border Questions, Offering a More Streamlined and Efficient Travel Experience for British Tourists Amid New EU System

Published on
October 18, 2025

In a significant development for British tourists, France has decided to ease the stringent border control procedures introduced under the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). Initially met with concerns over lengthy delays and confusion, the new system will now see a major revision, allowing smoother travel for visitors from the UK and beyond. The change follows widespread criticism and comes as a welcome relief to travellers who were initially concerned about the extra layers of bureaucracy at French borders.

What Is the European Entry/Exit System?

The European Entry/Exit System (EES), launched on October 12, 2023, was designed to enhance security within the Schengen Area, primarily for non-EU nationals travelling to Europe for short stays. The system tracks the movements of visitors by requiring them to register their fingerprints and passports at kiosks at key entry points, including airports and train stations. The EES applies to travellers entering for short stays—defined as up to 90 days within a 180-day period—by streamlining the entry process and improving border control management across Europe.

While the EES is intended to bolster security and manage tourism more effectively, it introduced additional complexities for travellers. A key issue arose from the questions imposed on passengers when entering France, asking for details about return tickets, accommodation, sufficient funds, and travel insurance. These questions created unnecessary complications, especially for those who hadn’t fully planned their stay before departure.

Border Control Confusion and Passenger Backlash

The introduction of these mandatory questions raised concerns about potential delays at France’s border points. Tourists, particularly those arriving by train via Eurostar or through other entry points like airports, found themselves being questioned on whether they had pre-booked accommodation, secured a return ticket, and whether they had sufficient funds for their stay. For travellers who had not fully arranged their accommodation, this could mean additional questioning or even being barred from entering the country, creating a sense of uncertainty and frustration among passengers.

Critics argued that this process added unnecessary red tape and could lead to lengthy queues, especially during busy travel periods. The additional checks were perceived as an inconvenience for tourists who had already undergone several layers of security checks before reaching their destination. Eurostar, which operates high-speed train services between the UK and France, voiced concerns over the potential delays that the questioning would cause for passengers.

France Reverses the Policy Amid Growing Concerns

After receiving substantial feedback from both travellers and industry stakeholders, French authorities have decided to scale back on the invasive questioning. Instead of subjecting every passenger to the full set of questions, only those who are deemed to require additional checks will face further interrogation. This policy change is expected to apply at least until April 2024, after which further adjustments may be made.

The decision to relax the border control measures comes after significant pressure from travel operators, with Eurostar playing a key role in discussions with French officials. The aim is to make the entry process more efficient and less intrusive for travellers, allowing them to pass through borders without unnecessary delays or complications. This shift towards a more focused, targeted approach at the border is seen as a step in the right direction for the future of cross-border travel within Europe.

A New Pragmatic Approach to Border Control

This policy reversal marks a more pragmatic approach to border control at France’s borders, responding directly to the issues raised by passengers and travel operators. By making the questioning process less systematic, France is aiming to ensure that security remains tight without overburdening travellers with unnecessary paperwork and questions. The changes indicate that the authorities are listening to feedback and are willing to adjust the system to improve the travel experience.

The move has been welcomed by many, with travel experts noting that it will likely result in fewer delays, smoother passenger flows, and less confusion at key border points. This is particularly important for passengers on high-speed services like Eurostar, where time is of the essence and delays can have a far-reaching impact on onward travel plans.

What Does This Mean for British Tourists?

For British tourists, this adjustment will make travel to France far less stressful. The requirement to answer detailed questions about return tickets, accommodation, and insurance no longer applies to all travellers. Instead, only those flagged as needing extra checks will be subjected to further scrutiny. This should lead to faster processing at border points, reducing wait times and eliminating the anxiety that many felt about being turned away.

However, travellers should still be mindful that the EES system is in its early stages, and additional refinements are likely as the system matures. Full implementation, including biometric data collection at more border points, is scheduled for completion by April 2026, meaning that while the process is improving, further changes may occur as the system evolves.

What’s Next for Border Control in France?

While the current changes represent a positive step forward, the EES system is still being rolled out across Europe. Over the next few years, the system will be implemented at more airports, train stations, and other entry points, with full integration expected by 2026. As the system develops, there will likely be further adjustments to improve its efficiency and ease of use for both passengers and border authorities.

For British tourists and other non-EU nationals, it is important to stay informed about future updates to the EES system. While the recent policy change makes travel to France more manageable, ensuring that all travel documentation and requirements are in order will remain important. The shift towards more streamlined procedures bodes well for the future, with fewer disruptions and more straightforward travel to France.

Final Thoughts

The French government’s decision to relax the intrusive questions under the new European Entry/Exit System is a significant win for British tourists and other travellers to France. The move represents a shift towards a more balanced, pragmatic approach to border control, allowing for tighter security without compromising the travel experience. As the EES continues to evolve, tourists can expect an increasingly smooth journey when entering France, making their trips more enjoyable and stress-free.