The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits heading to France – and it concerns a UK issued Blue Badge
The sun rises over a hazy morning in Paris(Image: 2025 Anadolu/Getty Images)
The Foreign Office has issued fresh guidance for those travelling to France. The European nation welcomes millions of visitors annually and sits just a brief flight away from Britain.
The travel authority’s latest update focuses on UK-issued Blue Badges. It offers counsel regarding travel risks, helping individuals make well-informed choices before their journey.
The Blue Badge scheme enables those with serious mobility challenges to park nearer to their intended destinations. Whether you’re behind the wheel or a passenger, the badge applies to street parking and excludes car parks.
READ MORE: Birmingham Council accused of ‘stitch-up’ consultation on divisive park proposals
Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp
Eligibility for a Blue Badge extends to those with physical disabilities or health conditions that compromise safe walking ability, or individuals living with hidden conditions like dementia, autism or Parkinson’s disease. The Foreign Office states: “If you are visiting France, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.
“Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The government department advised that when parking, travellers should keep any necessary supporting documents to hand, including medical certificates or Blue Badge translations, particularly when visiting nations with more stringent parking regulations. For a number of European destinations, the Foreign Office has revised the safety and security guidance on Gov.uk, noting: “If you are visiting [country] you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.”
The nations are listed below:.
You can submit an application for or refresh a Blue Badge via the official GOV.UK portal. You will be required to supply:.
Officers issue immediate penalties for motoring violations, including exceeding speed limits. You can utilise a UK photocard driving licence to operate a vehicle in France.
If you continue to hold a paper driving licence, you may be required to upgrade it to a photocard licence or obtain the appropriate version of the international driving permit (IDP) alongside it.