Passports and GHIC Cards
Passports
It is compulsory to have a valid passport to travel to France.
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Government website states:
Your passport must be:
Contact the French Embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements.
Renew your passport if you need to.
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Government website states:
Your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’) THIS IS CATCHING MANY PEOPLE OUT! see THIS LINK
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Contact the French Embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements.
Renew your passport if you need to.
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
The free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being phased out following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. In its place you can now get the similar, free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). You can still use an EHIC for now, but if you've not got one, you'll normally need to apply for a GHIC. Both cards get free or discounted medical care in all EU countries and Switzerland.
If you're a UK national living in the UK, they entitle the holder to the same medical treatment as a local citizen at state-run hospitals and GPs in any European Union country and Switzerland – extremely useful in emergencies.
While very useful, the GHIC and EHIC are only about medical cover and DO NOT REPLACE TRAVEL INSURANCE. They give you access to state-run hospitals which can be limited whereas travel insurance has a much wider level of cover.
A GHIC or EHIC doesn't always mean free treatment and where it doesn't, travel insurance usually covers it, especially if you are taken to a private hospital. Additionally, some travel insurers will insist you have a GHIC/EHIC.
If you're a UK national living in the UK, they entitle the holder to the same medical treatment as a local citizen at state-run hospitals and GPs in any European Union country and Switzerland – extremely useful in emergencies.
While very useful, the GHIC and EHIC are only about medical cover and DO NOT REPLACE TRAVEL INSURANCE. They give you access to state-run hospitals which can be limited whereas travel insurance has a much wider level of cover.
A GHIC or EHIC doesn't always mean free treatment and where it doesn't, travel insurance usually covers it, especially if you are taken to a private hospital. Additionally, some travel insurers will insist you have a GHIC/EHIC.
How to apply
You can apply for a free GHIC via the official NHS website – ther are many copycat websites that charge a fee so make sure you use the free Government service. it's currently taking up to 15 working days from the point of approval to receive a new card, so make sure that you apply well in advance of travel.
If you don't have your card for when you travel, but need treatment while away, you can apply for a 'provisional replacement certificate'.
If you don't have your card for when you travel, but need treatment while away, you can apply for a 'provisional replacement certificate'.
If you need treatment while you are away ALWAYS check you're being treated under the public (rather than private) healthcare system when you show your GHIC. Check carefully what you sign, particularly if you don't understand what it is, and be prepared to go elsewhere if you're refused public treatment.
If it's a medical emergency and as a result you're forced to pay for private treatment, gather as much evidence as possible. You can then contact the local British Embassy while abroad.
If it's a medical emergency and as a result you're forced to pay for private treatment, gather as much evidence as possible. You can then contact the local British Embassy while abroad.
If you lose your card, or it gets stolen, call 0300 330 1350 (from abroad call 0044 191 218 1999) or email [email protected].
