UK to France Caravan Travel 2025: Complete Post-Brexit Requirements Guide
- Caravan Coach
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
UK to France Caravan Travel offers incredible freedom to explore stunning regions from the Loire Valley's châteaux to Provence's lavender fields. However, post-Brexit travel means new requirements, different rules, and specific preparations that didn't exist before 2021. This guide follows the logical steps of planning your French caravan adventure, ensuring you're properly prepared for every aspect of your journey.
UK to France Caravan Travel - What's Changed Since Brexit
Why This Guide Matters: Brexit fundamentally altered how UK citizens travel to EU countries. Gone are the days of simply showing your passport and driving across. New documentation requirements, equipment checks, and advance planning are now essential to avoid costly delays or border refusal.
Key Changes for 2025:
Enhanced passport validity requirements with specific date calculations
New trailer registration requirements for caravans over 750kg (clarified August 2025)
Dozens of French cities implementing or expanding low-emission zones
Introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) beginning October 2025
The Stakes: Getting requirements wrong can result in border refusal, substantial fines, or having to turn back at Dover. French authorities are increasingly strict about enforcement, particularly for emissions zones and vehicle documentation.
Getting to France: Your Crossing Options
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle: Speed and Convenience
The Fastest Route: Eurotunnel runs between Folkestone and Calais in just 35 minutes - by far the quickest way to reach France with your caravan.
How It Works: Drive directly onto the train and stay with your vehicle throughout the crossing. Caravans are allocated space in single-deck carriages with wider entrances and twice the height of double-deck carriages.
Costs and Booking: Prices start from £94 for Short Stay Saver returns (5 days maximum), with day trip fares sometimes available from £59. Book at www.leshuttle.com or through Caravan and Motorhome Club for member discounts.
Practical Limits: Maximum combined vehicle and caravan length is 18m (59ft). LPG tanks up to 47kg permitted but must be less than 80% full and switched off during crossing.
Ferry Routes: More Space and Facilities
DFDS Options: Three routes available - Dover-Calais (1h 40m), Dover-Dunkirk (2h), and Newhaven-Dieppe (5h). Dover-Dunkirk is recommended for caravans as it's less crowded than Calais.
Brittany Ferries: Longer crossings from Portsmouth to Caen/St Malo, Plymouth to Roscoff, and Poole to Cherbourg (4.5-11 hours). These cruise ferries offer extensive facilities including restaurants, bars, and cabins.
P&O Ferries: Accommodates various caravan sizes with different categories from low trailers (<2m length) to large combinations (<8m length).
Ferry Benefits: Unlike the tunnel, ferries let you stretch your legs, access restaurants and shops, and some offer cabin accommodation for overnight crossings. No luggage limits and ability to move around during crossing.
Booking Links:
Brittany Ferries: www.brittany-ferries.co.uk
P&O Ferries: www.poferries.com/en
Making Your Choice
Speed vs Comfort: Tunnel offers fastest crossing but you stay in your vehicle. Ferries take longer but provide facilities and chance to relax.
Cost Planning: Ferry prices vary significantly by route, season and booking time. Book early as fares increase when sailings fill up. Consider total journey costs including fuel to different ports.
Peak Season: Summer crossings are expensive and crowded. Book 6-12 months ahead and consider mid-week travel for better prices.
Essential Documentation
Passport Requirements
Your British passport must meet strict post-Brexit criteria:
Issued within 10 years: Your passport must have been issued within 10 years of your arrival date in France.
Valid for at least 3 months: It must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Special warning: Passports renewed before October 2018 may not comply due to “carry-over” days affecting the 10-year rule.
UK citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Always verify documents meet current standards before travelling.
New Digital Border Systems
New for 2025: The Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin operations on 12th October 2025, with progressive rollout over six months, replacing passport stamps with biometric registration. First-time visitors will need to register fingerprints and facial images at border control.
Coming in 2026: ETIAS authorisation is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026, likely costing around €20 (£17), though no official start date has been confirmed yet.
Driving Documentation
UK Licence: Your standard UK photocard driving licence works for towing in France. Carry both parts if you have the older two-part licence. Consider an International Driving Permit for paper licences.
Vehicle Registration: Your V5C registration certificate (original, not photocopy) is essential for proving ownership and compliance.
Critical New Requirement: Following clarified GOV.UK guidance updated on 26th August 2025, all trailers and caravans over 750kg (1,653 lbs) must be registered with DVLA before European travel, requiring separate registration plates and certificates.
Important exceptions: Registration isn't required for travel only to/from Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, or Spain - however, if you're travelling through other European countries to reach these destinations, registration is still required. Check current DVLA guidance at gov.uk for the £26 registration process.
Insurance Coverage
European Travel Insurance: Your motor insurance must explicitly cover European travel and towing. While traditional Green Cards are no longer mandatory, some insurers may still issue them as proof of cover - check what documentation your provider recommends.
Breakdown Cover: Highly recommended as French roadside assistance is expensive. Ensure cover includes caravan recovery and repatriation if needed.
Vehicle Preparation and Equipment
Mandatory Safety Equipment
UK Identification: Your towing vehicle and caravan should display UK stickers unless your number plates already show the UK identifier correctly (following post-2021 number plate rules). Check GOV.UK guidance and carry UK stickers if your plates don't clearly show the UK identifier.
Required Equipment:
One warning triangle (marked E 27 R, stored within easy reach)
Reflective jackets for all occupants (stored within reach, not in the boot)
Headlamp beam deflectors for driving on the right
Spare bulb kit for your vehicle
Recommended Items: First-aid kits and fire extinguishers aren't legally required for private vehicles but are sensible additions.
Quality Matters: Buy proper European-standard equipment from reputable suppliers like Halfords or Go Outdoors. Cheap alternatives may not meet French standards.
Vehicle Compliance Checks
Pre-Travel Inspection: Ensure your caravan's brakes, lights, and tyres meet French road safety standards. French campsites may not have facilities for complex repairs.
Electrical Systems: Check your caravan's 12V system is in good condition. Bring appropriate charging cables and adapters as French campsite electrical supplies may differ from UK standards.
Size Restrictions: Maximum combined length of 18.75 metres (61.5 feet) and width of 2.55 metres (8.4 feet), though local restrictions may apply.
Driving Rules and Regulations
Speed Limits for Caravans
When towing caravans in France, speed limits depend on your gross train mass (combined vehicle and caravan weight):
For combinations under 3.5 tonnes total:
Motorways: 130 km/h (81 mph) in dry conditions, 110 km/h (68 mph) in wet weather
Dual carriageways: 110 km/h (68 mph) in dry, 100 km/h (62 mph) in wet weather
Rural roads: 80 km/h (50 mph), reduced to 70 km/h (44 mph) in wet weather
Built-up areas: 50 km/h (31 mph) unless signposted otherwise
For combinations over 3.5 tonnes total:
Motorways: 90 km/h (56 mph)
Dual carriageways: 90 km/h (56 mph)
Rural roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
Built-up areas: 50 km/h (31 mph) unless signposted otherwise
Important: Check your vehicle handbook for gross train mass - this is the maximum authorised combined weight of your loaded car and caravan, not just the caravan weight alone.
French Motorway Tolls
Cost Structure: France's motorways involve tolls, with caravans typically classified as Class 2 vehicles paying significantly more than cars alone. Costs vary widely by route, season, and vehicle class. Use toll calculators on websites like viamichelin.com to estimate costs for your specific route.
Electronic Payment: Electronic toll badges like Bip&Go can simplify payments through designated "télépéage" lanes. Available at www.bipandgo.com with monthly fees (around €1.90/£1.60 when used, though check current pricing). UK travellers may find Emovis Tag UK more suitable as it's designed for British bank accounts.
Practical Tips: Always carry cash or card as backup, as some toll booths may not accept foreign cards.
Special Requirements
Crit'Air Low-Emission Zones
Growing Network: Currently, around 25 cities had active ZFE zones by early 2025, with dozens more French cities now required or planning to implement ZFE zones under national rules - around 42 metropolitan areas with over 150,000 inhabitants must establish these zones, though local rollout timing varies.
Vehicle Classification: The official Crit'Air system categorises vehicles:
0 (Green): Electric and hydrogen vehicles
1 (Purple): Euro 5 & 6 petrol, Euro 6 diesel
2 (Yellow): Euro 4 petrol, Euro 5 diesel
3 (Orange): Euro 2 & 3 petrol, Euro 4 diesel
4 (Brown): Euro 3 diesel
5 (Grey): Euro 2 diesel
Getting Your Sticker: Apply online at www.certificat-air.gouv.fr for approximately €4.48 (£3.80) including postage. Apply well in advance as stickers cannot be purchased in France. Only your towing vehicle needs the sticker.
Enforcement: Check each city's current rules before travel, as restrictions and timing differ significantly between areas. Some cities like Paris have permanent restrictions prohibiting vehicles below Crit'Air 3 during weekday business hours.
Winter Equipment Requirements
Mountain Law: From 1st November to 31st March, France's "Mountain Law" requires winter equipment in 34 designated mountainous départements including the Alps, Pyrenees, Vosges, Jura, Massif Central, and Corsica.
Your Options: You can comply by having either:
Four winter tyres marked with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, OR
Snow chains or socks that can be fitted to your drive wheels when conditions require
Key Point: This is a choice - you don't need both. M+S markings alone are no longer sufficient since 2021, but carrying chains remains a valid alternative to winter tyres.
Caravan Considerations: Caravans themselves don't usually require winter tyres, but check your towing setup for compatibility with chains or other equipment.
Pet Travel After Brexit
New System: Since Brexit, UK pets require Animal Health Certificates (AHC) rather than EU pet passports.
Requirements:
Microchip (ISO-compliant, implanted before vaccination)
Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old before travel)
Animal Health Certificate issued by approved vet within 10 days of travel
Tapeworm treatment for dogs (timing varies, typically 1-5 days before travel)
Planning: Allow several weeks for processing as AHCs are valid for single trips only. Costs vary significantly but can range from £70-£250+ per pet. Always check current DEFRA guidance for latest requirements.
Accommodation: Aires vs Campsites
Why UK Caravan Owners Can't Use Aires
What Are Aires: Aires (Aire de Camping Cars) are designated parking areas specifically for self-contained motorhomes throughout France - often free or low-cost overnight stops with basic services.
Critical Limitation: French traffic law forbids caravans and tents from using the majority of Aires. Aires are legally only for motorhomes, campervans, and other self-contained motor caravans because caravans aren't considered self-contained and typically involve "camping activities" like winding out awnings.
Reality Check: Many UK caravan owners discover this restriction after arrival, leaving them scrambling for alternative accommodation. Unlike motorhomes that can legally park overnight in Aires, caravans must use proper campsites.
Campsite Options
Excellent Network: France offers thousands of caravan-friendly campsites, from basic municipal sites costing €10-15 per night to luxury facilities with pools, entertainment, and restaurant facilities.
Booking Strategy: Book 6-12 months ahead for popular coastal and tourist areas during peak season (July-August). Consider Caravan and Motorhome Club membership for site recommendations and discounts.
Site Types: Municipal campsites offer good value with basic facilities, while private sites provide more amenities but at higher cost. Many sites offer excellent facilities specifically designed for UK visitors.
Practical Travel Planning
Route Planning
Specialist Navigation: Use caravan-specific sat-nav systems or apps that account for your outfit's dimensions and weight restrictions. Standard car sat-navs may route you through unsuitable roads.
Low-Emission Zone Planning: Plan routes that avoid restricted areas if your vehicle doesn't meet emission standards, or ensure you have appropriate Crit'Air stickers before travel.
Timing Considerations: French school holidays cause significant traffic congestion on major routes. Plan alternative timings or routes during these busy periods.
Technology and Communication
Dash Cam Use: Dash cams are generally legal in France for private use, but privacy laws apply. Avoid audio recording without consent and never share footage publicly without blurring personal details.
Mobile Coverage: Ensure your phone plan covers European roaming, or consider a French SIM card for extended stays.
Offline Preparation: Download offline maps as backup for areas with poor mobile coverage.
Emergency Information
Essential Numbers:
European emergency: 112
French police: 17
Fire service: 18
Medical emergencies: 15
Your French Adventure Awaits
Travelling to France with your caravan remains one of the most rewarding ways to explore this diverse and beautiful country. Yes, post-Brexit requirements mean more preparation is needed, but the freedom to explore at your own pace, staying in excellent campsites while discovering everything from bustling markets to quiet villages, makes the extra planning worthwhile.
The key to success is thorough preparation, current information, and allowing extra time for new administrative processes. With proper planning, France's excellent road infrastructure, world-class campsites, and stunning regions from Normandy's beaches to the Alps' mountains await your discovery.
Remember: when in doubt, check official sources and err on the side of caution. A successful French caravan holiday starts with careful preparation at home, but the memories you'll create exploring France at your own pace will last a lifetime.
Safe travels and bon voyage!
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information for planning purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Regulations change frequently - always verify current requirements with official UK and French sources before travel. The author is not liable for any consequences arising from reliance on this information.
Always Verify Current Requirements: French and EU regulations change frequently, and enforcement varies significantly between regions. This guide provides general information based on September 2025 understanding, but you should always check latest official guidance for your specific journey.
Key Verification Sources:
DVLA guidance for caravan registration requirements
GOV.UK for current travel requirements and pet documentation
Individual city websites for low-emission zone rules
Your insurance provider for coverage confirmation
Regional Variations: Requirements and enforcement vary dramatically between French regions and cities. Rural areas may have different practices compared to major urban centres.
