Do you need a passport to go on the Eurotunnel to Paris?

All passengers (including any pets that are travelling with you) will need a valid passport.



Yes, you absolutely need a valid passport to travel via the Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) from Folkestone to Calais, and subsequently to Paris. Even though you are staying inside your vehicle, you must pass through both UK Exit Checks and French Border Control (Schengen) before you are allowed to board the shuttle. In 2026, this requirement is strictly enforced for all passengers, including children. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, you must ensure your passport was issued less than 10 years ago and has at least three months of validity remaining beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. Furthermore, as of early 2026, non-EU/UK citizens (such as Americans or Canadians) may need a valid ETIAS travel authorization linked to their passport. While the Eurotunnel is a "drive-on" service, it is legally an international border crossing, and failure to present a valid passport will result in you being turned away at the terminal, regardless of whether you are traveling for business, tourism, or just a quick day trip.

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Eurostar passengers require a valid passport or identity card.

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Documents and entry requirements for US citizens to France Americans need the following document to travel to France: Valid US passport. ETIAS authorisation (from 2025) COVID-19 health documents.

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If you are travelling on LeShuttle, which uses the Channel Tunnel, you stay in your car during the 35 minute journey from Folkestone to Calais. Once your car is loaded onto the deck of its shuttle and your crossing starts, you can leave your car to stretch your legs or use the on board toilets.

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If you are a U.S. citizen, you'll need a passport to travel to Paris. The passport must be valid for at least three more months.

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ID Documents To travel on Eurostar you need either a valid passport or a national identity card (EEA citizens and Swiss nationals). Babies and children must have their own valid travel documents.

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Eurostar check-in process Eurostar passengers require a valid passport or identity card. You will pass through UK, French, Dutch or Belgian customs depending on the journey you are undertaking.

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Travel by train between London and Paris does not typically involve a passport check at the border. Passport checks are generally conducted when crossing international borders, but there is no border check between the United Kingdom and France as they are both part of the European Union's (EU) Schengen Area.

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You can pay a lot to just turn up without a booking. There are plenty of crossings (up to 4 per hour) and it runs all night, so it is never fully booked for days on end, though you might have fewer choices of departure time still available when you do book. Guess your arrival time as best you can.

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This means that when travelling on SNCF, you must have: A valid ID card, passport, or carte de séjour (residence permit), ready to prove your identity.

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You don't have to carry your passport, but local authorities can ask to see it. You may need to produce it on request. Always carry a photo ID.

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Required Documents to Show at the Port of Entry in France EU nationals: Valid passport or national ID card. Non-EU nationals who are visa-exempt: Valid passport or travel document. Non-EU nationals with visa requirements: Valid passport with a Schengen or a French national visa.

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In place of a passport, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like passport cards, trusted traveler's cards, and NEXUS cards. While these allow you to travel to these regions by sea and road, they are not acceptable for international flights.

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Will I require customs clearance? All goods destined for or originating from a non-EU country will require UK customs clearance, which is a compulsory process which all drivers will be required to comply with in order to use the Eurotunnel le shuttle.

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Arrival and check-in times Plan to check-in at least 1 hour and no more than 2 hours before your booked departure time. If it's a busy day, it's unlikely we'll be able to accommodate you on an earlier or later depature.

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