The amendment was deemed not constitutional: Britons will not be able to stay in France for more than 90 days without a visa

By TravelWiseFeb 5, 2024 16:18 PMNews
Share:
The amendment was deemed not constitutional: Britons will not be able to stay in France for more than 90 days without a visa
The rejection of the amendment will come as a blow to the estimated 86,000 Britons who have second homes in France. Source: Freepik

A new law that would have allowed British second-home owners to automatically obtain a long-term visa has been rejected by a French court as "unconstitutional." The amendment to the immigration law would have permitted British expats who own a second home or holiday home in France to stay for more than 90 days without the need for a visa.

The amendment was approved by both houses of the Senate. However, it was rejected as unconstitutional, with no direct or indirect connection to the immigration bill, as reported by Euronews Travel.

Interest in real estate in France has surged by 582%

The rejection of the amendment will be a setback for approximately 86,000 Britons with a second home in France. After Brexit, British citizens became third-country nationals for the EU, losing the right to stay indefinitely.

Now, they can only reside in France for 90 days out of every 180 days unless they apply for a temporary long-term visa, valid for up to six months, or a permanent residence permit. Exceeding the 90-day limit without a visa could result in entry bans and expulsion from France and the rest of the EU.

According to Kyero, a UK-based international real estate portal, the number of people interested in real estate in France increased by 582% in the three weeks following the amendment.

The amendment was deemed not constitutional: Britons will not be able to stay in France for more than 90 days without a visa
Brexit has led many Britons with second homes in France and Spain to visit these countries less. Source: Freepik

Why do French politicians want to allow Brits to stay longer?

In November, French Senator Martine Berthe stated that preventing the British from contributing to the country's local economy would result in an increase in the number of vacant properties in tourist areas. She proposed the amendment after receiving complaints from British citizens living in her Savoie department in the French Alps.

Brexit has led many Britons with second homes in France and Spain to reduce their visits to these countries, as a visa is now required for extended stays. For some, the additional paperwork and visa requirements have compelled them to sell their properties.

According to a survey by the expatriate community InterNations, approximately 177,000 British citizens are permanent residents in France with a residence permit, constituting around 24% of foreigners living in the country.

Top Articles
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM
Person in tropical shirt looking at a docked cruise ship

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Condor aircraft on the runway before departure from Zurich Airport

Condor Expands Winter Flight Schedule 2025/26 from Zurich

Oct 16, 2025 03:48 AM
Jet2 aircraft parked at an airport with snow-capped mountains in the background

Jet2 Opens the Door to Summer 2027 Travel Plans

Oct 16, 2025 02:35 AM

New International Hotel Signals Sunshine Coast Tourism Comeback

Oct 15, 2025 21:28 PM

UK Travelers to Gain Four New easyJet Routes in 2026

Oct 15, 2025 20:32 PM
Cozy modern hotel room with wooden accents and soft lighting

Sydney’s Bayside Gains New Boutique Stay in Brighton Le Sands

Oct 15, 2025 19:45 PM
Level crossing traffic lights during railway upgrades

Portsmouth Direct Line Works to Impact Journeys to Key Outdoor Sites

Oct 15, 2025 18:29 PM
Wizz Air aircraft on the runway ready for departure

Direct Connections from Limburg to Montenegro Start in 2026

Oct 15, 2025 17:33 PM
Woman holding a cup at a Christmas market, surrounded by festive lights and decorated stalls in the evening

Christmas Market to Open Inside Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport Terminal

Oct 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Iberia aircraft taking off from runway against a clear sky

New Iberia Route to Link Madrid with Northern Mexico from 2026

Oct 15, 2025 13:27 PM

Winter Flight Schedule 2025/26 from Salzburg: More Sun, More Cities, More Choice

Oct 15, 2025 12:31 PM

New Hotel Opens on Shura Island, Unlocking Red Sea Access

Oct 14, 2025 22:38 PM
Cruise ship docked at a Caribbean island port during sunset

New Cruise Routes and Early Black Friday Access Announced by Margaritaville at Sea

Oct 14, 2025 20:23 PM
A Wizz Air aircraft approaching for landing against a clear sky

Podgorica Set to Gain Direct Flights to 14 Major European Cities

Oct 14, 2025 19:46 PM
Jet2.com aircraft taxiing on the runway at an airport

Budapest and Marrakesh Now Reachable Nonstop from Newcastle

Oct 14, 2025 17:39 PM
Air Serbia aircraft flying in clear sky

Air Serbia Resumes Direct Flights to Toronto After Three Decades

Oct 13, 2025 23:59 PM

Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island to Add Major New Resort by 2025

Oct 13, 2025 23:53 PM

New Accommodation Option Now Available in Sydney’s City Center

Oct 13, 2025 23:36 PM
Etihad Airways airplane flying in clear sky

Direct Flights Bring Remote Destinations Closer to Travelers

Oct 13, 2025 22:28 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 in flight under a cloudy sky

Over 380,000 Discounted Flights Released by Singapore Airlines and Scoot

Oct 13, 2025 21:42 PM
Railway workers performing track upgrades

October Rail Disruption on Lecco Colico Line Could Affect Trips

Oct 13, 2025 20:55 PM
Carnival cruise ship docked at a port with passengers walking nearby

Acapulco Returns to Cruise Maps After Long Absence

Oct 12, 2025 23:58 PM
Passengers waiting at an airport check-in area

Air Canada Accelerates Reimbursements After August Flight Disruptions

Oct 12, 2025 18:32 PM

Europe’s Hidden Holiday Markets Connected by Train for 2025 Season

Oct 11, 2025 23:49 PM

Rail Upgrades in Bristol and Bath Will Affect Key Travel Routes

Oct 11, 2025 21:33 PM
Royal Air Maroc aircraft taxiing on runway

Toulouse Gains Direct Flights to Marrakech, Opening New Travel Options

Oct 11, 2025 20:54 PM
Air Cairo aircraft taxiing on the runway

Air Cairo Adds Saturday Flights from Paderborn/Lippstadt to Hurghada

Oct 11, 2025 11:47 AM