Return Ferry Bookings

MeAgain replied on 22/07/2022 15:31

Posted on 22/07/2022 15:31

We are off to France soon but have seen mention that proof of return ferry/tunnel booking dates have to be shown on entry to France - have any recent travellers experienced this? As with many previous occasions, we have only booked the outward journey because we don't have any set plans on return time (five to six weeks usually).

Any shared recent experiences welcome!

eurortraveller replied on 22/07/2022 15:59

Posted on 22/07/2022 15:59

Brittany Ferries website says if you are unsure of your return date book an outward single and book the homeward journey later.

If you are using a different ferry company or the tunnel you can check with them.

commeyras replied on 22/07/2022 16:42

Posted on 22/07/2022 16:42

Went by tunnel a few weeks ago.  No one checked if we had a return booked (I had), just passport checked which was stamped.

Rufs replied on 22/07/2022 17:12

Posted on 22/07/2022 17:12

I read an article this week, which i cant find now, that said new rules to be introduced 2023 would include, return ticket or sufficient funds to fund return ticket, address of where you were staying e.g. hotel, campsite, if staying with friends or relatives their address, i think this was for the whole of the EU not just France

hitchglitch replied on 22/07/2022 19:10

Posted on 22/07/2022 19:10

We had a return Eurotunnel but were never asked (although Eurotunnel have the details of course). We always seem to change the return but the cost is small. I assumed it would be cheaper to book and change rather than buy a separate single return.

Tammygirl replied on 22/07/2022 22:51

Posted on 22/07/2022 17:12 by Rufs

I read an article this week, which i cant find now, that said new rules to be introduced 2023 would include, return ticket or sufficient funds to fund return ticket, address of where you were staying e.g. hotel, campsite, if staying with friends or relatives their address, i think this was for the whole of the EU not just France

Posted on 22/07/2022 22:51

Yes your right, now that we are viewed as a 'Third' country the rules state that a return ticket and sufficient funds (Spain say 75€ per day) are required. The chance of being asked I would imagine are slim but that's the new rules.

Also worth mentioning, some insurance companies now state that a return ticket has to be purchased prior to departure, if you don't and something goes wrong then the insurance might be invalid. I know my holiday insurance states that.

We always purchase a ticket that can be amended (for a fee) should we change our plans. 

eurortraveller replied on 23/07/2022 08:20

Posted on 23/07/2022 08:20

French government website actually says you should have  “a return ticket or the financial means to acquire one at the envisaged return date”.

That covers people who don’t decide in advance which route they will come back as well as on which date.

allanandjean replied on 23/07/2022 11:37

Posted on 23/07/2022 11:37

Looks like this could be another issue that creates worry but in reality never rears its head.

We traveled to France in June and returned from Holland in July, so not a 'return' but two singles however, we were not asked, and never have been, for any evidence as mentioned.

Indeed, have only ever been asked for passports.

Tammygirl replied on 23/07/2022 12:20

Posted on 23/07/2022 12:20

IMO the chances of being asked at a ferry port or tunnel when you are in a leisure vehicle would be very slim.

Like most of these things that have come to light since Brexit it seems to be focused on the airports. Maybe they don't want folk going over there (mainly Spain) on a single ticket then running our of money/accommodation and becoming a problem by sleeping rough. 

MeAgain replied on 24/07/2022 15:47

Posted on 24/07/2022 15:47

Thanks for your experiences/thoughts everyone.

I think I'll stick with the original (one-way) plan. Like Tammygirl, I hardly think caravanners/motorhomers are targets for this sort of request. Also buoyed by Eurotraveller's French government quote "return ticket OR financial means" - so how do we cover that one, sportsbag full of used euro notes? Ha!

NutsyH replied on 25/07/2022 11:32

Posted on 25/07/2022 11:32

As with above replies - we have recently returned from 3 weeks in France. We were not asked for proof of return ticket, nor were we asked to provide proof of our covid vaccinations. No one checked whether we had any foodstuffs in the van either. Apart from passport stamping at Ouistreham, all seemed as normal pre brexit.

Its difficult see how anyone could provide proof of "sufficient funds" unless we are expected to carry €000's in cash, which I assume no one does.

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