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Quick answer: UK to France removals take 1 to 3 days by dedicated vehicle. The Channel Tunnel crossing takes 35 minutes. Since Brexit, all removals to France from the UK need T1 transit documents and French customs clearance. Part loads take 5 to 14 days. Transfer of residence relief from Douane may reduce import duty for qualifying permanent residence moves.
UK to France removals — or removals to France from the UK — are the most common international removal route from Britain. The Channel Tunnel takes just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, making it the fastest international crossing in Europe. Removal companies and moving companies use either the Eurotunnel or Brittany Ferries depending on your UK collection postcode and French delivery address.
International removals UK to France need post-Brexit customs procedures since January 2021. The removal company creates a T1 transit document at the UK port of exit. Transfer of residence relief from Douane may reduce or eliminate import duty for qualifying permanent residence moves. The removal company handles all customs documentation.
International Removals Companies is a free enquiry matching service operated by DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD (company 07425576). It does not carry out removals. It connects each UK to France removals enquiry with one suitable FIDI-certified partner mover. Working Member of AGM Group since 2010.
Free. One FIDI-certified mover. Call 07551 855 064.
Having these details ready gets you a faster, more accurate quote from the removal company. UK to France removals need specific information about both ends of the move before a price can be confirmed.
The enquiry service is free. Send the details above and International Removals Companies connects you with one FIDI-certified removal company for the UK to France route. The removal company contacts you directly with the written quote, crossing plan and customs paperwork details.
The crossing that looks shortest on a map is not always the most efficient. The removal company calculates both options for your specific UK collection postcode and French delivery address. Total driving time — including the French road section after the crossing — determines the best route.
35 minutes Folkestone to Calais | Up to 4 sailings per hour | Weather-proof year-round
Best for UK to France removals to: Paris, Champagne, Alsace, Lyon, Provence, Côte d’Azur
Best for UK collections from: London, South East, Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire, North East
Portsmouth–Caen: 6 hrs | Portsmouth–Saint-Malo: 11 hrs overnight | Plymouth–Roscoff: 5.5–8.5 hrs
Best for UK to France removals to: Normandy, Brittany, Vendée, western Loire, Dordogne
Best for UK collections from: Devon, Cornwall, Wales, Bristol, South Wales, Ireland
Eurotunnel is usually the right crossing when:
Brittany Ferries is usually the right crossing when:
Share your full UK collection postcode at enquiry stage. The removal company calculates the most efficient crossing and confirms it in the written quote.
Since 1 January 2021, all removals to France from the UK need customs procedures that didn’t exist before Brexit. The removal company handles the paperwork — but understanding these two key points protects you from avoidable costs.
What it is: An electronic customs declaration that allows goods to enter France and travel to the French delivery address without paying VAT or duty upfront.
Use only FIDI-certified removal companies for UK to France moves. They have documented T1 creation and closure procedures and know the French Douane clearance process.
May reduce or eliminate French import duty and TVA (20%) on your household goods when moving primary residence to France.
To qualify for removal relief on UK to France moves:
Apply before goods leave the UK:
Shipping goods before obtaining a carte de séjour loses the transfer of residence exemption. French Douane then charges TVA at 20% plus customs duty on the full assessed value — potentially £2,000 to £3,200 on £10,000 of furniture.
Correct approach: Get the carte de séjour first. Use UK storage while waiting if needed. Ship goods within the 12-month Transfer of Residence window.
These are rough planning guides. The removal company confirms the actual price after checking your volume, UK collection postcode, French delivery address and access details. Full guide: France removals costs.
Boxes and items. Shared lorry. Flexible date.
From about £700 to £1,800
Transit 5–14 days
8 to 15 cubic metres. Dedicated vehicle.
From about £1,100 to £2,200
Transit 1–3 days
20 to 35 cubic metres. Dedicated vehicle.
From about £2,200 to £3,800
Transit 1–3 days
35 to 55 cubic metres. Survey required.
From about £3,200 to £5,000+
Priced after survey
| French region | Distance from London | Dedicated vehicle | Part load | Recommended crossing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern France (Calais, Lille, Amiens) | ~280–320 miles | 1 day | 5–10 days | Eurotunnel |
| Paris and Île-de-France | ~290–350 miles | 1–2 days | 7–12 days | Eurotunnel |
| Normandy (Caen, Rouen, Cherbourg) | ~300–430 miles | 1–2 days | 7–12 days | Portsmouth–Caen ferry |
| Brittany (Rennes, Quimper, Saint-Malo) | ~410–580 miles | 1–2 days | 7–12 days | Portsmouth–Saint-Malo ferry |
| Loire Valley (Tours, Angers, Orléans) | ~510–660 miles | 2 days | 8–12 days | Eurotunnel or ferry |
| Dordogne / Nouvelle-Aquitaine | ~720–870 miles | 2–3 days | 10–14 days | Eurotunnel |
| Bordeaux and Gironde | ~810 miles | 2–3 days | 10–14 days | Eurotunnel |
| Toulouse and Occitanie | ~900 miles | 2–3 days | 10–14 days | Eurotunnel |
| Provence and Alpes | ~950–1,050 miles | 2–3 days | 12–14 days | Eurotunnel |
| Côte d’Azur (Nice, Cannes, Monaco) | ~1,000–1,100 miles | 2–3 days | 12–14 days | Eurotunnel |
FIDI FAIM is the independently audited quality standard for international removal companies and moving companies. For international removals UK to France, it means documented T1 transit procedures, experience with French Douane customs, verified insurance levels and vetted French delivery partners at destination.
International Removals Companies connects each UK to France removals enquiry with one FIDI-certified partner mover free. DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company 07425576. Working Member of AGM Group since 2010. Operating since November 2010.
Each French city has specific access conditions. City pages cover lift dimensions, relay vehicle requirements, narrow street widths, festival calendar restrictions, pedestrian zone hours and seasonal track conditions.
French destination not listed? Submit your full French postcode with the enquiry. The removal company confirms coverage and any specific access requirements for your address.
Removal companies doing UK to France removals use the Channel Tunnel (35-minute crossing) or Brittany Ferries routes. International Removals Companies connects each UK to France removals enquiry with one FIDI-certified removal company free. The company selects the crossing, creates the T1 transit document and handles French Douane clearance. DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD (company 07425576) has operated the service since November 2010.
UK to France removals: part loads from about £700 to £1,800. A studio from about £1,100 to £2,200. A two-bedroom home from about £2,200 to £3,800. Southern France adds approximately £300 to £600 for extra road distance. All are rough planning guides. The removal company confirms the actual price after checking your volume, postcode and French delivery address.
UK to France by dedicated vehicle: northern France (Paris, Normandy) takes 1 to 2 days. Central France (Loire Valley, Dordogne) takes 2 days. Southern France (Provence, Côte d’Azur) takes 2 to 3 days. Channel Tunnel: 35 minutes. Dover-Calais ferry: 90 minutes. Portsmouth to Caen: 6 hours. Part load services take 5 to 14 days depending on destination.
Since Brexit (January 2021), all removals to France from the UK need a T1 transit document created at the UK port of exit. Transfer of residence relief from French Douane may reduce import duty if you hold a carte de séjour and are establishing permanent French residence. Apply via douane.gouv.fr. See gov.uk/guidance/living-in-france.
Tell us your UK collection postcode, French delivery address, approximate inventory, access details and preferred dates. One FIDI-certified removal company confirms the quote, crossing plan and T1 customs documentation. Free.
Get a Free UK to France Removal QuoteFree. One FIDI-certified partner mover. Call 07551 855 064. DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, operating since November 2010.
International Removals Companies connects UK to France removals enquiries with one FIDI-certified partner mover. Partner movers hold FIDI FAIM, BAR Overseas, FEDEMAC and IAM accreditations where confirmed. Working Member of AGM Group since 2010.
Prices, transit times, crossing options, insurance cover and customs procedures are confirmed by the partner mover before booking. All planning guide prices correct at time of publication.