Following a meeting at the end of 2020, discussions are ongoing between CERN Management and Host States to clarify several points of detail. We are expecting to have more information come out over the coming weeks and we will keep you informed in a timely manner through this page and the Brits@CERN community pages.
On this page, we have gathered information about the effect of Brexit on UK members of the personnel at CERN and their family members.
CERN has an obligation to ensure Members of Personnel (and their families) have the right to reside in the host states, whether they are a citizen of the European Union or not.
However, the situation around Brexit is constantly evolving, and the extent of the impact on UK members of the personnel at CERN and their family members is not yet fully clear. In particular, there are uncertainties in the details of the future relationship between the UK and the EU.
In this context, CERN's Host-State Relations Service, Legal Service and HR are working closely with the French and Swiss authorities to find solutions to the issues that may arise as they become better defined.
This page highlights a number of issues that may affect UK members of the personnel at CERN and their families specifically, and updates will be posted as the situation becomes clearer. In addition, there are links to other sources of information that may be of interest and help to those affected by the situation.
REMINDER: for context, you will find the framework, explanation and documentation concerning legitimation cards at CERN on the admin eguide: Swiss cards; French cards
General information
- NEW 19 January 2021, VISAs:
- UK Citizens taking up residence in France have to obtain a French multiple-entry long-stay D-type visa “carte promae à solliciter à l’arrivée” from the French Consulate competent for their place of residence. This will allow the establishment of a CERN Titre de Séjour Spécial (TSS) for our Members of Personnel.
- Not: for short stays (maximum 90 days in any period of 180 days), UK Citizens are exempted from the visa requirement but the convention d’accueil is still required.
- UK Citizens taking up residence in Switzerland will *not* have to obtain a visa, whether or not their stay exceeds 90 days in a 180 day period.
- See relevant guidelines regarding visas on the Admin e-guide.
- NEW 11 January 2021: Further to some issues faced by some Members of Personnel with airlines and boarding aircrafts departing from the UK back to Geneva, useful information and guidance has been collected on this link.
- The online residence permit request service for British citizens and their family members residing in France is now open for applications (further information on this link).
- NOTE: *all* British citizens living in France who do not hold a 'Titre de séjour spécial' will need to request this permit within the time limits specified on this link.
- Update of the online residence permit request service for British citizens residing in France
- Information regarding finance for EU students starting University in Sept. 2021 (see also this webpage)
- DG statement about UK referendum on the EU (Bulletin official news, 27 June 2016)
- Latest government information and guidance on the UK exiting the EU
- NHS information about EHIC insurance
- Government guidance on living in Europe
- European Commission pages about Brexit
- Passports: UK citizens are advised to make sure that their passport has at least 6 months validity, and is not more than 10 years old.
France
For those resident in France, the “Titre de Séjour Spécial” or “carte de séjour” for children and spouses is the focus of particular attention. Other concerns include the validity of driving licences and right to travel.
- NEW 14 December 2020:French cards: a quick reference guide
- How to prepare for Brexit (French government - latest information)
- UK government guidance on living in France
- French government FAQ on France and Brexit
- Official French pages concerning Brexit: Ordonnance du 6 février
- Exchanging driving licences
- Documents issued by the French ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development (Bulletin article, 7th September 2015)
- "Voisins Voices" - newsletter for the British community in France.
- NEW 14 December 2020Special December 2020 edition with top 10 FAQs on residency
- Excerpt of "Le Journal officiel de la République Française" on measures taken by France on entry and stay in France, social and working rights.
- "Le ministère de l'intérieur se prépare au Brexit": Séjour
Switzerland
Following bilateral negotiations between the UK and Switzerland, 5 agreements have been signed, covering: citizens’ rights, trade, insurance, road transport and air transport.
- Important information concerning Swiss residency permits (deadline to apply: 31.12.2020)
- UK government guidance on living in Switzerland
- Swiss government FAQ on Brexit
- Information about freedom of movement in the event of a No-Deal
- Help for British people in Switzerland
- Switzerland citizens rights agreement
- Important information regarding residency status of UK nationals working at CERN (September 2019)
- Important update from the UK Embassy (January 2020)
Brits@CERN Discussion forum (access restricted to members of Brits@CERN)