Extradition from France to the UK

Since Brexit, extradition between the UK and France is governed by the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), signed in December 2020, which replaced the European Arrest Warrant framework for UK-EU surrender requests. The TCA establishes a streamlined surrender mechanism broadly similar to the former EAW but introduces key differences, including greater protections for UK nationals and the reinstatement of dual criminality checks. Domestic procedure in UK courts continues to be governed by the Extradition Act 2003. France remains one of the UK’s most active extradition partners, and specialist legal advice is essential from the moment of arrest.

France submits a surrender request under the TCA framework to the designated UK authority. If certified, the requested person is arrested and brought before Westminster Magistrates’ Court for an initial hearing, where our lawyers may apply for bail. The full extradition hearing examines dual criminality, human rights bars, the forum bar, and all applicable statutory grounds for refusal. The court then decides whether to order surrender. Either party may appeal to the High Court, and with leave, to the UK Supreme Court. If courts approve extradition, the Home Secretary retains final discretion to refuse surrender in exceptional circumstances.

Our extradition lawyers analyse the French surrender request in detail, challenging dual criminality, raising the forum bar where UK courts are the more appropriate venue, and presenting human rights arguments under Articles 3 and 6 ECHR. We pursue bail applications at the earliest opportunity to prevent unnecessary detention. Where UK nationality is engaged, we present evidence that surrender would be disproportionate. If Interpol Red Notices or diffusions accompany the request, our Interpol Defence Lawyers work in parallel to challenge and remove those alerts, protecting your freedom to travel and your professional reputation.

If you face a French extradition or surrender request, contact our specialist extradition defence team without delay. Early legal advice determines the strength of your defence. Call us now or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation — we operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Dual criminality: The alleged offence must be a crime in both France and the UK under the TCA framework. If the conduct is not criminal under UK law, extradition can be refused.
• Human rights violations: Under the Human Rights Act 1998 and ECHR Article 3, extradition can be blocked if it would expose the individual to inhuman or degrading treatment.
• Political offences: France cannot extradite individuals for conduct that qualifies as a political offence under international law or UK domestic statute.
• Double jeopardy: If the person has already been tried or acquitted in France or any EU member state for the same conduct, extradition must be refused.
• Passage of time: Where significant time has elapsed and it would be unjust or oppressive to extradite, UK courts retain discretion to discharge the person.

• Arrest: French authorities issue a European Arrest Warrant or a TCA arrest warrant, executed by UK police. Immediate legal representation is critical.
• Initial hearing: You will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours of arrest. Bail applications should be made at this stage.
• Extradition hearing: The District Judge examines whether the statutory bars to extradition apply — identity, dual criminality, human rights, and forum considerations.
• High Court appeal: If ordered to be extradited, you have 14 days to appeal to the High Court. Our team prepares detailed grounds of appeal immediately.
• Supreme Court and ECtHR: In serious cases, further appeals to the UK Supreme Court or the European Court of Human Rights may be available.

• Can France extradite its own nationals to the UK? No. France does not extradite its own nationals. However, it is obliged under the TCA to prosecute French nationals domestically for offences subject to an extradition request.
• How long does the extradition process take? A contested extradition from France to the UK typically takes 6–18 months, including appeals. Interim bail may be available.
• What is the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)? Following Brexit, the TCA replaced the European Arrest Warrant framework for extradition between the UK and EU member states including France. Timelines and safeguards differ from the EAW regime.
• Can I get bail while fighting extradition? Yes, bail is available in extradition proceedings. The court assesses flight risk, ties to the UK, and the strength of the defence. Our lawyers make robust bail applications at every stage.

France is one of the most prolific users of Interpol’s Red Notice system alongside formal extradition requests. In many cases, a French extradition request is accompanied or preceded by an Interpol Red Notice, which triggers international alerts and can result in arrest in third countries. Our Interpol Defence Lawyers work in parallel with our extradition team to challenge Red Notices issued at France’s request through the CCF — the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files. Removing the Red Notice does not automatically defeat the extradition request, but it eliminates the risk of arrest during international travel and significantly reduces immediate exposure. We regularly secure Red Notice removal and Preventive Requests for clients who face both a French extradition request and an accompanying Interpol notice.

Our team combines deep expertise in UK extradition law with specialist Interpol defence capability — a combination that is essential when France has issued both a formal surrender request and an Interpol Red Notice. We have represented clients facing extradition from the UK to France across a wide range of offences including financial crime, fraud, tax evasion, drug trafficking, and politically motivated charges. We operate 24/7 and accept urgent instructions at any stage of the process, from the moment of arrest through to appeal. Free initial consultations are available. Call us on +357 96 447475 or complete our contact form.