In a relaxation of travel rules for France, Britons who have received both doses of a Covid vaccine may travel to the country from June 9, and will no longer need to provide evidence of a ‘compelling reason’ for their visit.
Those who have received the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna vaccines must wait two weeks between their final dose and their visit, while those with single-dose Johnson&Johnson must wait four weeks. They will also need to supply a negative PCR or antigen test result on arrival.
However, travellers who have not received the full vaccine will still need to supply proof that their trip is essential – as well as self-isolate for seven days, and provide a negative Covid test certificate on arrival.
France is currently listed as an “amber” destination by the UK Government. From July 19, fully vaccinated British residents will no longer have to quarantine on return, subject to evidence of a recent negative Covid test on arrival and on the second day after you get back.
This is the current state of affairs, and while it could change in the coming months, any booking for travel, even in summer, comes with an element of risk.
Here’s everything we know so far.
Am I allowed to travel to France?
From July 19, fully vaccinated Britons returning from amber list destinations such as France will no longer have to isolate, subject to testing.
As it stands, under the traffic light system, those travelling to the UK from amber-listed countries have to take a pre-departure test, then self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, during which they will be required to take two PCR tests (on days two and eight of their return). It will be possible to leave quarantine on the fifth day, provided another “test to release” returns negative.
Crucially, the FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to France, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risk
Do I need to take a test?
Yes. Even if you have had both vaccine doses, you will need to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test on arrival. This applies to all arrivals, whether vaccinated or not. It is thought that a full vaccine record in the NHS application can be used as proof of your vaccinated status.
Furthermore, you will also need to take a test no more than 72 hours before returning to the UK, and then a further two PCR tests after you return (on day 2 and day 8). From July 19, fully vaccinated travellers will only have to take a PCR test on day 2 of their return.
To help simplify the process and make pricing more transparent, the Government has launched an official Covid test comparison website. The new gov.uk website provides travellers with information on the cheapest, quickest and most efficient Covid test companies in their region.
Testing is a key requirement of the UK Government’s ‘traffic light’ system and French border controls, and it’s likely to remain this way for some time.
Do I need to self-isolate on my return home?
Yes, as France is on the amber list, you will still be required to self-isolate for up to 10 days on return to the UK. You could pay for an additional PCR test on day five of isolation through the ‘Test to Release’ scheme.
From July 19, fully vaccinated Britons returning from amber list destinations such as France will no longer have to isolate, subject to evidence of a recent negative Covid test on arrival and on the second day after you get back.
When will France be added to the ‘green list’?
The UK Government has offered no indication of when, or indeed if, the country will be added to the green list – but it won’t be until the new review on July 19 at the very earliest.
What are Covid restrictions like in France?
France started lifting lockdown on May 3 with a planned return to near-normal by June 30. On May 19 the 7pm curfew was extended to 9pm and restaurant, bar and cafe terraces reopened. Museums, theatres, cinemas, non-essential shops opened their doors on that date too, with a maximum capacity of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors.
Since June 9 cafes and restaurants have been allowed to serve clients indoors and the curfew will be raised to 11pm. Group size will be limited to six people. Sports halls will reopen.
Full information about restrictions in France can be found here.
Am I still covered by travel insurance?
The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to France, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risk, meaning travel insurance is now much easier to secure.
Are flights to France operating?
A number of airlines are still operating limited flights to France. Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Vueling are among the airlines with flights running.
Is the Channel Tunnel still open?
Yes, Eurotunnel is still running.
Is Eurostar running?
Eurostar has operated a service between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord throughout the pandemic. Check with the rail provider for details. Passengers are required to wear face masks.