UK advises against non-essential travel to France

It has not clarified exactly what this means, saying "whether travel is essential or not is a personal decision and circumstances differ from person to person".

However it would appear likely that it would include such ordinary reasons as holidays, trips to relax at a second home or to socialise with family or friends.

The UK government says it has taken this approch due to countries' response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including increasing restrictions at borders and on travel, which can change 'without notice'.

The announcement stopped short of a ‘ban’.

The UK government says if people need to change or cancel plans they should contact their travel company, airline etc. and also speak to insurance providers about compensation.

People in the UK are also being asked to follow NHS guidance aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19, which can be found at this link.

It comes as people in France are being told to restrict travel, whether locally or internationally, to a short list of key purposes and to carry an attestation form explaining the reason for being outside.