UK-France travel ban: Can I take fast antigen test, not PCR?

A 48-hour travel ban imposed by France on people in the UK has now been partially lifted, allowing French and EU/EEA citizens as well as certain others to enter France.

Find out more about who is now allowed to enter France here.

Regardless of their nationality, all travellers over the age of 11 will have to present a laboratory analysis document showing a negative result of a Covid-19 test to travel companies - airlines, train and ferry companies etc. - taken in the past 72 hours.

If it is not possible to get a PCR test, then rapid antigen tests that are sensitive to the VUI-2020-12-01 variant are also authorised.

A full list of the authorised tests can be found here, in English. No other antigen tests will be accepted.

Read our article on finding Covid test centres in the UK here.

The French government has also provided links to the following places:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing
• https://biogroup-laboratory.co.uk/covid-19/find-a-covid-19-test-centre/
• https://doctap.co.uk/services/coronavirus-test/
• https://www.thelondongeneralpractice.com/
• https://www.doctorcall.co.uk/private-gp-services/coronavirus--covid-19--testing
• https://www.londondoctorsclinic.co.uk/services/certificates-medicals/fit-to-fly-certificates-and-letters/

Antigen tests are far quicker than PCR tests, with results available in less than one hour.

Prices for PCR and antigen tests in the UK vary, although the antigen tests tend to be cheaper.

DocTap, a private London clinic, is offering do-it-yourself PCR tests with a two-day wait for results for £139. It will cost £15 to have a health professional administer the test.

They also offer do-it-yourself PCR tests with results the next day for £149 plus £15 more for a health professional to administer the tests.

Their rapid antigen test, which is on the list of approved tests, costs a flat £69.

Carole Rogers, the president of the UK Branch of the union of French people abroad (l’Union des Français de l’étranger au Royaume-Uni), has said that in some cases, people in the UK who wish to have a same-day Covid test result are having to pay up to €400.

Read more:

UK-France travel: Finding the right Covid antigen test

How do I get a Covid test in UK if visiting from France?

France imposes UK travel ban for 48 hours

UK-France border closure: Can my British partner come?