UK-France travel: Obligatory quarantine for UK visitors
France announces it is putting UK on its list of countries from which travellers are obliged to undertake a quarantine, due to concerns over the rise in the Indian variant
Update (May 27): Since writing, the government has stated it will only require seven days of quarantine for those coming from the UK, unlike 10 for the other 16 countries whose arrivals are required to undertake an obligatory quarantine. We have updated this article.
France is to put the UK on its list of countries from which travellers are obliged to undertake a period of quarantine, the government’s spokesman has said.
Gabriel Attal made the announcement today (May 26) after a meeting of the Conseil des Ministres (French cabinet).
He said it is due to the worrying rise in the Indian variant in the country and that the start date for the measure would be announced later today.
This means the UK joins such countries as Brazil, India and South Africa, whose travellers are obliged to quarantine. Travellers coming from other non-EU countries are asked to undertake a ‘voluntary’ seven-day quarantine.
Additional measures for those coming from these countries currently include signing forms confirming they are aware of the need to quarantine on arrival and giving details of the place where they will self-isolate, and access details for inspectors.
Testing requirements before coming to France from them are also different from those coming from other parts of the world. They involve a PCR test taken in the 36 hours before departure (instead of 72) or a PCR test taken within 72 hours and an antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure.
People may be fined 1,500 if they do not comply with the quarantine.
Up until now the UK has been listed among the safest non-EU countries of the world, permitting holiday travellers from the country, whereas this is not currently allowed from most parts of the world.
It is unclear if today’s announcement will also mean holidaymakers will no longer be able to come from the UK, as is the case with the other countries from which arrivals must undertake an obligatory quarantine.
An obligatory 10-day quarantine is required for those visiting the UK from France, though this could change if the country is added to the UK’s ‘green list’ next month.
The UK is expected to make an announcement next week about coming changes to its ‘traffic light’ colour designations for countries. They may take effect on Monday June 7, it is thought.
Read more
UPDATE (May 27): New rules for UK travellers
Explained: Covid-19 rules for travel to and from France
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