Can I get an antigen Covid test to enter France from UK?

Reader question: I am a resident in France but I went back to the UK earlier in January to visit my family. I am now planning to return to France and I was wondering if I can get a rapid antigen Covid test instead of a PCR test?

All travellers entering France from the UK must now have a valid reason for doing so - being a resident in France is one - and must present a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure to travel companies.

It must be a PCR test and not a rapid antigen test.

They also must sign a declaration of honour form certifying that they have no Covid-19 symptoms and have not been in contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case in the 14 days prior to the journey (one form for travellers aged 11 and over, one for travellers under 11).

They must also carry out a voluntary seven-day self-isolation upon arrival in France.

You can find all the forms needed on the Ministry of Interior’s website here and read more about the forms in our article here.

If it is impossible to get a PCR test in the country you are in, travellers can ask the French embassy or consulate for a document called a “dispense de test PCR”, which will allow them to travel without having taken a PCR test in advance.

They will then have to get a rapid antigen test upon arrival in France, quarantine for seven days in an establishment designated by French authorities and then take a PCR test at the end of this seven-day period.

Read more:

Airlines told to enforce French Covid-19 border rules

France requires new travel forms, with separate form for UK

The 21 essential reasons non-EU travellers can enter France