How is France enforcing quarantine for international travellers?

Reader question: How are controls on quarantine for arrivals in France from Brazil and the other countries affected by new travel rules being carried out?

France has introduced a mandatory 10-day quarantine for travellers entering the country from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and French Guiana due to the spread of Covid-19 variants there.

This measure will be gradually introduced and should be fully enforced by April 24. From that date, all travellers coming from those countries will have to isolate at an address they specify for 10 days

France has already announced a temporary ban on all flights between Brazil that is set to last until April 23.

They must also have proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 36 hours of departure - previously it was 72 hours. Entry will be restricted to French or EU nationals as well as their spouses and children and those who have their main residence in France or another EU country.

France’s government spokesman Gabriel Attal said on April 20: “A system will be put in place to check the existence of a place of quarantine adapted to health requirements before (travellers') departure and then on arrival.”

This means travellers will have to indicate to authorities where they will spend the 10 days of quarantine on arrival.

Quarantine has until now only been advised and not enforced by law.

Mr Attal said that police checks will be carried out to ensure travellers are following the rules.

Anyone caught breaking the rules faces a fine of €1,500, rising to €3,000 for a repeat offence.

Read more:

Covid France: Isolation for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, South Africa

Covid advisory body: France must prepare for spread of Brazil variant

Macron: Vaccinated Americans can travel to France from early May