France announces a tightening of the rules for travellers from the UK. The French Consulate in London announced that unvaccinated travellers from the UK have to carry out a COVID test for travel in France.
The Council France Londres said that from the 1st of November, unvaccinated travellers from the UK would have to take a COVID test for travel in France at Gare du Nord. Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be subject to mandatory self-isolation for ten days.
Currently, the UK is placed in France’s orange category. Unvaccinated travellers will have to present a PCR test 72 hours before arriving in France. Or take an antigen test 48 hours before reaching the country.
Moreover, UK nationals or permanent residents presenting a pre-departure test must take the test less than 24 hours before boarding.
Nevertheless, Britons must know that the testing requirement upon arrival is compulsory, regardless of whether they complete a PCR/antigen test before departure or not.
The European Commission has officially recognised the NHS Covid certificate as equivalent to the EU Digital COVID-19 pass. (Issued only to fully vaccinated nationals and permanent residents in the UK). This means that Britons are no longer required to convert their NHS Testing certificates when travelling to France.
On the other hand, the French government has stopped providing free antigen and PCR tests for non-medical reasons since the 15th of October. (No longer included in the health insurance policy)
However, those concerned about being infected with COVID-19 can obtain access to the government’s free PCR or antigen tests. Children under 18 and passengers with a medical prescription are also eligible to get tested for free. (An antigen test costs €25, and a PCR test costs around €45 in France)
However, fully vaccinated, fully recovered travellers and Pass Sanitaire holders can enter the country without quarantine requirements.
According to the current risk assessment issued by the French authorities, unvaccinated travellers reaching the green category must present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours before departure.
Unvaccinated arrivals can enter if they prove they are travelling on necessary grounds. Moreover, they should get a COVID test for travel before their trip to France and quarantine for seven days. Travellers may also have to take another antigen test when they enter the country.
