New restrictions are being introduced in France in an attempt to restrict the spread of the Omicron variant. The UK currently has a higher number of confirmed Omicron cases than France.
The French Government has said that anyone traveling to France from Britain will need “to have an essential reason to travel to, or come from, the UK, both for the unvaccinated and vaccinated”. Essential reasons include medical and family emergencies, and travel for health and transport workers. The British Transport Secretary confirmed with the French government that British Lorry Drivers will not be affected by the restrictions.
“People cannot travel for tourism or professional reasons.”
French citizens, their partners and children, french residents, and citizens of the EU will not require an essential reason to travel.
All arrivals from the UK will need to have had a negative PCR or antigen test in the 24 hours prior to their arrival and must quarantine in France for 7 days. The quarantine period can be reduced to 2 days if a new negative test is provided.
Travellers from the UK will also be required to register online where they will be staying in France.
The UK yesterday had its highest level of cases throughout the pandemic, with nearly 80,000, and around 10,000 being confirmed as Omicron, while France has had only 240 confirmed cases.
The Health Secretary Sajid Javid said that Omicron would become the dominant variant in the UK soon, and will be London’s dominant variant before the end of the week.
