France will allow fully vaccinated Britons in for holidays from June 9

France will allow fully vaccinated Britons in for holidays from June 9 – but tourists with only one jab or none must quarantine for seven days – including kids

  • British people who are fully vaccinated against Coronavirus will be able to enter France with proof of a negative antigen test
  • Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the second dose of vaccine 
  • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers will have to quarantine for 7 days
  • France is still on Britain’s amber list requiring 10 days quarantine on return 


British tourists who are fully vaccinated against Coronavirus will be able to enter France with proof of a negative antigen test from next week and do not need a ‘compelling reason’ to be in the country, it was revealed today. 

Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the second dose of a jab and it is expected the NHS Track and Trace app can be used as proof.  

However, tourists with only one jab or none won’t be allowed into France without a ‘compelling reason’ to visit – and must isolate for seven days as well as provide proof of a negative test on arrival. 

It’s a blow for any families wishing to head for sunnier climes as healthy children are unlikely to receive vaccines until at least the end of summer, with the British government prioritising second doses for more vulnerable age groups.

The relaxation in requirements comes as Britain itself clamps down on travel abroad, including advising people to avoid holidaying in countries such as France and Portugal, amid fears over the Nepalese variant.

France is on the UK amber list, meaning that Britons must quarantine for ten days on their return and take two Covid tests, as well as testing negative before they depart for France. 

France is currently on the UK amber list, meaning that Britons must quarantine for ten days on their return and take two Covid tests, as well as testing negative before they depart

 France is currently on the UK amber list, meaning that Britons must quarantine for ten days on their return and take two Covid tests, as well as testing negative before they depart

Paris's pavement cafes opened for the first time in months on May 19

Paris’s pavement cafes opened for the first time in months on May 19 

Last week, French officials had been threatening to force all British travellers into quarantine with the threat of fines if they were caught ignoring the rules, and the move will be welcomed by Brits who are still hoping to go abroad on holiday.   

The border opening on June 9 will also allow EU passport holders based in the UK in without any proof of testing at all, opening up the possibility of unrestricted holidays. 

A new document released in Paris on Friday called ‘Strategy for Reopening Borders’ outlines plans for what is effectively a travel passport.

Documents issued by organisations including Britain’s National Health Service which prove a double vaccination against Coronavirus will be sufficient to get into France.

Up until today, anybody entering France from the UK has required a ‘compelling reason’ for being in the country.

The acceptance by French border officials of an antigen test, as opposed to the far expensive PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is also highly significant.

It will mean that travellers can avoid paying £100 plus to a private firm for a PCR test, and instead opt for an antigen test, which is often free.

‘Europeans vaccinated against Covid-19 will be able to enter France without a PCR test from June 9, which proof of a negative test – PCR or antigen – will still be required for travellers from the United Kingdom and the United States,’ said a French government source. 

Ghost town Ibiza: Meanwhile normally-packed beaches on the Spanish holiday island of Ibiza are deserted today as Covid restrictions ground tourists across Europe

Ghost town Ibiza: Meanwhile normally-packed beaches on the Spanish holiday island of Ibiza are deserted today as Covid restrictions ground tourists across Europe

 

‘Those who have had a full vaccination for at least fourteen days on the date of travel (and four weeks for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) are considered to be vaccinated.’

The source added: ‘For countries classified in orange, such as the United States or Great Britain, a PCR or antigen test is required if the traveler is vaccinated, otherwise he must have a compelling reason for being in France, a negative test and go into isolation for seven days.’

Despite France effectively giving the green light for holidays, Britons travelling to France will still have to isolate for up to 10 days when they get back to the UK.

They will also have to pay for at least two tests which government recommended providers are currently charging up to £390 for.

Destinations welcoming British tourists (and the tests and forms needed before you fly): 

Portugal 

PCR test 72 hours before

Temp check on arrival

+ Complete passenger info form

Some places will accept evidence of jab

Spain

No restrictions

Form before travel

Negative test but only if coming from France

Greece

PCR test 72 hours before

OR Proof of full vaccination, 14 days before arrival

Rapid test on arrival

Italy

Negative test (PCR or rapid) within 48 hours

Fill out arrival form

Call Covid helpline to inform them of visit

Turkey

Negative PCR test within 72 hours

Fill out info form

Symptom check on arrival

Iceland

Certificate of full vaccination

OR Certificate of previous infection

Free test on arrival, must isolate until results come back

Malta

PCR test 72 hours before arrival

Passenger locator form

Croatia

PCR or rapid test 48 hours before

OR Fully vaccinated 14 days before travel

OR Certificate proving previous infection

Evidence of paid accommodation in Croatia

Cyprus

PCR test 72 hours before

OR Evidence of full vaccination (not required, but skips testing requirement)

+ Fill out form 24 hours in advance of travel

source: dailymail.co.uk