17/06/2021
TRAVEL BETWEEN FRANCE AND THE UK
1. Can I go on holiday from the UK to France?
The FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to the whole of France based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. If you travel against FCDO Advice, there is a risk your travel insurance may be invalidated. You can find our France Travel Advice here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france
UK nationals who are not fully vaccinated are also required by the French authorities to have an essential reason to enter France. The list of essential reasons is provided on the International Travel Certificate here: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel
On returning to the UK from France, travellers will need to comply with UK testing and self-isolation requirements. Full details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england
2. If I need to travel from the UK to France, what documents do I need to show at the border?
All travellers to France from the UK over the age of 11 will need proof of a negative Covid test, taken within 72 hours of departure for PCR tests or within 48 hours of departure for antigen tests.
All travellers will need to complete a sworn statement that they do not have Covid symptoms. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must also complete the section of this form committing to 7 days of self-isolation on arrival: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel
If you are not fully vaccinated, you will also need an essential reason to travel from the UK to France, and must complete an International Travel Certificate, which you can download here: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel
If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need an essential reason to travel to France, or to self-isolate on arrival. But you will need to have proof of your vaccine status.
3. What does ‘fully vaccinated’ mean and how do I prove I’ve been vaccinated?
The French Government recognises the following vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, Oxford/AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson (the vaccines recognised by the European Medical Agency). “Fully vaccinated” is defined by the completion of a vaccination schedule, specifically:
• 2 weeks after the second dose of Pfizer, Moderna, Oxford/AstraZeneca
• 4 weeks after the single and only dose of Johnson & Johnson
• 2 weeks after the single dose of any of the above vaccines if you have previously tested positive for COVID-19
The French government have provided information on how to prove your vaccination status here: https://uk.ambafrance.org/Strategy-for-reopening-of-borders-from-9-June-onwards
4. What do I do if I need to travel to France for an essential reason not listed on the international travel certificate?
In exceptional circumstances, the French Consulate in London may be able to assist with travel for an essential reason not listed on the International Travel Certificate. https://uk.ambafrance.org/-Consulate-in-London
5. What about children travelling from the UK to France?
Those under the age of 18 travelling with fully vaccinated adults are also exempt from the requirement for an essential reason for travel and do not have to self-isolate on arrival.
6. What do I need to do if I travel from France to the UK?
You need to complete an International Travel Certificate to travel to the UK from France. However, no UK national or resident will be prevented from travelling to the UK. You can download the Certficate here: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel
Before travelling to England you must also:
• have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of departure
• book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 travel tests – to be taken after arrival in England
• complete a passenger locator form
On arrival in England you must:
• quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days
• take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8
• you may be eligible for Test and Release from day 5 onwards (England only) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel
Full details here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england -list
7. What if I’m travelling to Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland?
Health measures are decided by the Devolved Administrations. Full details of the measures that apply when travelling to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england
8. Do I still need to follow these rules if I am fully vaccinated?
Yes, the UK’s entry requirements apply equally to both vaccinated and unvaccinated arrivals.
9. When will France be put on the UK’s green travel list?
The UK Government’s priority is protecting public health. The red, amber and green lists are reviewed every three weeks.
To make sure you’re always aware of the latest information, sign up for travel advice update alerts here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/email-signup
We regret we are unable to answer individual questions via Facebook. Please read our Travel Advice for further detail on these policies.