France will implement new restrictions on travellers from the UK from tomorrow (Saturday December 18, 2021) in a bid to restrict the spread of the omicron coronavirus variant, which is spiking in cases in the UK.
From tomorrow, all travellers from the UK will be required to have a negative Covid test of less than 24 hours, and once in France, they will have to self-isolate for a week, but that period of quarantine can be ended after 48 hours if they have a second negative test once in France.
France has also stated that compelling reasons will be needed for entry, which includes visiting family - but not tourism or non-urgent work reasons.
The new measures apply to everyone regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
Reacting to the French measures, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “This is an ineffective, knee-jerk reaction by the French government. Banning travel to France will not stop COVID variants that are already in France. As South African scientists said, these decisions are based on hysteria not logic.
“This decision will destroy long planned family reunions and it has long term implications for a travel and tourism sector that was just beginning to recover.
“Governments should be focusing on individuals allowing people who are fully vaccinated to travel freely. Banning whole countries has been proved to not work.
“We know this drastic measure will do nothing to stop the new virus strain but will be a major blow to the Travel & Tourism sector - which is the last thing it needs right now. We should be focusing on stopping community transmission, by enforcing on mask wearing and implementing enhanced health and safety measures.”