Here is a summary of all the rules and restrictions that currently apply to UK passport holders when visiting France in 2021. The Covid related rules and restrictions are correct as of 5 August and subject to change.
This post covers:
1. Covid travel rules when returning to the UK
2. Covid entry requirements into France
3. Regular entry requirements into France from non EU countries
4. Rules for visiting France post Brexit
5. Taking meat and dairy products into the EU post Brexit
1. Covid travel rules when returning to the UK
France is on the amber list of countries for entering England. Arrivals from France don’t need to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated (unless you’ve had mixed vaccine doses). A Covid test is needed three days before returning from an amber country, and a PCR test two days after arriving. If you visit Beausoleil, we’ll arrange that for you at the local pharmacy. You also need to complete a passenger locator form. (You can do this any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.)
From Monday 4 Oct, if you’re fully vaccinated, you won’t need a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non-red country and from later on in October, the day 2 PCR test will be replaced with the cheaper lateral flow.
This information is a summary of the comprehensive foreign travel advice from the UK government which can be found here.
2. Covid entry requirements into France
Fully vaccinated (1 week after 2nd dose for Pfizer/Moderna/Astra Zeneca) visitors do not have to get tested before departure and do not have to quarantine on arrival in France. Unvaccinated children aged 12 and over will need to present a negative test result.
You need the following travel documents if you are vaccinated:
– Proof of vaccination.
– A sworn declaration stating that you have no symptoms of COVID-19 infection and you have not been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to your journey. Download the form here (scroll down to the end to a document called “statement of honor”).
Non vaccinated travellers need an essential reason to visit.
For the full rules for travel to France and the UK, check out this link.
From August, a health pass (ie proof of vaccination) will be required for entering bars, cafes and restaurants as well as leisure and cultural venues.
3. Regular entry requirements into France from non EU countries
These are not new rules for UK citizens, they are existing rules that apply to all citizens travelling into France from a non-EU country.
- At French border control, your passport may be stamped on entry and exit.
- You should also be prepared to show proof of your accommodation ie a booking confirmation.
- You should be prepared to show proof of insurance for your trip covering all medical expenses, which may be incurred during the entire period of your stay in France, including repatriation costs on medical grounds.
- You should also be able to prove that you have enough money for your stay (cash or credit card).
4. Rules for visiting France post Brexit
You can find the full information from the UK government on the rules for visiting the EU here. Below are the most important points.
- You will need at least 6 months validity left on your passport.
- If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- You should get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC it will still be valid as long as it remains in date. This is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.
- You will need to carry a Green Card as proof of your car insurance.
- Check with your phone operator to find out about any roaming charges you might get from 1 January 2021.
- Pet travel: you cannot use the existing pet passport scheme. Instead you’ll need an animal health certificate (AHC) for your pet. Allow at least 1 month to arrange this and relevant vaccinations. More information here.
5. Taking meat and dairy products into the EU
Since 1st January 2021, rules governing what food can be taken into the EU from the UK have tightened. The EU does not allow for meat, meat products, milk and dairy products to be brought in from countries outside the union.
There are some exceptions, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons.
Check the rules about taking meat and milk products into the EU on the European Commission website here.
Boilies contain dairy products such as eggs and milk proteins, and many also contain fishmeal. As a result, you can no longer bring boilies in France. At Beausoleil, alongside our very successful home rolled Beausoleil boilies, we are now offering the premium range of Nash boilies, flake, hook baits, pop-ups and liquids. More information on what bait we offer can be found here.
