Unvaccinated Travel: Uk To France - What's The Deal?

Travel restrictions have been a common feature of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many countries imposing rules on who can enter and under what conditions. France is no exception, and has had various rules in place regarding vaccination status and testing. However, as of January 2023, it is no longer mandatory for travellers to France who are not fully vaccinated to present a critical reason for their trip, nor do they need to self-isolate on arrival. This means that, at present, it is possible to travel from the UK to France without being vaccinated.

Travel by car, bus or train to France

If you're planning to travel by car, bus, or train to France, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, France has intensified its border surveillance and implemented stricter control measures. These security measures will be in effect until April 20, 2025, and travellers should expect delays. This applies to all visitors arriving by land, including those travelling by car, bus, or train, so be sure to factor in extra time for your journey.

When crossing the border, make sure you have your passport or identity documents readily available, as all travellers will be subject to checks. If you're travelling between France and Germany, keep in mind that both countries have implemented border controls, so you may need to undergo checks twice.

It's also important to stay updated with the latest travel advice and guidelines provided by the official government websites of your country and France. They will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding entry requirements, restrictions, and recommendations for travelling to France.

Additionally, consider registering with your country's embassy or consulate in France. This will help them contact you in case of emergencies and provide you with important updates during your stay in France.

By following these suggestions and staying informed, you can ensure that your travel by car, bus, or train to France is as smooth as possible, despite the heightened border controls and security measures currently in place.

Requirements to enter France

To enter France, you will need to meet several requirements, including a valid passport, a negative COVID-19 test, and possibly a visa. Here is a detailed list of the requirements to enter France:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of return to your country of origin. It should also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
• Visa: The visa requirements depend on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter France. However, citizens of other countries may need to obtain a visa, depending on the length and purpose of their stay. You can check the visa requirements for your country on the French government website or by contacting the French embassy or consulate in your country.
• Negative COVID-19 Test: Depending on the COVID-19 regulations in France at the time of your travel, you may be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within a specified time frame before your arrival. This requirement may apply to all travellers or only to those who are not fully vaccinated. It is essential to check the latest travel advice before your trip to stay informed about the specific requirements.
• Health Insurance: France has a universal healthcare system, but it is still recommended that you obtain travel health insurance to cover any medical expenses during your stay.
• Customs Declarations: When entering France, you must declare any goods that exceed the allowed limits, such as large amounts of cash, certain types of food, or restricted items.
• Other Documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need additional documents. For example, if you are travelling for business, you may need to provide proof of your business activities or a letter of invitation from a French company. If you are travelling with minors, you may need to present documents such as birth certificates or letters of consent from parents or legal guardians.

It is important to stay updated with the latest travel advice and requirements from official sources, as the entry requirements may change over time. You can refer to the French government website or your local French embassy or consulate for the most current and comprehensive information.

UK travel restrictions

The UK currently has no restrictions on unvaccinated travellers entering the country. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when travelling to the UK:

• All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before arriving in the UK. This form can be found on the UK government website.
• Unvaccinated travellers are not required to test or quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
• It is important to monitor your health for any symptoms of COVID-19 during the first 14 days after arriving in the UK. If you develop symptoms, you should self-isolate and take a COVID-19 test.
• Keep in mind that COVID-19 regulations and recommendations may vary depending on which country of the UK you are visiting (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland). It is important to review the specific guidelines for your destination.
• Stay informed about the latest travel advice and recommendations from the UK government, as well as the local guidelines of your destination within the UK.

In addition to the above, here are some important considerations for travel between the UK and France:

• There are currently no COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel between the UK and France. However, it is always a good idea to review the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before planning your trip.
• When returning to the UK from France, you must follow the UK's border control rules, which may include testing and/or quarantine requirements depending on your vaccination status. These requirements can change, so it is important to stay updated by checking the UK government website.
• For travel between the UK and France, you may need to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status or a negative test result. This requirement may vary depending on the mode of transportation (air, train, ferry, etc.) and the specific regulations of the transport provider.
• Keep in mind that France has intensified its border surveillance, implementing stricter checks for all visitors arriving by land, sea, and air. These security measures will remain in effect until April 20, 2025, and travellers should anticipate potential delays.

Travel by plane to France

If you are unvaccinated and are considering travelling from the UK to France by plane, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that as of September 2021, France has implemented restrictions on unvaccinated travellers from certain countries, including the UK. These restrictions may change over time, so it is essential to check for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Assuming you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to enter France as a tourist, and you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, you will need a valid passport that does not expire for at least three months after your planned return date. It is always a good idea to double-check the expiration date of your passport before planning any international travel to ensure it is still valid.

When travelling by plane to France, you will need to provide a valid passport and may also need to show proof of accommodation and financial means. It is recommended to have travel insurance, especially if you are unvaccinated, as it can provide coverage in case of unexpected changes or cancellations to your trip.

In terms of COVID-19 requirements, as of September 2021, France requires unvaccinated travellers from the UK to meet the criteria for "essential travel" and present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen test) taken within 72 or 48 hours, respectively, before travelling to France. Unvaccinated travellers will also need to quarantine for seven days upon arrival, either at their accommodation or a private home. Keep in mind that these requirements can change, so check for the latest updates before your trip.

Additionally, once you are in France, you will need a Pass Sanitaire (health pass) to access certain venues, such as restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions. The pass indicates that you are either fully vaccinated or have a recent negative COVID-19 test result. As of September 2021, a CDC card is not accepted as proof of vaccination in France, and Americans must apply for a QR code that is compatible with the French system.

Ferry travel to France

Ferry travel between the UK and France is possible for unvaccinated travellers, but it is not straightforward. Unvaccinated travellers must have "compelling reasons" for their journey and will be required to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in France. They must also complete the passenger arrival form (known as eOS) and state where they will be isolating.

When booking ferry travel, it is important to book in advance, although it may be possible to turn up at the port and get on the next service. However, this is not guaranteed, and prices are usually better when booking in advance.

Upon arrival in France, unvaccinated travellers may be subject to arrival screenings, and if the result is positive, they will be placed in isolation. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must also sign a "sworn undertaking to comply with rules for entry", asserting that they have not been suffering from coronavirus symptoms and have not been in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the previous 14 days.

In addition to the above requirements, all travellers entering France will now undergo passport or identity checks due to increased border surveillance. These measures are expected to remain in place until April 20, 2025, and travellers should anticipate delays.

Frequently asked questions