Friday, 28 May 2021

France further shuts the door to UK travellers

It used to be so easy for British folk wanting to travel to France. Hop on the Eurostar and a couple of hours later you were enjoying a pastis in a chic Paris cafĂ©. 

Then along came Brexit, and Covid-19. All of a sudden Brits are persona non grata

Now, due to fears over the spread of the Indian variant of Covid-19, France will subject all travellers coming from the UK to quarantine for seven days.


The move takes effect from May 31 and travellers must be able to prove their reason for travel is essential.


This will likely be limited to reasons of health, family emergencies or business, the Travel Mole website reports.


England's Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty said the Indian variant of Covid is expected to become the dominant variant in the country.


"There is a new situation with the progression of the so-called Indian variant in the United Kingdom. We will set up compulsory isolation for people coming from the UK," French Government spokesman Gabriel Attal said.


It is a blow to the struggling tourism sector as France welcomed about 13 million Britons each year pre-Covid.


Although they will be allowed to self-isolate at a residence of their own choice, there will be a fine of up to €1,500 for anyone caught breaking the quarantine.


Other countries, including Germany and Austria have this week imposed tighter restrictions on travel from the UK. 

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