If you have been planning to visit France as a British national, then you might be wondering if you are allowed to do so. And, if yes, then what are the entry requirements that you will be required to follow? Will you need an ETIAS France? Well, don’t worry because we are here to answer all your queries. In this article, we will explain to you all the entry requirements associated with France based on the prevention of the spread of the virus. This will include rules for fully vaccinated travelers and the ones for unvaccinated. We will also be sharing the requirements for children along with the cases of exemptions. So without delaying any further, let us get started.
Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
Beginning from 31st March 2022, all travelers from the UK, who are fully vaccinated and are above the age of 12 must give vaccination proof. The French government recognizes all kinds of vaccination certificates that adhere to the EU rules. According to these, your last dose of vaccination must have occurred a minimum of seven days before traveling for these vaccines:
- Moderna
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- Oxford/AstraZeneca
In the case of Johnson & Johnson, your second dose must be at least 28 days before traveling. Remember that your NHS card of appointment from vaccination centers cannot be utilized as vaccination proof and cannot be utilized for demonstrating your status of vaccination.
For travelers who are over the age of 18, France recognizes them as vaccinated when they have completed their first course of vaccine within the recent 9 months. In case the period is over 9 months and you have also not obtained a booster, you will be considered to be unvaccinated and will be required to follow the entry requirements associated with unvaccinated travelers, which are mentioned in the next section of this article.
Requirements for Individuals Who are Not Fully Vaccinated
Beginning from March 31, 2022, the visitors from the UK who are aged over 12 years and are not fully vaccinated must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test that is taken within 3 days of departure or an antigen test that is taken within 2 days of departure. If they fail to do so, they may not be allowed to board the flight. Apart from this, you might also be required to fill out the EU-PLF form prior to boarding the aircraft.
Requirements for Young Individuals and Children
Based on the website of the French Ministry of the Interior, all children who are under the age of 12 are exempted from all kinds of restrictions associated with traveling. However, for visitors aged between 12 and 18, the rules of vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are applicable. Also, based on the vaccination status of the youngster and that of the adult, they are accompanied by, the requirements may even include providing other documentation as well.
Exemptions for Entry Requirements to France from the UK
There are certain exemptions that the government of France has listed, which are as follows.
- HGV drivers
HGV drivers entering France from the UK are not required to demonstrate proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 PCR test. Further, they are also not required to quarantine.
- Entering French Overseas Territories
On May 12, 2022, the government of France stated the restrictions associated with traveling between France and its territories overseas will be removed. In case you are unvaccinated, you will not have to provide a strong reason for traveling or show a negative PCR test report ahead of traveling.
Check Your Passport Validity Before Traveling
In case you are planning to enter the UK, make sure that you adhere to the following passport requirements:
- Your passport has been issued within 10 years of your date of arrival in France.
- Your passport is valid for a minimum of 3 months post your departure date from France.
In case your passport was issued before October 1, 2018, additional months might have been added to its date of expiry. Also, if you think that your passport does not meet the above-mentioned requirements, you must contact the French embassy.
Traveling with Children
Beginning from January 15, 2017, any individual under the age of 18 leaving France without the company of a guardian or a parent must show the documents mentioned below upon departure at the border of France:
- A copy of the passport or ID card of the guardian or parent who signed the AST (Authorisation de Sorie du Territoire) form
- A filled out AST authorization form signed by the guardian or parent
- The child’s passport or ID card
Custom Checks
France has limited the amount of value and volume for specific goods, which you can carry on entry to France as a visitor. For the same, check the French Directorate General of Customs and Excise website.