Macron says France is the 'most attractive country' in Europe

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The UK Government has decided to plough ahead with reopening on July 19 despite the country facing its highest toll of Covid cases in months. International travel has been allowed to resume since May, but has been very limited thanks to the Green, Amber and Red categorisations of destinations. As of the reopening, Brits coming back from amber list countries will not have to quarantine anymore as long as they’ve had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and present a negative PCR test on arrival. 

Full list of new rules for UK and France 

The UK Government has decided that measures for arrivals from France will remain in place from July 19, despite a significant easing for other destinations. 

Arrivals coming in from France will have to continue quarantining in their own accommodation for ten days and complete a day two and day eight test. 

This is regardless of vaccination status, in contrast to the rules that are kicking in on July 19. 

The change of rules for France comes after the persistent presence of cases of the Beta variant, first identified in South Africa, in the country. 

The Department of Health and Social Care says anyone who has been in France in the last ten days will need to quarantine on arrival to England. 

While some have been forced to book quarantine hotels, this won’t apply to incoming tourists from France.

This includes any fully vaccinated individual who has been transiting through France from either a green or amber country to reach the UK. 

The Test to Release scheme remains an option for travellers to shorten their quarantine period should they present a negative test after day five. 

Some operators could make specific exception in accordance with the public health rules that allow for transit without quarantine. 

One example of this could be people coming in via EuroStar from Belgium. 

For this reason, you’re always advised to double check with your travel operator in a bid to work out what’s best for you. 

The DHSC said: “Public health remains the Government’s top priority and it has been clear swift action will be taken on travel list allocations should the data show that countries’ risk to England have changed, including France. 

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“While current cases of the Beta variant in France are not high enough to require arrivals to enter managed quarantine, it is important to consider the potential detection and transmission risk in light of the current situation in England. 

“As a precautionary measure to protect the gains made in the UK’s vaccination programme and as the country unlocks, anyone arriving from France to England will continue to quarantine for ten days from early Monday morning while we continue to assess the latest data and track prevalence of the Beta variant.” 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps added: “Travel will be different this year and while we are committed to continuing to open up international travel safety, our absolute priority is to protect public health here in the UK. 

“We urge everyone thinking about going abroad this summer to check their terms and conditions as well as the travel restrictions abroad before they go.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid added: “We have always been clear that we will not hesitate to take rapid action at our borders to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the gains made by our successful vaccination programme. 

“With restrictions lifting on Monday across the country, we will do everything we can to ensure International travel is conducted as safely as possible and protect our borders from the threat of variants.”

Dr Jenny Harris said: “As we ease restrictions and begin making our way back to normal life, it’s more vital than ever that we listen to the data and act decisively when it changes. 

“While vaccines are helping us turn the tables against the virus, we need to continue proceeding cautiously, that means maintaining our defences against new variants and protecting our hard won progress through the exceptional vaccination rollout.”

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