As of Tuesday, December 7, 2021, travelers to the United Kingdom will have to present a negative test carried out 48 hours before their departure in order to slow down the importation of the new Omicron variant.
[Mis à jour le 6 décembre 2021 à 09h35] Bad news if you had planned a stay at UK in the next weeks. While theTravelers arriving in the United Kingdom were required to perform a PCR test no later than two days after arrival and isolate themselves until the results, the British government announced the tightening of entry measures into the country.
From Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 04:00 (local and GMT), “any person aged 12 and over wishing to travel to the United Kingdom must present a negative test (antigen or PCR)” carried out maximum 48 hours before departure “in order to slow down the importation of the new Omicron variant, “the executive said in a statement. The United Kingdom has also stepped up its vaccine booster campaign and reintroduced the compulsory wearing of masks in transport and shops.
Before even talking about the restrictions linked to the pandemic, it should be noted that the principle of freedom of movement between France and the United Kingdom no longer exists since December 31, 2020, the date of the United Kingdom’s final exit from the United Kingdom. ‘European Union. However, tourist stays of less than 6 months remain visa-free.
Considered by France as an “orange” country, that is to say where the virus is actively circulating, but in controlled proportions and without the dissemination of worrying variants, the United Kingdom is therefore not one of the “red” countries. where it is strongly advised not to go at this time. On the other hand, France still advises non-vaccinated people to go to an “orange” country. Following the appearance of the Omicron variant, a mandatory PCR test and isolation to results is now mandatory to enter the UK.
No curfew has been in place in the UK since the start of the pandemic, even during periods of strict containment. Some restrictive measures specific to the night are however in force, such as the closing of nightclubs.
It is possible to travel within each of the four countries of the United Kingdom, although the authorities ask to limit travel as much as possible. These trips between countries are not counted as an international trip by UK authorities. After the 10-day quarantine carried out on arrival, you are no longer required to test yourself, isolate yourself or complete a tracking form, in the event of a change of country within the United Kingdom. Note that wearing a mask is compulsory in all public transport, but also in airports.
The mask must also be worn in all shops and supermarkets in England. Bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas are well open. Outside, gatherings of more than 30 people are prohibited, while it is possible to meet a maximum of 6 at someone’s house (or more if it is only people coming from 2 households).
The authorities carry out frequent checks to ensure both compliance with these measures and quarantine. In the event of infringements, dissuasive fines are provided for. Please note, all the measures indicated in this article may be subject to change and may also change somewhat according to the different countries forming the United Kingdom. Scotland, for example, has put in place some specific measures, including the closure at 10:30 p.m. of pubs, cafes and restaurants in the regions most affected by the epidemic (in particular Glasgow and Edinburgh), known as level 2 regions.
Air France, British Airways, Air Corsica, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 flights, Vueling Airlines, Flybe, Skytaxi. Despite the restrictive conditions surrounding travel between France and the United Kingdom, 9 airlines currently provide direct flights from France to various London airports (the main Heathrow, but also Gatwick or Stansted).
It is important to check before departure whether an airline asks its passengers to meet additional conditions to those of the authorities. Air France, for example, indicates when making reservations that it will refuse boarding to anyone not wearing a surgical mask. For its part, British Airways allows you to book your Covid tests before or after booking your flights.