From January 27, wearing a mask will no longer be compulsory, teleworking will no longer be recommended and the health pass will no longer be required to access nightclubs in England.
[Mis à jour le 20 janvier 2022 09h33] The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that it will put to the essence of the anti-Covid restrictions imposed to fight against the variant Omicron in England from January 27. LWearing a mask will no longer be legally compulsory, teleworking will no longer be officially recommended and the health pass will no longer be imposed for access to nightclubs and certain large gatherings, the Conservative leader announced in Parliament.
At the beginning of the year, the government took the decision to relax the conditions of entry into France for vaccinated travelers from UK. Since January 14, they no longer have to present a compelling reason or to respect a 48-hour isolation upon their arrival in the territory. A negative PCR or antigen test less than 24 hours old must always be presented. Unvaccinated travelers will have to justify a compelling reason and observe a strict quarantine period of ten days at this place”, specifies the government. For its part, the United Kingdom had already relaxed its entry requirements. Travelers no longer have to take a screening test against Covid-19 before their trip. If they are vaccinated, they also no longer have to isolate themselves while waiting for the result of a PCR test carried out after their arrival.
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 definitive exit from the ‘European Union. However, tourist stays of less than 6 months remain exempt from visas.
Considered by France as an “orange” country, that is to say where the virus is actively circulating, but in controlled proportions and without the spread of worrying variants, the United Kingdom is therefore not one of the “red” countries. where it is strongly advised not to go now. On the other hand, France still advises unvaccinated people not to go to an “orange” country. Following the appearance of the Omicron variant, mandatory PCR testing and isolation until results are now mandatory to enter the UK.
No curfew has been put in place in the UK since the start of the pandemic, even during periods of strict confinement. Some restrictive measures specific to the night are however in force, such as the closing of discotheques.
It is possible to travel within each of the four countries of the United Kingdom, even if the authorities ask to limit travel as much as possible. These trips from one country to another are not counted as an international journey by the authorities of the United Kingdom. After the 10-day quarantine on arrival, there is no longer a requirement to test, self-isolate or complete a whereabouts form, if changing countries within the UK. Note that wearing a mask is compulsory on all public transport, but also at airports.
The mask must also be worn in all shops and supermarkets in England. Bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas are open. Outside, gatherings of more than 30 people remain prohibited, while it is possible to meet a maximum of 6 at someone’s home (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 violations, dissuasive fines are provided for. Please note that 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 closing 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 operate direct flights from France to the various London airports (the main Heathrow, but also Gatwick or Stansted).
It is important to check before departure if an airline asks its passengers to fulfill additional conditions to those of the authorities. Air France indicates for example at the time of 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.