Travelling to France from the UK during COVID - How to prepare!
Preparing to travel during COVID can be a lot to manage with all the rules and regulations from Covid testings, travel insurance to travel restrictions, it can all get rather confusing when going abroad. This article will cover some important information and tips that will hopefully be useful to those who are travelling to France soon!
Note: Travel guidance and rules can regularly change so make sure that the guidance you follow is up to date. Check the latest official advice for the country you are departing from and the country you’re travelling to before booking and setting off on your travels.
1. Check booking policies for cancellations or change policies
The last thing you’d want is for travel rules to change and you’re stuck with flights you cannot change or get refunded. Many airlines now will offer change or cancellation offers for COVID-19 so make sure you read their website and policies carefully to see if they cover COVID related changes and what flexibility they offer.
Staysure is a UK-based insurance provider that offer COVID related travel insurance may be useful for your travel.
Check it out here: https://www.staysure.co.uk/coronavirus-travel-insurance/
2. Preparing before your departure to France
If you are travelling from the UK to France as a fully vaccinated adult, then you do not need to present a test before entering France or need to self-isolate. However, you will be required to show full vaccination proof which you can do using the NHS Covid PASS (more information on this under health pass). If you have children aged 12 or over travelling with you, they will need to get a PCR test with negative proof before travel, under 12s do not need to get any tests.
The only thing you are required to do is present a sworn 'statement of honour' that is completed and signed for each passenger which is to be presented at the border control. This can be presented digitally or printed to confirm that you do not have any Covid-19 symptoms. You can find the form and more information here: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel#from4
Get a French Health pass (pass sanitaire)
Almost most things will require you to present a health pass if you want to access leisure and culture venues and events bringing together more than 50 people. If you got your vaccination in the UK, you can download the NHS COVID app from the app store or google play – you will be required to log in using your NHS number and you will be shown a QR code that will prove your vaccination status. This will allow you to access events, venues and restaurants in France! Health pass are not required for under 12s.
3. Preparing for your arrival back to the UK
Although you do not need to quarantine upon return to the UK, Covid tests on day 2 or before after your arrival are still a requirement. It’s important to note that you can NOT take the free NHS tests for travel purposes as they will not accept this as valid document and you will not be allowed to travel using this. You will be required to use a private provider who will meet the UK government’s minimum standards for testing services.
From the 24th October, fully vaccinated adults travelling to England do not have to get a PCR test but can opt for a cheaper lateral flow test which will help cost cuts during your travel. You will still have to buy the test from a private provider and send the test proof to verify you have tested negative - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not confirmed if they will make these changes and allow lateral tests so it's best to check the current rules before travelling into these countries.
Lateral Flow Tests
Until the 24th October, you will still have to get PCR test on day 2 and only after this date you can take lateral flow tests instead. You can find the approved providers from the government site below and begin booking tests from the 22nd of October - make sure you have pre-booked your test so it arrives in time when you get to England.
You can take the test on your arrival day in England or on day 2. You are still able to take a PCR test if you prefer.
Where can I buy PCR test?
Some test providers in the UK can costs upwards of £100 which can add substantial costs to your holiday or travels so make sure you’re prepared the best option of PCR tests after your trip.
The link below will show you all the options for day 2 tests available in the UK.
https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type/green
Filter for your location and type of test (at home or on site) and find the best PCR choice for you! If you’re choosing to do a home test, make sure you order beforehand to avoid any delays in receiving your test.
4. What if I’m not vaccinated?
Travelling into France will only be allowed for essential reasons.
If you are over 12 travelling into France from the UK, you must present a negative PCR and the PCR or antigenic test must have been taken less than 24 hours before boarding.
When you travel back to the UK, you will still be required to quarantine for 10 days after you’ve returned to the UK as well as taking tests both before and after your departure.
You can find relevant day 2 and day 8 PCR tests below:
https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type/amber
5. Be aware of Covid rules in France
Face masks are a requirement for all enclosed public spaces. Make sure you carry enough masks with you and you have a mask on hand with you when going to events or large gatherings. Children under 11 do no need wear masks. As mentioned above, have your NHS covid pass ready on your phone, printed proof or NHS letter for access to events, venues and lots of other places where you may need to show proof. You can also have antigen proof test or PCR tests with you which can be valid proofs.
Make sure you are stay safe and well prepared for your travels!
As travel restrictions have began to ease for UK travellers, we know you are just as excited as us to start travelling and exploring. This time round there's a new perk for UK residents when travelling to the EU: tax-free shopping! You can travel, shop and save money on your purchases through tax-free shopping by claiming VAT refunds on the goods you take home to the UK.
So before you set off for your trip, make sure you know how to claim VAT refunds on the items you buy in France! We understand you may be new to tax-free shopping so here's an article to get you started on how to do tax-free shopping in the EU.
Reach out to us at @wevatapp if you have any further questions or queries!
Happy travelling! 🇫🇷
About Wevat App:
Wevat - a new digital tax refund app that makes it easy for travellers to save money on their shopping in France! We are a community of people who love travelling, shopping and saving money. Since our launch in 2019, we've helped refund travellers from 88 countries more than €18 million on their shopping!
Compared with in-store VAT refund providers, Wevat gives you up to 23% more VAT back and with no minimum spending requirements on each purchase. With Wevat, you can simply snap a picture of your purchase invoices then generate and scan your barcode when you leave France. There are no paper forms, repeated scanning or dropping off forms required with us. Our super-friendly, multilingual customer support team will be always on hand to support you throughout your trip via our app.
We are fully regulated by both French and UK customs.
Download Wevat app now and start saving money on your shopping in France!
Please download before purchase to validate shopping.