Can I visit France? Latest travel advice as country eases restrictions on UK arrivals

In a relaxation of travel rules for France, Britons who have received both doses of a Covid vaccine may travel to the country from June 9, and will no longer need to provide evidence of a 'compelling reason' for their visit.

Those who have received the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna vaccines must wait two weeks between their final dose and their visit, while those with single-dose Johnson&Johnson must wait four weeks. They will also need to supply a negative PCR or antigen test result on arrival.

However, travellers who have not received the full vaccine will still need to supply proof that their trip is essential – as well as self-isolate for seven days, and provide a negative Covid test certificate on arrival.

France is currently listed as an "amber" destination by the UK Government which advises against travel there, with British authorities requiring people to self-isolate for 10 days and take two Covid tests on return. This won't change at least until the next review, penciled in for July 19.

France gradually started lifting lockdown on May 3, and a return to near-normal is expected by June 30, according to French media.

While foreign holidays have been legal since May 17, travellers from France will face additional restrictions until it is removed from the amber list and the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office still advises against all non-essential travel to the country.

This is the current state of affairs, and while it could change in the coming months, any booking for travel, even in summer, comes with an element of risk.

Here's everything we know so far.

Am I allowed to travel to France?

The UK's ban on foreign holidays lifted on May 17, meaning Britons are once again permitted to visit – but it is discouraged to do so for a holiday while France remains on the 'amber list'.

The FCDO also currently advises against all-but essential travel to France – which invalidates most travel insurance policies, even if France itself is welcoming fully-vaccinated leisure travellers.

Do I need to take a test?

Yes. Even if you have had both vaccine doses, you will need to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test on arrival. This applies to all arrivals, whether vaccinated or not. It is thought that a full vaccine record in the NHS application can be used as proof of your vaccinated status.

Furthermore, you will also need to take a test no more than 72 hours before returning to the UK, and then a further two tests after you return (on day 2 and day 8).

To help simplify the process and make pricing more transparent, the Government has launched an official Covid test comparison website. The new gov.uk website provides travellers with information on the cheapest, quickest and most efficient Covid test companies in their region.

Testing is a key requirement of the UK Government's 'traffic light' system and French border controls, and it's likely to remain this way for some time.

Do I need to self-isolate on my return home?

Yes, as France is on the amber list, you will still be required to self-isolate for up to 10 days on return to the UK. You could pay for an additional PCR test on day five of isolation through the 'Test to Release' scheme.

When will France be added to the 'green list'?

The UK Government has offered no indication of when, or indeed if, the country will be added to the green list – but it won't be until the new review on July 19 at the very earliest.

What are Covid restrictions like in France?

France started lifting lockdown on May 3 with a planned return to near-normal by June 30. On May 19 the 7pm curfew was extended to 9pm and restaurant, bar and cafe terraces reopened. Museums, theatres, cinemas, non-essential shops opened their doors on that date too, with a maximum capacity of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors.

But cafes and restaurants will have to wait until June 9 to be allowed to serve clients indoors, when the curfew will be raised to 11pm. Group size will be limited to six people. Sports halls will reopen.

Full information about restrictions in France can be found here.

Am I still covered by travel insurance?

The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the whole of France based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks. If you need to travel to France there are a small number of providers willing to offer cover against Foreign Office advice.

Are flights to France operating?

A number of airlines are still operating limited flights to France. Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Vueling are among the airlines with flights running.

Is the Channel Tunnel still open?

Yes, Eurotunnel is still running.

Is Eurostar running?

Eurostar has operated a service between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord throughout the pandemic. Check with the rail provider for details. Passengers are required to wear face masks.