Covid rules
Covid-related rules are now a lot less restrictive than they once were, and most people can travel with no paperwork. There are still some things to be aware of, however.
From the UK to France - France on March 31st moved the UK onto its 'green list' for travel, removing most travel restrictions.
The rules now in place are;
Vaccinated travellers - people who are fully vaccinated can travel for any reason and do not have to provide a reason for their trip.
There is no requirement for a Covid test, and the travel declaration is no longer required. Merely showing proof of vaccination at the border is sufficient.
NHS vaccination certificates are accepted at the border.
Unvaccinated travellers - can travel to France for any reason - including holidays and second home visits - and do not need to fill in a travel declaration.
A negative Covid test is required at the border. This can be either a PCR test taken within 72 hours or antigen test an antigen test taken within 48 hours. Be aware that not all types of lateral flow test are accepted in France - full details here.
Fully vaccinated - For travel purposes, France counts as fully vaccinated anyone who has had two shots of AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna - or a single shot after being infected with Covid - and is seven days past their second dose.
Booster shots are not required for travel purposes, unless your second vaccine dose was more than nine months ago - in this case a single booster shot is required in order to keep the 'fully vaccinated' status, in line with the EU digital vaccine pass rules. Vaccination certificates from EU and non-EU countries are accepted at the border.
From France to the UK - Since March 18th, passengers are no longer required to fill out a Passenger Locator Form before travelling to the UK.
Travellers, vaccinated or not, no longer need to complete any Covid testing in order to enter the UK. The post-arrival 'Day 2 tests' are no longer required for any arrivals.
Covid rules in France and the UK
In France - Once in France, you no longer need a vaccine pass to access venues like bars, restaurants, museums or cinemas. Masks are still required on all public transport and in stations/airports etc.
Don't forget that since the end of the Brexit transition period there are extra restrictions in place on everything from health insurance and visas to sandwiches.
In the UK - The UK has lifted all Covid-related rules including mask rules and mandatory self-isolation if you test positive for Covid.
Brexit rules
The end of the Brexit transition period on January 1st 2021 ushered in a host of changes to travel between France and the UK.
But because of the pandemic, many people have not travelled since then.
The majority of the restrictions - especially those concerning bringing in food, DIY equipment and high-value items, affect those travelling from the UK to France, but there are changes the other way too, especially around passports and ID cards.
UK nationals who live in France need to remember to show residency paperwork at the border to avoid having their passports stamped and if you're bringing a four-legged friend with you, don't forget that pets need new post-Brexit paperwork too.
You can find a full list of the rules HERE.
Travel disruption
If you're travelling over the Easter holidays, check with your travel operator before departing, since services in the UK have seen widespread disruption due to a combination of Brexit, Covid and the P&O Ferries debacle which have seen long queues in airports and on the roads and ferries and flights cancelled.
Full details on what is running HERE.
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