EXPLAINED: What are the 'vital reasons' that allow travel from the UK to France?
From Monday, May 31st, France brought in strict rules on travel from the UK over fears of the so-called Indian variant of Covid that is circulating in Britain. But what are the accepted reasons for travel?
All arrivals from the UK into France are now required to present three things;
- An essential reason for their journey, and form declaring this reason
- For over 11s, a negative Covid test taken within the previous 48 hours (either a PCR test or antigen test is allowed)
- An undertaking to quarantine for seven days once in France.
The vital reasons for the journey - motif imperiuex - have now been clarified by the French government.
In order to enter France you will need to fill out an attestation de déplacement (travel certificate) and tick one of the following reasons. You may also need to provide documentary proof of your reason for travel such as a visa or residency card. You can find the form HERE.
The following groups are allowed to enter France;
- French citizens and their spouse or partner and children
- EU citizens who have their permanent residence in France, or in another EU country and are transiting through France in order to return to their home. Spouses, partners and children of EU nationals living in France or another EU country are also covered by this
- Non-EU nationals who have their permanent residence in France or in another EU country and are transiting through France in order to return to their home. Proof of residency such as a residency card or visa will be required.
- British nationals who are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement (ie who were permanent residents in France or another EU country before December 31st, 2020)
- Non-EU nationals who benefit from a family reunification visa or are covered by refugee status
- Health professionals engaged in the battle against Covid, or travelling to do research or internships connected to the pandemic. Spouses, partners and children are also covered by this
- Non-EU nationals who have a passeport talent visa, plus their spouse, partner and children
- Students enrolled at a higher education establishment in France
- Employees in the road, sea, or air transport industries travelling to France or through France for work-related purposes, including hauliers
- Non-EU nationals involved in diplomatic or consular work
- Traveller spending less than 24 hours in France in transit to another country
- Employees of the Channel Tunnel or police or customs staff engaged on work at the border
Unlike under previous travel restrictions there are no exemptions for travel for compassionate reasons such as visiting seriously ill family members.
READ ALSO Everything you need to know about travel between France and the UK
Unlike the UK's previous travel rules, there is no property exemption for visits from second-home owners and travel for tourism or family visits is also banned.
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All arrivals from the UK into France are now required to present three things;
- An essential reason for their journey, and form declaring this reason
- For over 11s, a negative Covid test taken within the previous 48 hours (either a PCR test or antigen test is allowed)
- An undertaking to quarantine for seven days once in France.
The vital reasons for the journey - motif imperiuex - have now been clarified by the French government.
In order to enter France you will need to fill out an attestation de déplacement (travel certificate) and tick one of the following reasons. You may also need to provide documentary proof of your reason for travel such as a visa or residency card. You can find the form HERE.
The following groups are allowed to enter France;
- French citizens and their spouse or partner and children
- EU citizens who have their permanent residence in France, or in another EU country and are transiting through France in order to return to their home. Spouses, partners and children of EU nationals living in France or another EU country are also covered by this
- Non-EU nationals who have their permanent residence in France or in another EU country and are transiting through France in order to return to their home. Proof of residency such as a residency card or visa will be required.
- British nationals who are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement (ie who were permanent residents in France or another EU country before December 31st, 2020)
- Non-EU nationals who benefit from a family reunification visa or are covered by refugee status
- Health professionals engaged in the battle against Covid, or travelling to do research or internships connected to the pandemic. Spouses, partners and children are also covered by this
- Non-EU nationals who have a passeport talent visa, plus their spouse, partner and children
- Students enrolled at a higher education establishment in France
- Employees in the road, sea, or air transport industries travelling to France or through France for work-related purposes, including hauliers
- Non-EU nationals involved in diplomatic or consular work
- Traveller spending less than 24 hours in France in transit to another country
- Employees of the Channel Tunnel or police or customs staff engaged on work at the border
Unlike under previous travel restrictions there are no exemptions for travel for compassionate reasons such as visiting seriously ill family members.
READ ALSO Everything you need to know about travel between France and the UK
Unlike the UK's previous travel rules, there is no property exemption for visits from second-home owners and travel for tourism or family visits is also banned.
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