London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – This week saw travel restrictions raised in France for vaccinated UK travellers. Essentially, vaccinated travellers will be able to go and visit France without any need for struct self-isolation upon arrival.
Restrictions were initially implemented before Christmas as the Omicron variant had made its way heavily through the UK and was sweeping the rest of Europe. Now, with this mild variant easing across both countries, there seems to be no point in restricting families and friends from visiting as well as hopes to re-increase travel and tourism throughout the country.
While other countries are continuing to be cautious in the light of this new and very contagious variant, the World Travel and Tourism Council stated, “Once a variant is endemic, closing borders is pointless and only damages livelihoods. Especially in travel and tourism, one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic.”
As of Friday the 14th of January 2022, travellers, whether vaccinated or not, will need to show a negative PCR or antigenic COVID test. The test must be completed no longer than 24 hours before the flight. For vaccinated travellers, you once again will not need to self-isolate once entering the country, as well as not need to justify your reasons for visiting.
On the other hand, for unvaccinated travellers, you will not only need to comply with police monitored isolation for 10 days, but will also need to give reasons for your visit and fill in a passenger locator.
Strict restrictions for unvaccinated travellers could see struggles when travelling to France in the near future as French lawmakers discuss further restrictions. This could mean those who are unvaccinated could see themselves unable to visit restaurants, bars and specific venues. Whether you do or do not have a negative test.
For those ready to travel, you may want to start booking your spots to the snow as ski bookings have been boosted since the ban has been lifted. With snow conditions being dubbed as “excellent”, the ban lift couldn’t come at a better time, which is right before ski season. As of right now, flights to Chambery, Grenoble and Lyon will commence from the 22nd of January. If you are looking for a more inner-city type of vacation, February 11 will be your time to head back to Paris.
At the same time, travel agents and those in the travel industry are getting ready for summer bookings as everyone looks forward to a warm and sunny getaway in France. One of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations.
There are major hopes that this last restriction will be the final closure made by COVIDs endless variants. With France being able to continue to welcome in its surge of tourists, the long two-year struggle will look to a brighter tourism future and some much-needed income to the country.
