Double-hit holidaymakers returning to UK from France will still need to be quarantined Bedford News

Anyone coming from France to the UK will need to self-quarantine for 10 days, even if they are fully vaccinated, the government said.

There has been speculation that restrictions on travel to and from France could be tightened, due to concerns about the beta variant.

People arriving in England from France must continue to quarantine themselves for 10 days at home or in other accommodation, even if they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

As of Monday, UK residents arriving from Amber countries who are fully vaccinated will no longer need to be quarantined, but the government has now said that will not apply to France.

This is due to the persistent presence of cases in France of the Beta variant, which was first identified in South Africa.

Anyone who has been in France in the past 10 days will need to self-quarantine upon arrival in England in their own accommodation and will need to be tested on Day 2 and Day 8, regardless of their vaccination status.

It comes after Bulgaria banned British travelers from entering the country after the British government placed them on the green list.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We have always been clear that we will not hesitate to take swift action at our borders to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect the gains made by our successful vaccination program.

“With the restrictions being lifted across the country on Monday, we will do all we can to ensure that international travel is as secure as possible and to protect our borders from the threat of variations.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘Travel will be different this year and while we are committed to continuing to open up safe international travel, our top priority is to protect public health here in the UK.

“We urge anyone planning to go overseas this summer to check their terms and conditions as well as overseas travel restrictions before leaving.”

MP Henry Smith, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation, said: “This announcement is a real setback for international travel.

“We all expected the traffic light system to provide much needed certainty, but our current approach has only created confusion that continues to prevent any meaningful recovery for our aviation, travel industries. and tourism.

‘Again, last minute announcement raises important questions about whether the traffic light system is fit for purpose in its current form and pushes the UK further behind Europe despite our vaccination program leading.

“We cannot afford to continue with this continued approach to international travel, which leaves consumer confidence in tatters, pushes businesses to the brink of collapse and will result in further job losses.”