UK visitors advised strict Covid rules remain in France despite end of travel ban

Holidaymakers hoping for an early trip to France following the lifting of a travel ban on UK visitors are being advised that strict rules are still in place.

Tourists have also been warned that entry rules could be toughened at any time because of a high level of Covid infections in the country.

Stringent testing measures also remain in place. However, a new study commissioned by travel insurer, battleface, reveals that many families in the UK are already planning a summer trip across the Channel.

The Opinium poll found 12 per cent of those surveyed stated they would book a summer holiday to France with six per cent intending to take a trip within the next six months.

Meanwhile, 54 per cent of winter sports holidaymakers said that the closure of French borders had impacted their ski plans.

Katie Crowe, global director of communications at battleface, said: “In the first week of January, insurance policies purchased for France represented just five per cent of our sales with other destinations such as Switzerland talking a bigger share – more than 10 per cent in the case of Switzerland.

“We are pleased that the French government has taken the move to lift its travel ban on British tourists.

“This will allow families hoping to travel to France to continue to plan ahead of the February half term as well as skiers wanting to plan a winter escape this season.”

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She added: “It is worth remembering however that not only is there a continuing surge of Covid-19 infections in France, stringent testing requirements are still in place, including the need for a PCR or lateral flow test 24 hours before leaving the UK.

“The requirements for British travellers while in France might also change and it’s vital that travellers keep up to date with the changing entry requirements as well as ensuring they have robust travel insurance in place.”