France refund rights ahead of travel ban for UK visitors – all you need to know

French authorities will only allow British visitors into France if they have a ‘compelling reason’ to do so – and this does not include travel for tourism or business

Thousands of travellers are rushing to get to France ahead of a ban on UK tourists that comes into force tomorrow.

On Friday, Cross-Channel rail operator Eurostar said most of its services had sold out as people pushed their Christmas travel plans forward.

France has banned travel to and from Britain without “compelling reasons” in a bid to prevent the spread of the Omicron strain of Covid.

All arrivals will have to provide a negative Covid test less than 24 hours old and isolate for at least two days.

Trips for tourism or business will not be permitted.

Hauliers are exempt from the new rules.

Ferry operators and airlines also experienced a surge in demand for travel today.

Travel firms described the tourism ban as a “hammer blow”.

Trade association ABTA has requested an “urgent meeting” with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to discuss the sector’s “current financial situation and its pressing need for financial support”.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: “The Government has recognised the plight of the UK hospitality sector, with trade down by 40% in December.

“But at the same time, the travel industry, where income has been down by 78% this year, and further impacted by Omicron restrictions since late November, continues to be ignored.

“Over the past fortnight, we have heard nothing from Government about how travel and tourism might be supported. The time to act is now.”

Refund rights if you have a trip to France coming up

With tourism now closed for Brits heading to France on holiday, many people will be wondering what their refund rights are on flights and tickets booked in the near future.

Passengers with package tours – who bought flights and accommodation together – are protected by Atol, meaning you will get a full refund when the tour operator is forced to cancel.

As happened previously, tour firms may ask customers to defer their booking but you are under no obligation to do so. Those offered an alternative trip may be entitled to compensation if it is not of the same quality. Others may be asked for upgrade fees.

Those who booked their own trips will be relying on the provider’s terms and conditions. Most people will have booked flexible tickets and face having to reschedule their trips.

EasyJet, for instance, is offering free switches to alternative flights up until two hours before departure.

Eurostar said it would offer passengers forced to cancel a fee-free exchange or an e-voucher.

Those with hotel bookings need to check their terms and hope that cancellation is allowed. Airbnb customers will subject to their host’s chosen cancellation terms.

Brittany Ferries said on Thursday: “We’re encouraging customers to change their bookings to a later date if they can, but we’ll refund those who’d prefer not to.”