Latest Updates

As of June 2021, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole of France based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.

From 31 May, travel to France from the UK is permitted only for EU nationals, French residents, or those travelling for one of the essential reasons set out by the French Government. This applies to all air, car, ferry and train passengers.

Covid-19 antigen tests are not accepted for those travelling to France from the UK. Alternatively, you can test for Covid-19 using one of our PCR test kits which must be taken no more than 72 hours before departing the UK. Failure to provide a negative Covid-19 test may result in travellers being refused entry to France.

France is on the amber list for entering England. If you’re planning to return to the UK from France, you’re required to take an antigen test from a government-listed service provider. See our antigen page for details on how to buy a Covid-19 antigen test.

France Travel Advice

Can I travel to France?

Travel to France from the UK is subject to specific requirements. You can only travel from the UK to France if you belong to one of the following groups:

• French nationals, nationals of the European Area, and their spouses and children.
• British and/or third country nationals who are consistently resident in France, the EU or the European Area.
• British and/or third country nationals who must travel for reasons specified as essential by the French government.
• British or third country nationals who are travelling for exceptional reasons, as detailed by the French Embassy in London.

Which Covid-19 test do I need to travel to France?

If you are travelling from the UK to France, you are required to undertake a negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test within 72 hours of departure.

How long before my flight to France should I take a Covid test?

Travellers from the UK to France are required to take a negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test within 72 hours of their flight.

Do I need any additional documentation to travel to France?

Yes. If you are travelling to France from the UK then you will need to have completed both a ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) and a signed ‘travel certificate' (attestation). 

The sworn statement certifies that you are not suffering from any Covid symptoms and have not been in contact with any confirmed cases over the past two weeks. The travel certificate is required to confirm your reason for travelling.

Further information on these documents can be found from the French government.

How much does a Covid test cost for travel to France?

The price of a Covid-19 test is £149 if you are travelling to France. This covers the PCR test and a fit to fly certificate.

Are Medicspot Covid tests approved by France?

Yes. Medicspot tests and fit to fly certificates are universally recognised by both France’s airlines and the French government.

What documentation will I get following my Covid test in order to meet France’s travel requirements?

If your Covid-19 test is negative, Medicspot will provide you with your negative test result as well as a fit to fly certificate. These will be provided within the 72 hour window.

If my child is under 11 do they need a Covid test to travel to France?

No. The French government has declared that children under the age of 11 do not need to present a negative Covid-19 test in order to travel to France from the UK.

Does France accept Covid-19 Proof of Recovery documents?

As of July 2021, France does not allow proof of recovery certificates for travellers arriving from the UK to enter the country. See the government website for additional information.

Inbound UK Travel

Which Covid-19 tests do I need to enter the UK from France?

If you haven’t visited or passed through a country on the red list in the 10 days before travelling to the UK, you must:

• Take a pre-departure PCR or antigen test and get a negative result within 72 hours (3 days) of your departure.
• Book and pay for a day 2 and 8 amber country test package which includes Covid-19 tests to be taken on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of your quarantine.
• Complete a passenger locator form.

Which Covid-19 tests do I need to take once I have arrived in the UK?

France is on the amber list for travel. Once you have arrived in the UK from France you must:

• Quarantine for 10 days.
• Take the mandatory day 2 and 8 tests.

There is also the option to take part in Test to Release which allows travellers to shorten their quarantine from day 5 of their arrival, provided they have tested negative for coronavirus. This test must be bought from a private provider like Medicspot. You can find additional information about the Test to Release scheme on the government website.