France new Covid rules from 4th December?

[Cagem]

The French consulate in London has put this up this morning, so seems to be the first official advice:

From 4 December, fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), and whatever their nationality, have to provide the result of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 48h hours prior to departure. Self-administred tests (NHS test for example) are not considered valid for travel.

COVID-19: rules for travel between France and the UK

Find out about measures in place for all people travelling between France and the UK.

uk.ambafrance.org

 

[dosser]

The French consulate in London has put this up this morning, so seems to be the first official advice:

From 4 December, fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), and whatever their nationality, have to provide the result of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 48h hours prior to departure. Self-administred tests (NHS test for example) are not considered valid for travel.

COVID-19: rules for travel between France and the UK

Find out about measures in place for all people travelling between France and the UK.

uk.ambafrance.org

Looks like it's going to be the norm for a while to have to get a test if you want to travel. No issues from me but hopefully it won't continue to be a money making scheme for some of these companies. All for a fair price if that's what it takes to travel.

 

[Mikeco]

Could be a bit tricky for us, sailing 11 pm on Boxing Day from Portsmouth to Cherbourg.
Probably end up cancelling and wait and see how things develop.

 

[PhilandMena]

I have just arranged our virtual antigen test's (which meets Frogland entry test requirements). Test kits are sent to my home and an email with links to enable me to do the test's under the supervision of a online tester who walks us through the test, checks our mugshots against passport photo and issues a digital certificate there and then. We have used this company before, so know there certificates are accepted by boarder frogs. Cost per test £49.00 You can get much cheaper walk in ones but we have a slight issue with our sailing dates and the bank holiday dates begining of January and for us this choice works. For any members who want more details here is the link.
Cancellations within 24 hrs of test and £10.00 per test held, rest refunded

COVID-19 Home Page

Book a COVID-19 Test. Visit a Clinic, Submit a Photograph or Book a Video Call. Government Approved Provider. Fit To Fly Certificates.

wrenhealthcare.co.uk

 

[Cagem]

Is it a requirement that the test is supervised? I understand why it should be but I've not seen anything explicit.

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[dosser]

Is it a requirement that the test is supervised? I understand why it should be but I've not seen anything explicit.

I've bought lft from c19 testing no supervision take test, upload photo of test and number on packaging, then receive result back by email. £22 each

 

[acropolis22]

I've bought lft from c19 testing no supervision take test, upload photo of test and number on packaging, then receive result back by email. £22 each

Doesn't the consulate notice say you need a PCR test?

 

[dosser]

Doesn't the consulate notice say you need a PCR test?

Pcr or antigen test from the eurotunnel website.

Support

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www.eurotunnel.com

 

[PhilandMena]

Is it a requirement that the test is supervised? I understand why it should be but I've not seen anything explicit.

Yes! The test is conducted through Microsoft Teams video link (Free). You join a virtual test room at a given time via a link received by email and you wait there while the previous test is completed and then the tester enters the virtual room and walks you through the test and identification process. About 20 minutes from start to completion.

 

[PhilandMena]

Doesn't the consulate notice say you need a PCR test?

From 4 December, fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), and whatever their nationality, have to provide the result of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 48h hours prior to departure. Self-administred tests (NHS test for example) are not considered valid for travel.

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[acropolis22]

From 4 December, fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), and whatever their nationality, have to provide the result of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 48h hours prior to departure. Self-administred tests (NHS test for example) are not considered valid for travel.

Yes, I did read it. I was commenting on a post that implied a Lateral Flow test was sufficient.

 

[orridge]

Yes, I did read it. I was commenting on a post that implied a Lateral Flow test was sufficient.

Lateral flow tests (antigen) are acceptable just not the free NHS ones, you need to be able to receive the certificate with the results.

 

[The Wino]

That's pre-departure to come into the UK not to leave which makes more sense than being here for two days and then testing.

Actually doing both makes more sense as you could be incubating but test negative.

 

[WESTY66]

Still nervous about getting the 11.20 tonight, it means I’ll be crossing through the French border (Folkestone) on the 3rd and getting in France on the 4th hope I’m not delayed
Talk about cutting it fine

 

[The Wino]

Still nervous about getting the 11.20 tonight, it means I’ll be crossing through the French border (Folkestone) on the 3rd and getting in France on the 4th hope I’m not delayed
Talk about cutting it fine

I would have thought once you cross the border you're in.

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[WESTY66]

I would have thought once you cross the border you're in.

I hope so, it’s a bit late to arrange a test I do have a few boxs of LFT tests from NHS for our own assurance

 

[acropolis22]

Fascinating how much confusion there is. This report says it only applies to non-EU nationals and only PCR tests acceptable.....

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/ne...g-obligation-for-all-third-country-nationals/

 

[maison]

We are due to travel to France on 29th December.

With the difficulty of obtaining a test and proving that it is negative, over the Christmas period, we have decided to postpone our trip.

Trusting a private company to respond in a timely fashion over the Christmas holidays is enough for us to back out. We will now spend our money on a tour in the U.K. saving our France/Spain trip until the spring when we hope the situation will be more settled.

 

[orridge]

We are due to travel to France on 29th December.

With the difficulty of obtaining a test and proving that it is negative, over the Christmas period, we have decided to postpone our trip.

Trusting a private company to respond in a timely fashion over the Christmas holidays is enough for us to back out. We will now spend our money on a tour in the U.K. saving our France/Spain trip until the spring when we hope the situation will be more settled.

I have been using Chronomics for the last few trips and checked with them that they are open throughout Christmas and New Year which they are so you get your result back within an hour.

Alternatively there is a testing centre at Asda at Ashford (for Chunnel & Dover) where you book a slot and get the results in 15 minutes so it can be done.

I do not know why Eurotunnel does not offer rapid testing in the carpark before you travel.

 

[maison]

I have been using Chronomics for the last few trips and checked with them that they are open throughout Christmas and New Year which they are so you get your result back within an hour.

Alternatively there is a testing centre at Asda at Ashford (for Chunnel & Dover) where you book a slot and get the results in 15 minutes so it can be done.

I do not know why Eurotunnel does not offer rapid testing in the carpark before you travel.

A good point.

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[The Wino]

I have been using Chronomics for the last few trips and checked with them that they are open throughout Christmas and New Year which they are so you get your result back within an hour.

Alternatively there is a testing centre at Asda at Ashford (for Chunnel & Dover) where you book a slot and get the results in 15 minutes so it can be done.

I do not know why Eurotunnel does not offer rapid testing in the carpark before you travel.

I don't get that when the airlines complain about the cost of test putting people off in that case supply them at a reasonable cost.

 

[PaulandAngie]

We found back in the Summer that the real pressure was the thought of producing a positive result and not being able to travel back to the UK. Potentially having to basically manage without the TousAnticovid app which would be stopping our access to manage campsite bookings etc, clearly on top of being infected and needing to isolate in the motorhome somewhere. The UK government eventually removed the requirement. At least for now if you have caught Covid you can isolate on your return if the symptoms allow, and clearly doing so safely to make sure that you are not exposing anyone whilst travelling. Currently we will look to follow the testing requirements and progress with our holiday leaving just before New Year. However, if the testing to return to the UK re-applies we will cancel reluctantly. Don't want the "what if" all over again .

 

[gus-lopez]

Still nervous about getting the 11.20 tonight, it means I’ll be crossing through the French border (Folkestone) on the 3rd and getting in France on the 4th hope I’m not delayed
Talk about cutting it fine

get there earlier & get an earlier train.

I do not know why Eurotunnel does not offer rapid testing in the carpark before you travel.

 

[gus-lopez]

Doesn't the consulate notice say you need a PCR test?

from post #61 top of this page

From 4 December, fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), and whatever their nationality, have to provide the result of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 48h hours prior to departure. Self-administred tests (NHS test for example) are not considered valid for travel.

 

[PhilandMena]

I would have thought once you cross the border you're in.

When getting the Dover - Calais ferry your checked at Dover for entry requirements by the French boarder force. No doubt the same for the tunnel.

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[orridge]

I would have thought once you cross the border you're in.

Yes the french border control leaving the UK is at Cheriton so you clear French passport control and customs before leaving for France.

 

[deleted79651]

Daily COVID Travel Regs just received via Gov.uk website, timed at 16:07:

'Wef 11pm tonight [GMT], all those travelling from the UK to france must show proof of a negative COVID 19 test result [PCRor antigen] nefore departure. This applies to all travellers, whether fully vaccinated or not'

Steve

 

[orridge]

Finally updated on French government website and clarity on what self administered means https://uk.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-rules-for-travel-between-France-and-the-UK-28918

From 4 December, fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), and whatever their nationality, have to provide the result of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 48h hours prior to departure. Self-administred tests, whose results are not certified by a laboratory (e.g.: tests provided free of charge by the NHS) are not considered valid for travel.

The NHS indicates that it will not carry out tests for travel purposes. Private entities offering the same service must therefore be used.

 

[Oscar]

WESTY66

Daily COVID Travel Regs just received via Gov.uk website, timed at 16:07:

'Wef 11pm tonight [GMT], all those travelling from the UK to france must show proof of a negative COVID 19 test result [PCRor antigen] nefore departure. This applies to all travellers, whether fully vaccinated or not'

Steve

 

[denisejoe]

Have booked LFT at local Lloyds Pharmacy on Wednesday to travel Thursday morning - £29.99 each. Hoping we won't need the PCR when we come back in January but if we do then have to sort that out while we're in France.

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