EU ponders tighter rules on UK tourists as states impose own measures

A number of countries have tightened restrictions on visitors from Britain, and the EU is considering bloc-wide measures to combat the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant - but, for now, rules for British visitors entering France remain unchanged.

Portugal was the latest to introduce stricter measures - requiring non-vaccinated holidaymakers from the UK to quarantine for 14 days on arrival. These measures will apply until at least July 11.

Spain is to impose stricter rules for British visitors to the Balearic islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Fuerteventura - requiring them to present a recent negative Covid-19 test result or proof of vaccination.

Malta, too, will impose a proof-of-vaccination requirement from June 30.

Meanwhile, the EU is considering whether to implement a suggestion from Germany to implement bloc-wide measures to slow down the Delta variant, which now accounts for 20% of Covid-19 cases in France.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for travellers from the UK to be banned from travelling to the EU, even if they are fully vaccinated.

That would bring EU rules into line with Germany, which has already designated the UK as a ‘virus variant area of concern’. That means travellers from the UK may currently only enter Germany if they are a German citizen, or resident; or their spouse, partner, or child under 18; or if they have an urgent humanitarian reason such as an immediate family bereavement.

President Emmanuel Macron has said he would support a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for unvaccinated travellers from the UK if its status switches to an ‘area of concern’.

EU officials are set to discuss the matter in the coming days.

Regardless of any impending EU decision, little is likely to change for visitors to France from the UK.

The current rules are that vaccinated Britons must present proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure, as well as a ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur, on the French government website here) self-certifying that you are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight.

Non-vaccinated people must have an essential reason to come - such as the right to live and/or work in France - to justify their journey. You must also self-isolate for seven days on arrival.