PARIS, Dec 17 — The rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the United Kingdom (UK) has prompted France to announce new measures for travellers arriving from the country.
Effective from midnight Dec 18, all travellers from the UK over the age of 12 must have a compelling reason to travel, the French Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Thursday, reported Xinhua. This rule applies regardless of vaccination status.
On boarding flights from the UK to France, travellers must present a negative PCR or antigen test result, carried out less than 24 hours before departure. They must also fill out a passenger form.
After entering France, UK travellers must self-isolate in a location of their choice, the ministry also announced. If the traveller can present a negative PCR or antigen test 48 hours after arriving, they no longer have to quarantine.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, more than 10,000 cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in the country.