France tightens rules for tourists as Omicron causes panic across Europe
PCR travel testing market labelled ‘disgrace’ by Walsh
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British tourists aged 12 and over in France need to have the French pass sanitaire to gain entry to tourist attractions and venues. Unvaccinated people will now have to take a test every 24 hours to qualify for the certificate.
Tourists and residents need the pass sanitaire to access many venues, including restaurants, bars and tourist attractions.
People must be vaccinated, have proof of a recent recovery or take regular PCR test to qualify.
Tests will now need to be taken every 24 hours to qualify for the pass which will be very expensive for unvaccinated people.
PCR tests are not free for tourists in France and each one will set travellers back €49 (£41).
The new rules could impact families with children over the age of 12 who have not been fully vaccinated.
Many teenagers in the UK have not had the chance to get their second vaccine and will have to take the tests to qualify for a pass sanitaire.
From January 15, all tourists over the age of 18 who were vaccinated over seven months ago will need a booster jab to qualify for the certificate.
A Government travel update said: “From 15 January 2022, those who are aged 18-64 years old and who have been fully vaccinated for more than seven months will need to demonstrate they have received an approved COVID-19 booster injection in order to access the ‘pass sanitaire’ in France.
“You can access the QR code for your booster in the same way as for previous injections.”
Everyone in France over the age of 18 is now eligible to receive a booster jab five months after the last dose of their vaccine.
The new rules are thought to be in response to the discovery of the Omicron variant which has caused panic around the world.
The variant was first identified in South Africa but it is not known where it originated. It has been discovered in many other countries including the UK and Belgium.
British tourists visiting Switzerland will need to quarantine for 10 days due to the Omicron variant.
Geneva is the gateway for many ski tourists travelling to the Swiss or French Alps so the new rule is likely to mean cancellations.
British tourists are advised to check the UK Government website for the latest travel restrictions and rules.
Britons must take a PCR test on or before day two after arrival in the UK and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
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