France’s entry rules including PCR tests and rules for unvaccinated children

Latest France travel rules for Brits now that the country has lifted its travel ban for UK visitors – including the rules for unvaccinated children under 12 and whether they can visit

France holidays are back on the cards for Brits after the country has lifted a travel ban on UK travellers that had been put in place back in December due to concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant.

However, entry rules for UK visitors will differ depending on your Covid vaccination status.

If you’re fully vaccinated against Covid, you can travel to France for non-essential reasons such as a holiday. You’ll need to show proof of vaccination, and a negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 24 hours before arrival, as well as signing a ‘sworn statement’ that you’re not showing any symptoms.

If you’re unvaccinated, you’ll need an essential reason to be allowed to enter France. You’ll also need to sign a ‘sworn statement’ and show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 24 hours, as well as providing your contact details to authorities. You will also need to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival in France.

The above rules apply to anybody who is aged 12 or over.

It’s worth noting that in France to access the likes of bars, restaurants, museums and other venues, you’ll need a ‘pass sanitaire’ that shows either proof of vaccination, or a negative test result from within the last 24 hours.

Those aged 18-64 who have been double jabbed for more than seven months now need an approved booster jab in order to qualify as fully vaccinated to obtain the ‘pass sanitaire’.

Meanwhile there are other local measures in place, such as face masks being mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, and some city centres. (Check the local guidance for your chosen destination before you travel). They’re also required in large gatherings, queues, markets and stadiums.

You can find out more in the Foreign Office’s France travel advice.

Can unvaccinated children travel to France?

All of the travel rules in place by France specify that they apply to travellers aged 12 or over – but what if you’re planning to travel younger children who aren’t yet fully vaccinated?

According to the UK Foreign Office: “The same measures applied to vaccinated adults are applied to any minors who are travelling with them, whether vaccinated or not.”

This suggests that if a child is travelling with a vaccinated adult, they can visit as long as they have proof of a negative Covid test and have a sworn statement that they’re not showing symptoms, even if they themselves are not vaccinated.

Speak to your airline or holiday operator if you have any concerns.

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