January 13, 2022
2 mins read

France eases UK border restrictions for vaccinated travellers

Eurostar had recently cut the number of trains connecting Paris to London in the face of declining demand, and may now need to review plans…reports Asian Lite News

Vaccinated UK travellers will no longer need an essential reason to enter France from Friday, ending almost a month of restrictions.

With the omicron variant now widespread in both countries, the curbs are no longer needed, a statement from French Prime Minister Jean Castex’s office said on Thursday.

Coming at a peak point for holiday travel, the restrictions had dampened hopes of a much-needed boost for the tourism industry, one of the worst casualties of the pandemic.

France is the biggest market for UK tourists, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, with British residents accounting for 14% of visits to the country. Overall, international tourists spent 60 billion euros ($68.8 billion) a year in France before the pandemic, said the group, which represents tourism businesses including airlines and hotels.

“This will come as a huge relief to those with trips planned over the coming weeks – in addition to airlines and tour operators with a big presence in the ski market,” said Tim Alderslade, chief executive of carrier lobby group Airlines UK. “It’s a busy time in the winter season.”

Shares of Air France-KLM and Eurotunnel operator Getlink SE reversed earlier losses and were up less than 1% at 10:35 am in Paris. Low-cost UK carrier EasyJet Plc was down less than 1% in London, as was British Airways owner IAG SA.

EasyJet welcomed the lifting of restrictions, saying it is particularly good “for those looking to book a last-minute half-term break or planning to head to the slopes.”

Eurostar had recently cut the number of trains connecting Paris to London in the face of declining demand, and may now need to review plans.

“We are ready to welcome more passengers on board and will continue to increase the frequency of our services in the coming weeks,” the train operator said.

Under the new guidelines, France is also lifting the requirement to self-isolate for people who have had the Covid vaccine. All travellers will need a negative test less than 24 hours old. The rules remain unchanged for non-vaccinated people.

France had banned tourists and almost all business travel starting Dec. 18, with a stringent list drawn out for exceptions to the rule. The list of reasons was broadened earlier this month, especially for business travellers.

ALSO READ-Prince Andrew gives up military titles, patronages

Previous Story

India, Japan stage joint naval exercise

Next Story

EU, NATO bet on dialogue with Russia

Latest from -Top News

Pak, Iran Crack Down on Afghan Refugees

Most of those affected are in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where authorities have intensified pressure on Afghan nationals to leave….reports Asian Lite News As forced deportation and illegal detention of Afghan refugees continues,

Balochistan Bleeds Under Pakistan’s Iron Fist

The Baloch people have long faced marginalization and exploitation. Enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and collective punishment have further alienated the Baloch population…reports Deepak Kumar The scale and the audacity of the attack

Luxon’s India Visit Kicks Off Today

Prime Minister Luxon will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior officials, ministers, business leaders…reports Asian Lite News New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is scheduled to arrive in India on

Pakistan Blames Kabul for Jaffar Express Attack

The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan has stated that the intercepted calls confirmed links between the attackers and Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan continues to accuse Afghanistan of orchestrating the
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Ukraine war: Macron counts on Xi ‘to bring Russia to senses’

Macron and Xi engaged in closed-door talks on Thursday, which

 India, France, UAE to boost maritime ties

The three nations have exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region