France is easing travel restrictions "
for the end of the year
" for Britons wishing to transit through France to regain their European residence, the Interior Ministry told AFP, while new restrictions French authorities linked to Covid-19 are causing confusion in the United Kingdom.
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Many British nationals have gone "
in good faith
" to the United Kingdom for the end of the year holidays and "
find it difficult to reach their country of residence
", according to the ministry which decided to send "
instructions to tolerance
”to border police forces so that everyone can reach their residence.
The British had asked for clarification from France
British motorists wishing to return to their European residence outside France by crossing France have been denied access to the Channel tunnel on the British side since Wednesday. For its part, the
ferry
company P&O had told passengers that "
only those with a residence in France will be allowed to enter France
", but the relaxation of restrictions also concerns access to ferries. Passengers residing in France are not affected, nor are passengers on Eurostar trains.
The British Foreign Office said Thursday on its site to ask "
urgently for clarifications from the French government
" and advised its nationals to check with carriers before traveling.
Since December 18, new instructions impose a "
compelling reason
" to enter the territory.
According to the French Interior Ministry, the British are now "
third country nationals
", a category of travelers for which transit to another EU country is not allowed.
