Travel to the United Kingdom and Covid-19: end of the compelling reason, lifting of restrictions, Brexit... What you need to know to go there in 2022

Did you miss London?

, it is possible to return there provided you are vaccinated. The compelling reason requirement, introduced by the French authorities on December 18, 2021, has just been lifted in both directions. Vaccinated tourists can disembark at St Pancras station without having taken a PCR test. There are still a few conditions to be met, even though the British authorities have announced that all Covid restrictions will soon be lifted.

“We must replace legal obligations with advice and recommendations

”, pleaded Boris Johnson Parliament on January 19.

From Thursday January 27, wearing a mask will no longer be compulsory, teleworking will no longer be officially recommended and a health pass will no longer be imposed for access to nightclubs and certain large gatherings, he announced. without, however, mentioning the conditions of entry into the country.

According to The Sunday Times, British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps wants to formalize the end of screening tests after arrival from January 26.

One concern remains, this time about Brexit: is it more complicated to travel across the Channel since the exit from the single market and the customs union?

We take stock.

Read alsoWhere can we travel?

Our map of open countries and restrictions for French tourists

What are the entry formalities for French nationals traveling to the United Kingdom?

Vaccinated travelers

Tourists must complete an online “

” 48 hours before departure.

You should also test on the first or second day after arrival in the UK.

The test must be booked before departure on a list of suppliers certified by the British government.

Returning to France, travelers must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test carried out a maximum of 24 hours before departure and complete a sworn statement.

Please note that the United Kingdom does not recognize having a history of Covid-19 and a first dose as a complete vaccination schedule.

You will have to respect the conditions of non-vaccinated persons.

Unvaccinated travelers

Unvaccinated travelers are always subject to the obligation to justify

They must comply with the following formalities and obligations, in addition to the “

”:

• The presentation of a negative test within 72 hours;

• The reservation, before departure, of two tests to be carried out on the 2nd and 8th day of arrival in the territory and for which proof of purchase must be presented when crossing the border (list of suppliers to be consulted here);

• A 10-day isolation period upon arrival, which can be done at home or at the host.

On their return to France, unvaccinated travelers must continue to register before their departure, on the éOS passenger digital platform, allowing them in particular to enter their address in France.

They must also quarantine themselves for 10 days at home;

this quarantine will be controlled by law enforcement.

What about Ireland, Scotland and Wales?

The rules for entering British territory linked to the coronavirus epidemic may be adapted by the different nations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

To date, these seem to align with England.

It is still better to check the conditions in force in each region:

• Scottish Government website

• Welsh Government website

• Government of Northern Ireland website

Brexit: how to get to the United Kingdom since October 1, 2021?

Entry requirements to England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey) have changed significantly for leisure or business stays since October 1, 2021. Main modification: the

. Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland must have a

, even if it expires in less than 6 months. No visa is required for tourist stays of a

. Note that for French residents in England (

or

), the identity card remains valid until 2025.

On the telephony side, the four French operators do not overtax their subscribers' calls and mobile internet (

) made from Great Britain.

announced it in January 2020. Clearly, French subscribers who use their mobile from Great Britain will be able to continue to do so, as part of their package.

Read also

Restrictions, bars, restaurants, hotels, beaches, curfew... What measures are in place in the United Kingdom?

Restrictions can vary significantly depending on the place of stay or residence:

In England

Most restrictions have been lifted but masks remain mandatory on public transport.

Restaurants, cinemas and museums are open.

In Wales

Like England, Wales has relaxed some of its health restrictions.

Discotheques remain closed, however, and gatherings are limited to six people in public spaces.

All the restrictions applied can be viewed on the website of the Welsh authorities.

In Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland imposes health restrictions, like other nations.

Access to restaurants, cinemas, theatres, bars, discotheques and events bringing together more than 500 people standing or 10,000 people seated is subject to presentation of the health pass.

Hoteliers and other tourist accommodation must collect the names and telephone numbers of their customers.

You should consult the list of restrictions on the website of the Northern Irish authorities.

In Scotland

Wearing a mask indoors is compulsory in public places.

The device for tracing the contact cases of a person tested positive also remains in place.

Nightclubs are closed at least until January 17, 2022. Indoor gatherings in catering establishments are limited to 3 households and sanitary facilities are mandatory for access to indoor and outdoor events.

Details of measurements and levels can be viewed on the Scottish Government website or on the Scottish Tourist Board website.

Read the fileEngland: travel ideas and advice, our complete guide

* This article, originally published on September 20, 2021, has been updated.