France Tightens Entry Restrictions on Travelers from the UK Amid Surge in Omicron Cases

On the 27th of last month (local time), visitors gathered at the Christmas market set up in the Tuileries Garden in Paris, France. [Image source=Yonhap News]

France has decided to reimpose restrictions on entry from the United Kingdom, where the new COVID-19 variant Omicron is rapidly spreading.

On the 16th (local time), the French government issued a statement announcing that from now on, travelers departing from the UK to France must have essential reasons for entry.

As a result, entry into France from the UK for tourism or work purposes is expected to be blocked. However, nationals of France or European Union (EU) member countries are allowed to enter.

To enter France, travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 24 hours prior to arrival, and after entry, they must undergo another test and self-isolate for at least 48 hours until a negative result is confirmed.

The quarantine location can be chosen by the individual, and police may conduct unannounced inspections.

This measure applies to everyone regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status and will take effect from 11 p.m. Paris time on the 17th.

Meanwhile, in the UK, 78,610 people tested positive for COVID-19 the previous day, marking the highest number of new cases ever recorded. The total number of Omicron infections reached 10,017, an increase of 4,671 from the day before.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.