Can I travel to France? Coronavirus lockdown and rules explained
HOLIDAYS in France have been off the cards since the country was placed on the UK's quarantine list on August 15, due to a rise in new coronavirus cases.
Thousands of Brits were forced to cut their holidays short to try and get home before the new restrictions were enforced a couple of days after the government announced its updated rules.
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How many coronavirus cases have there been in France?
Cases of coronavirus in France have been continuing to rise, with total cases now over 1.28million as of October 29.
With more than 36,000 deaths, France has the third-highest death toll in Europe, behind the UK and Italy.
Can I still travel to France?
Only essential travel to France is currently allowed under Government guidelines.
Therefore, going on holiday to France would be going against Government advice.
It would also be hard to get travel insurance now if travelling to France for leisure.
France is also just about to go into a second national lockdown.
On Wednesday, Emmanuel Macron imposed almost five weeks of stricter measures from October 30, as he warned France was being "overwhelmed" by a second wave.
It comes after French health chiefs admitted the coronavirus pandemic is now "out of control".
France's second national lockdown will see bars, restaurants and non-essential businesses close and people banned from travelling to different regions.
Residents can only leave home for essential work, exercise, to go food shopping or for medical reasons, but schools and workplaces will remain open.
People must use official passes to leave their homes, as they had to when March's lockdown was imposed, Mr Macron said.
Disneyland Paris will close today, with the hope of reopening on December 19.
The new lockdown, which will run until December 1, will be reviewed every two weeks.
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Will I need to quarantine?
Brits returning from France have to carry out a two-week quarantine in the UK.
If they fail to self-isolate at home, they face a fine of up to £1,000.
Can I cancel my holiday to France?
It depends on when you booked and who with.
In recent months, several airlines and travel companies have launched flexible booking policies, with the opportunity to cancel a trip at the last minute.