France travel ban on Brits extended ‘indefinitely’ due to continued rise in Covid cases

FRANCE has extended the UK travel ban indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The banning of Brits entering the country was first announced on December 20 due to the new UK Covid strain.

While it was hoped that restrictions would be lifted, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said the ban would be in place until "further notice".

Brits in the UK can't travel abroad right now due to the UK lockdown, expected to last until at least February.

Only essential travel is allowed which includes for work, education or health reasons.

Anyone travelling to France for this reason must have a negative coronavirus test before travelling, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Health Minister Olivier Véran said there are currently 19 cases of the new Covid variant in France, which they expect to increase.

Even before the lockdown, countries were closing their borders to the UK due to the new strain.

Greece and Spain have also banned British holidaymakers, with the latter's ban in place until at least January 19.

Holidays abroad are not expected to return before spring - despite a number of celebs and influencers spotted on holiday in destinations including Dubai and Barbados.

PC Agency's Paul Charles predicted that overseas travel will likely resume from May.

However this may be delayed following new rules introduced which enforce negative coronavirus tests to enter the UK.

All international passengers coming into the UK will have to show a negative coronavirus test before they enter under new plans coming into force next week.

Passengers - including Brits returning to the UK - will have to get a test up to 72 hours before they travel and show a certificate to enter the country.

The test will be checked when they check-in with their airline, train company or ferry before they travel - those who refuse won’t be allowed to travel.

It means around 100,000 Brits currently away in holiday hotspots such as Dubai and the Maldives would have to find Covid tests overseas before being able to return home.