Tens of thousands of holidaymakers in France and Malta are waking up to the news that the two countries are among a number that have now been removed from the UK’s green list of quarantine-free travel, meaning anyone arriving back in the UK from wither destination must quarantine for 14 days.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office have also changed their advice for both countries to advise against all non-essential travel.
The new quarantine restrictions come into effect from 4am on Saturday (August 15) and applies to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
France, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Aruba and Turks & Caicos have all been added to the ‘non-essential travel’ and quarantine lists.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “There has been a 66% in the number of positive tests in the last week alone, so unfortunately France is having to be added to the quarantine list and it means that if you are coming back from France then you must self-isolate for 14 days.”
The FCO update states: “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to France (including Corsica). This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks.
“The FCO is not advising those already travelling in France to leave at this time. You should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect yourself and others, including any measures that they bring in to control the virus.
“Contact your travel operator if you have any questions about your return journey.”
Clement Beaune, France’s secretary of state for European affairs, tweeted that the UK’s decision was a matter of “regret” for the French.
