Testing to travel to France

[zippyswife]

We got away last summer. Got into France the day they announced quarantine. It was pretty stressful on the lead up to the holiday but was entirely worth it for the slice of normality and the quarantine the other side was just a small price to pay. We're trying to do it again.

I'm just trying to price up the testing for this summer.

Have I got this right...? Adults in our scenario are fully vaccinated.

Over 11s test 2 days prior to departure for France.
Over 10s test prior to departure for England.
Over 4s test on day 2 on return.

Am I missing anything? Travel is after 19th July

Do they not also need to test day 5 or later? Will France recognise UK vaccines?

Will France recognise UK vaccines?

Yes they will.

As I understand it, under 18s coming to France "inherit" the vaccination status of the parents so I don't think they will need to be tested to enter France (hopefully someone will be along with some relevant links).

Posted too soon!

Macron is due to give an update tomorrow so you will need to keep an eye on that in case there are changes. The figures are creeping back up again here in France so he may decide to change the UK status to red.

Thanks @missmopple I'll keep an eye on that.

Right now you still need to isolate 10 days on returning to the UK and test on days 2 and 8.

Just FYI France is no longer letting tourists test for free. The lab near me (Paris) is 44€.

Thanks Happy, I was wondering about that.

Just make sure you know 2 or 3 nearby labs and their opening times for PCRs (the labs near me do not offer COVID tests all day long, and they prioritise people with symptoms rather than travellers so don't assume the first lab you try will have capacity for you, I guess that depends on where you are). I'm not sure whether pricing is standardised so you might want to get some quotes in advance.

Check the area though as my parents have a test booked for a week next Friday and it’s still free in the Charente 😂🤷🏻‍♀️

I had a antigen test in a pharmacy in Paris for 28€ At the time of travelling home that was all that was needed, and I just walked in no appointment

I thought the testing was as you describe plus day 8 after return, and no need to isolate on return if things stay as they are.

Also awaiting Macron's announcement.

Urgh following.

I’ going to France on 22nd and you’re spot on.

Pre departure to France can be antigen 48 hours before or PCR 72 hours before.

I emailed the French consul to confirm that children under 18 are treated in the same way as the adults travelling with them and they confirmed that yes that’s the case.

Macron is announcing the latest French update today so fingers crossed UK won’t be moved to red.

Thanks all. All useful info.

Was just looking for this information, thank you! Can anyone recommend a good and not too expensive company to do the testing with? We'll need it for two adults and three children for the day 2 test on the way back.

Hello, I am travelling on Friday and am double vaccinated. I ordered an antigen test for me and my 11 year old child on the basis that the child inherits the vaccination status of the parent. I am just wondering whether DS needs a PCR? It’s not clear on the consul website and no one is picking up the phone! Thanks

Anyone been on the ferry recently........?

Is it just wave the paper at someone?

@Insalaco I think antigen test is fine BUT to be on the safe side, might as well get PCR just in case?

I’m using

• Collinson for my pre departure antigen test (for departure from UK). Drive through test centre a couple of miles away. £40 each
• Randox for my day 2 PCR tests on return to the UK. Test at home then drop off at a location about 5 miles from home £48 each
• Then my dad is booking us in locally in France for the pre departure test for coming back to the UK. €30 ish

That was for @hopingforsleep

Thank you, that's really useful

I have a related question if I may. Under 18s "inherit" the status of the adults- is this specifically adults or is it parents? I ask because we are due to take another teen with us.... thanks if anyone knows or can point me in the right direction! I don't want to give up hope but am finding it confusing..

@Insalaco

Hello, I am travelling on Friday and am double vaccinated. I ordered an antigen test for me and my 11 year old child on the basis that the child inherits the vaccination status of the parent. I am just wondering whether DS needs a PCR? It’s not clear on the consul website and no one is picking up the phone! Thanks

Yes your child will need a negative test

sorry i misread your question

an antigen should be enough - they seem to say that either is acceptable for anyone, no specific mention of unvaccinated kids needing one or the other that I can see

This is the full reply I had from the French consulate when I asked about travelling with an unvaccinated 16 year old.

From the 9th of June and until further notice

• You have been fully vaccinated : as long as your trip is at least 2 weeks after your 2nd set of vaccine and that you carry a negative PCR < 72h or antigen test < 48h, you do not need to quarantine for 7 days nor meet the compelling reasons to enter France → you can travel to France ;
• You only had the first vaccine/ yet to be vaccinated, the purpose of your trip needs to be listed on the approved reasons to travel to France.

The measures applied to vaccinated adults are extended under the same conditions to their accompanying under 18 children, whether vaccinated or not.

Pre departure to France can be antigen 48 hours before or PCR 72 hours before.

Does a lateral flow test count as an antigen test?