NEWS
France and UK Implement Stricter COVID-Testing Requirements for Travelers
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The new Omicron variant has forced a number of countries – most recently France and the United Kingdom – to adopt more stringent COVID-testing requirements for travelers wishing to visit the countries.
According to AFAR, travelers to France will now need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 48-hours prior to their flight’s departure.
Travelers aged 12 or older will also need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or lateral flow device test taken no more than 48-hours prior to their departure to the United Kingdom. The new measures affect all travelers to the country, regardless of their vaccination status.
And – from 4am Tuesday, anyone travelling to the UK from countries not on the Red List will be required to take a pre-departure test, regardless of their vaccination status. 2/3
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) December 4, 2021
“We knew this winter would be challenging, but the arrival of a new variant means we must further strengthen our defenses,” UK Secretary of State of Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said in a statement.
The United States has also doubled down on its testing requirements for both tourists and US residents entering the country. Beginning December 6, all international arrivals, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one calendar day before their flight to the US.
