France has eased some restrictions on travelers from the UK and 6 other countries outside the EU.
Tourism Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said in a statement that persons living in these 7 countries will no longer need to provide documentation of a "compelling reason" - such as a medical emergency - in order to visit France:
- Australia
- Israel
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- UK
All other restrictions, including the requirement to pass a COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to travel, will remain in place.
The French Foreign Ministry also plans to add new "legitimate travel motives" exempting some individuals from restrictions, including:
- Spouse or civil partner living abroad for work
- Families living abroad with children in school in France
- Students needing to take an exam
- Persons abroad returning to a principal residence in France
Including Brits in the list of persons exempt from having to provide a compelling reason to visit France provides a ray of hope for those among them hoping to take a leisure trip to France this summer.
Although it's currently unlawful for UK citizens to travel overseas for non-essential reasons, under PM Boris Johnson's proposed roadmap for easing travel restrictions, UK residents may be able to take foreign holidays once again sometime after 17 May.
Will that happen? Stay tuned for updates.
