Apologies, I was mistaken. So that anyone reading this gets the correct information, British citizens are now allowed to visit the EU for up to 90 days without a visa within any 180-day period.
I’ll for now consider it only applies to France until I find otherwise as I can’t find anything that states other countries within the EU have the same rules.
I don't think the holiday address is likely to be enforced. Besides, if it were, it is really unlikely to be checked -so have an address prepared to tell the immigration guy...
It's pot luck really I mostly never got checked but occasionally they will check everyone getting off the boat!
I've got a new one now. It says "British Passport" on it and on the first page it says "Fook the EU" - I may not have read that right.
I recommend just taking your passport with you (oh and make sure it has 6mths left on it too, that’s 6mths from your return date, not leave date) edit you obviously have as you’ve got a British one now
Rather than guessing, why not read the rules either from the .gov website or, even better, the website of the French embassy? This is from the UK government. Entry requirements The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Covid-19 entry requirements Travel between the UK and France Arrivals from the UK do not need to justify an essential reason to enter France. This applies to all air, car, ferry and train passengers. All other measures, detailed below, are in place for those travelling from the UK. The French government strongly advises limiting international travel to a minimum. Arrivals from the UK will need to complete a ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) form self-certifying they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. This can be found on the French government’s website. Testing requirements All travellers from the UK, including children aged 11 and above, will need to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result, carried out less than 72 hours before departure. HGV or van drivers arriving in France from the UK are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 test to enter France. The latest information for HGV or van drivers is available here. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test from a private coronavirus testing provider. Self-isolation Passengers arriving in France from the UK will also be required to self-isolate for seven days on arrival, before taking another PCR test. Exit from this self-isolation period is subject to a negative test result. Find more information on how to get a PCR test in France. Further information Check our COVID-19 advice on things to consider, and be prepared to stay overseas longer than planned. Travel within the EU All air, car, ferry and train passengers arriving from the European area (defined by the French Ministry of the Interior as EU Member States, Andorra, Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland) will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, carried out less than 72 hours before departure. Arrivals will also need to present a completed ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) form, self-certifying they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. This form can be found on the French government’s website. Travellers should then self-isolate for seven days on arrival, before taking another PCR test. There are some exemptions to this requirement for cross-border workers and hauliers from within the European area, as well as people travelling within a 30km radius of their home. Please check local guidance for further information. You should consult the French government’s advice for foreign nationals in France page for further information. Travel between the EU and non-European countries Any international travel – to or from France – from a country outside of the European area is prohibited, with the exception of certain essential reasons as listed on the international travel certificate, including airside transit stops of less than 24 hours. From 12 March, this no longer applies to travel from the UK, Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore. Travellers arriving from these countries who have stayed in another country outside the European area in the 14 days preceding their arrival remain subject to the requirement to evidence a compelling reason. Additional measures apply to those arriving from: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates; and from 16 May, Bahrain, Colombia, Costa Rica and Uruguay. Arrivals from these countries are required to present a negative PCR test result, carried out less than 36 hours before departure. Arrivals will also be required to quarantine at a given address for 10 days upon arrival, before taking another PCR test. Travel from these countries is permitted for French nationals and residents only. The period of self-isolation will be subject to police checks, with fines of €1500 for non-compliance. Please see the French government’s website for further guidance. The French government has put in place COVID-19 travel restrictions on international arrivals. Essential travel is still permitted and the latest list of exemptions for entering France can be found on the French government’s advice for foreign nationals in France page. Persons (including UK nationals) who are legally resident in France will be allowed to re-enter the country, but may need to show proof of residence. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test. A list of private providers of coronavirus testing is available here. If you wish to travel from France to a country outside the European area, you must also complete a ‘Certificate to leave Metropolitan France’, which specifies exemptions for travel outside the European. Further information on French COVID-19 travel restrictions can be found on the French government’s website. If you are travelling from a country which is not exempt from French COVID-19 travel restrictions you may only enter France if your journey is essential and meets the criteria for exceptions. You will also need to complete both an exempted international movement certificate and a sworn declaration that you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, which can be found on the French government’s website. You will also be required to present a negative test result, carried out less than 72 hours before departure, upon your arrival in France. If you do not have this result, you could be asked to take this test at your airport of arrival in France. Arrivals will also be required to self-isolate for 7 days on arrival, before taking another PCR test. Further information is available from the French Government’s advice for foreign nationals in France. Travellers should equip themselves with the necessary attestation whilst travelling to their point of international departure if travel takes place during the daily curfew. Some countries are imposing a compulsory period of quarantine for travellers from France. If you are travelling from or through France, check the situation at your destination before you travel. Travel between France and the UK From 12 March, arrivals no longer need to justify an essential reason for travel from France to the UK. If you intend to travel to England, Scotland, or Wales, including UK nationals returning home from travel abroad, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure. If you do not comply (and you do not have a valid exemption) your airline or carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival. You can access tests in France via the French government’s website. Travellers will then be subject to quarantine measures in place in the UK upon entry.
I always intended to take it - I just couldn't work out if I could "trick" my way into France by going via Ireland. Turns out I can't, as the same rules apply to the Irish as to Brits. Still keen to do it, though. Unfortunately, as usual, it is things outside of my control that dictate, like no driving license. I can buy new kit and a new bike, if I can get either of my Ducatis together but I can't control the DVLA agenda.
Deliberately did not look at government websites as a) they would be full of covid shit and b) if a fiddle was possible then they would not mention it. Anyway I thought membership of the EU was the driver, but it is the Schengen agreement. I am not travelling anywhere (well, I am going to Gloucester next week) until all the covid crap is over.
