What are the current rules for school trips travelling to and from France?

8 Oct 2021, 17:24 by Kate Moore

The French government is considering removing restrictions, such as mask wearing and the pass sanitaire, from regions with low case rates. Our centres are located in Normandy and the Pas de Calais, where there are lower cases, meaning our centres should be the first to enjoy any relaxation in restrictions.

These are the current requirements for school groups travelling to France from October 2021. The rules to enter France, and to return home, are subject to change and may be further relaxed by the time your trip departs. The indicators are that travel restrictions are being eased, both home and abroad, especially for vaccinated travellers.

Sworn statement to enter France

All travellers must complete this sworn statement certifying the absence of COVID-19 symptoms and of any contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. The UK is currently on France's amber list, so the amber list restrictions apply: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel

Read more about test requirements to enter France.

Passenger locator form to return to England

All travellers must complete this passenger locator form in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. Through our industry body, the School Travel Forum, we are working with the Department for Transport to simplify the passenger locator form process for school groups.

Our top tip for teachers — Parents can create an account and complete their child's form online before the trip. The form can then be submitted while in France in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. Children must have the login details in order to access the completed form, so it may be wise for parents to share the login with the teacher as a back-up.

Health Pass while in France

From 1 October, all visitors to France aged 12 or over require a Pass Sanitaire (Health Pass) to access cultural venues, restaurants and attractions such as Disneyland® Paris. The pass confirms that the holder has either had COVID-19, is fully vaccinated against it, or has had a negative test in the last 72 hours.

Support with testing on your trip

Most French pharmacies offer walk-in tests for less than €20, and if tests are still required by the time you travel, we'll support you in accessing these tests.

Groups staying at our centres will have tests conducted on-site by local nurses to reduce the impact on your stay. Each antigenic test will cost €15. Each legal guardian will need to sign a test consent form and authorise the party leader to collect the results.

Groups travelling to Disneyland® Paris will also be able to take on-site tests in the park at an additional cost.

Current rules for school groups returning from France

Fully-vaccinated adults do not need to take a test to return to England. They only need to take one test on day 2 of their return. This also applies to under 18s travelling with a fully-vaccinated adult, regardless of their vaccination status.

Read more about our advice on the traffic light system and current rules for returning home from abroad.
Read more about the government advice on returning to England from abroad.

Can I travel to France if I'm unvaccinated?

The current rules mean that unvaccinated teachers cannot travel to France. Under 18s are allowed to travel to France—vaccinated or not—when travelling with a fully-vaccinated teacher.

More information from the COVID-19 Travel Hub

• School Travel Insurance with COVID-19 cover
• Voyager School Travel Peace of Mind Promise 
• Guide to Restarting School Trips 
• COVID-19 Travel FAQs