From Monday, travellers returning to England and Wales from France will still be required to quarantine for 10 days even if they have received the double dose of COVID-19 vaccines.
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From 19 July, adults who have been double jabbed in the UK or people under the age of 18, arriving from amber list countries will not need to self- isolate for 10 days.
But in a last-minute change to these new rules, ministers said this directive would not apply to France due to an increase in the number of cases of the Beta variant—first identified in South Africa.
There are growing concerns that existing vaccines may not work as well against the Beta variant.
According to a global open source database, GISAID, about 3.4% of cases recorded in France in the past four weeks were the Beta variant.
The more infectious Delta variant - first identified in India - accounts for almost all new cases in the UK.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said:
We have always been clear that we will not hesitate to take rapid action at our borders to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect the gains made by our successful vaccination programme.
Impact on travel plans
The move will affect the travel plans of thousands of British holidaymakers who were poised to benefit from the new relaxed regime to let them visit France over the school summer holidays, as well as those hoping to visit relatives across the Channel.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of industry group Airlines UK, said:
These random rule changes make it almost impossible for travellers and industry to plan ahead, and can only further undermine consumer trust at the very peak of the summer season.
Any exemptions?
With this new amendment to the incoming rules, any fully vaccinated individual who transits through France from either a green or another amber country will need to quarantine in their own accommodation for 10 days.
They will also be required to take a PCR test on days two and eight after their arrival in the UK.
However, ministers indicated that Eurostar passengers on services travelling through France would not need to quarantine if their train did not stop in the country.
Existing amber list exemptions for key workers such as hauliers will remain in place.
Travellers from France will still have the option of shortening their quarantine period through the Test to Release scheme - if they pay for a test on day five and are negative.
