Decided to post a separate thread on our experience as the threads on the similar topic have grown and there are often deviations from the topic. I post this only to describe what we found and is not intended to be advice on the law, rules and regulations relating to COVID status of France or travel generally.
We booked our trip to France on Eurotunnel when France was amber but entry was permitted without requiring a special purpose if you had been doubly vaccinated AND had negative, non-NHS lateral flow tests taken not more than 48 hours before date of travel. As I posted previously, the only place we could get a paid-for, non-NHS test in the time available to us, was Boots in Nottingham. So we booked two appointments on the day we planned to travel down to the tunnel and hoped that the results would be emailed to us in time for Eurotunnel check in the next day. Cost of two tests-£120 approx.
Then, when actually booking the ticket, we noticed that Eurotunnel referred to a lateral flow test that you could order from one of their partners, that allowed one to self-test, upload the results to Eurotunnel along with evidence of having been double tested. This obviously suited us better as it meant we didn’t have to go via Nottingham and avoid the uncertainty of relying on the test results being emailed to us in time.
So we ordered two these tests which arrived by courier in 2 days. £80 approx.
Before we could use them, however, the French related their requirements obviating the need, if doubly vaccinated, for the lateral flow tests 48 hours before travel. All we needed was to upload to Eurotunnel:
1. signed declaration of having no symptoms or having been in contact with anyone suffering symptoms required by the France
2. Proof of having been double vaccinated. We had this in both letter form and digitally on iPhones and iPads.
When we reached Eurotunnel, there was a long question of vehicles and only 4 check in windows open. Nevertheless, it took 52 minutes before reaching the window. Were asked politely whether we‘d the right documents and and then onto waived onto the loading queue as the delay had eaten up the one hour advance check in time.
British customs checked our passports only and then we were waived to security (all cars were) where they swabbed the steering wheel and looked under the car with mirrors on poles. Then onto French customs, with our hearts in our mouths that we had all the right documents. They looked at our passports and asked whether we’d been doubly vaccinated. We said “oui” and le flic said “trés bien” handed back our passports, didn’t ask to see any evidence of having been vaccinated and waived us through.
After a 30 minute delay due to a cancelled train, we loaded and off we went. Heartily relieved and set off with a lightness of spirit.
All the anxiety engendered by the press reporting of hostile French customs’ forensic requirements to establish vaccination, etc etc over the top and largely unnecessary.
Most disappointing of all, no one asked to go through our fridge, cupboards, hidden panels etc to find contraband British dairy and meat products.
So here we are, back in France and enjoying, to date, very welcoming locals. Of course what the position will be in 6 weeks when we need to return to the UK, no one knows. We are privileged being retired so that if necessary, we can stay for the full 90 days if necessary. Sorry for the length of this boring post but thought it might help anyone pondering about whether or not to go to France, hence the detail.
We booked our trip to France on Eurotunnel when France was amber but entry was permitted without requiring a special purpose if you had been doubly vaccinated AND had negative, non-NHS lateral flow tests taken not more than 48 hours before date of travel. As I posted previously, the only place we could get a paid-for, non-NHS test in the time available to us, was Boots in Nottingham. So we booked two appointments on the day we planned to travel down to the tunnel and hoped that the results would be emailed to us in time for Eurotunnel check in the next day. Cost of two tests-£120 approx.
Then, when actually booking the ticket, we noticed that Eurotunnel referred to a lateral flow test that you could order from one of their partners, that allowed one to self-test, upload the results to Eurotunnel along with evidence of having been double tested. This obviously suited us better as it meant we didn’t have to go via Nottingham and avoid the uncertainty of relying on the test results being emailed to us in time.
So we ordered two these tests which arrived by courier in 2 days. £80 approx.
Before we could use them, however, the French related their requirements obviating the need, if doubly vaccinated, for the lateral flow tests 48 hours before travel. All we needed was to upload to Eurotunnel:
1. signed declaration of having no symptoms or having been in contact with anyone suffering symptoms required by the France
2. Proof of having been double vaccinated. We had this in both letter form and digitally on iPhones and iPads.
When we reached Eurotunnel, there was a long question of vehicles and only 4 check in windows open. Nevertheless, it took 52 minutes before reaching the window. Were asked politely whether we‘d the right documents and and then onto waived onto the loading queue as the delay had eaten up the one hour advance check in time.
British customs checked our passports only and then we were waived to security (all cars were) where they swabbed the steering wheel and looked under the car with mirrors on poles. Then onto French customs, with our hearts in our mouths that we had all the right documents. They looked at our passports and asked whether we’d been doubly vaccinated. We said “oui” and le flic said “trés bien” handed back our passports, didn’t ask to see any evidence of having been vaccinated and waived us through.
After a 30 minute delay due to a cancelled train, we loaded and off we went. Heartily relieved and set off with a lightness of spirit.
All the anxiety engendered by the press reporting of hostile French customs’ forensic requirements to establish vaccination, etc etc over the top and largely unnecessary.
Most disappointing of all, no one asked to go through our fridge, cupboards, hidden panels etc to find contraband British dairy and meat products.
So here we are, back in France and enjoying, to date, very welcoming locals. Of course what the position will be in 6 weeks when we need to return to the UK, no one knows. We are privileged being retired so that if necessary, we can stay for the full 90 days if necessary. Sorry for the length of this boring post but thought it might help anyone pondering about whether or not to go to France, hence the detail.
Only noticed the errors when re-reading the 
