France is set to relax the country’s strict border controls on arrivals from the UK - with rules eased in the coming days.
French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal said it would soon become a “bit easier” to travel from the UK, adding to the official list of compelling reasons for British citizens to enter the country.
Newspapers in France reported: “It is believed that rules will initially be eased for business travel with a further announcement expected next week, which could include holidaymakers.”
The spokesperson added that restrictions may be eased next week, because “the Omicron variant is affecting both countries in a similar manner”.
He did not offer a detailed timeframe but admitted France was ready to lift the controversial ban on most arrivals from Britain.
It was introduced on December 18 as cases of the Omicron variant surged, causing widespread cancellations and chaos for winter holidaymakers, and people needing to drive through the country to get to holiday homes in other European nations.
France announced a staggering 332,252 daily virus cases on Wednesday, as hospitals prepared drastic measures to brace for patient surges and the government strained to avoid a new lockdown.
The weekly average of virus cases has doubled in the past 10 days, with more than 1,800 people out of 100,000 testing positive over the past week, according to the government health agency.
Meanwhile, the nation's parliament is debating a bill that would deny unvaccinated people access to restaurants, regional trains and planes and many other public places.
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