Tourists race to beat French travel ban with last-minute flights and ferries

Vehicles queue at the entrance of Port of Dover on Friday. Reuters

Thousands of people have been travelling to France from the UK, trying to beat an imminent ban on British tourists which begins on Saturday.

Long queues formed at the Port of Dover, in southern England, after many people brought forward Christmas travel plans to avoid new restrictions.

The rush to reach France came as the UK recorded 93,045 new daily Covid infections — a third day of record-breaking figures — and France announced new efforts, including a ban on New Year parties, to stop a feared wave of Omicron infections.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex said the “extremely rapid spread” of the Omicron variant in the UK had prompted the travel restrictions.

After the deadline, UK citizens will need a “compelling reason” to enter France, with trips for tourism or business banned.

Travel bookings for Friday soared after the new restrictions were announced. The ban begins at 12am CET on Saturday (11pm GMT on Friday).

P&O Ferries warned customers of “large queues” at border control in Dover, with an estimated waiting time of two and a half hours.

Eurostar urged people to avoid London St Pancras station unless they had a pre-booked ticket as many trains were sold out.

Several flights from the UK to France were also fully booked.

Those allowed to enter France will need to provide evidence of a negative coronavirus test taken less than 24 hours in advance and must isolate for at least two days.

Travel firms described the tourism ban as a “hammer blow” as it will mean many winter sports holidays cannot go ahead.

People who have booked a package holiday — combining transport and accommodation — which they cannot now use because of the rules will be entitled to a refund.

People cross a quiet Westminster Bridge in London. The UK recorded the highest number of confirmed new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday since the pandemic began. AP Photo

A traveller on a London Underground train. England's chief medical officer said the situation is likely to get worse as the Omicron variant drives a new wave of illness during the Christmas holidays. AP Photo

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a news conference in Downing Street to update the nation on the Covid-19 booster vaccine programme. Reuters

The queue outside the vaccination centre at St Thomas' Hospital in London. AP Photo

Chester resident Melanie Hughes receives her booster vaccine from soldiers of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at the walk-in vaccine clinic at Chester Cathedral. Getty Images

Pedestrians pass an electronic billboard in central London promoting Britain's NHS Covid-19 vaccine booster programme. AFP

A woman passes a closed food outlet in Covent Garden, London, after a rapid rise in Covid-19 case numbers led to a surge in booking cancellations across the hospitality industry. PA

People queue to receive vaccine and booster doses at Chester Cathedral. Reuters

Fans wait to get their coronavirus passes checked outside the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, before a Premier League football match. Reuters

Trade association Abta has requested an “urgent meeting” with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to discuss the sector's “current financial situation and its pressing need for financial support".

Lines of lorries were also seen in Dover although the ban does not apply to hauliers. Transport workers and French nationals are also exempt from the new rules.