Thousands queue for hours at Port of Dover to beat French tourism ban


18-12-2021 03:11 PM

Ammon News - Thousands of people queued for hours at the Port of Dover on Friday night to beat a ban on UK tourists imposed by France, standard reported.

Under new rules that came into effect on midnight Friday, people arriving from Britain are required to show a negative Covid test that is less than 24 hours old, to test again upon arrival and self-isolate for seven days, although that can be reduced to 48 hours if the second test is negative.

Limits have been placed on non-essential travel as the UK continues to face a “tidal wave” of Omicron cases, the French government said.

Long queues were seen at the Port of Dover on Friday after many people brought their Christmas travel plans forward to avoid the restrictions, according to standard.

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

Some customers complained of wait times of up to four hours.

One said: “I’ve been sat here for 4 hours with no updates. This is ridiculous. Why does nobody have any idea what is happening?”

Another replied: “Yes me too, and my ferry was supposed to depart at 22.50! I have no idea what’s going to happen.”

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, as reported by standard.

Travel firms described the tourism ban as a “hammer blow” that will lead to the cancellation of many winter holidays.

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

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”.

Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The Government has recognised the plight of the UK hospitality sector, with trade down by 40% in December.

“But at the same time, the travel industry, where income has been down by 78% this year, and further impacted by Omicron restrictions since late November, continues to be ignored.

“Over the past fortnight, we have heard nothing from Government about how travel and tourism might be supported. The time to act is now.”




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