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I'm British, due to travel to the south of France for a week, flying from London to Turin (Italy) and driving across the border (it's the closest airport to my destination in France)

The UK has just (14 Aug) brought in travel restrictions requiring travelers from France to self-isolate.

Technically I will have 'traveled from Italy' when I return. From what I've read, I think this means that under UK rules I'm not legally obliged to self isolate on return.

Is this correct?

I'd like to cancel my trip, but this is further complicated my COVID-19 travel insurance refusing to refund anything because travel to/from Italy is not affected by the new restrictions.

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  • 3
    Can you edit the question to say which part of the UK you will be returning to: England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or Scotland? Each one has its own health regulations.
    – bdsl
    Aug 15, 2020 at 18:39
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    Follow the spirit of the guidelines rather than trying to rules lawyer round the words. Please don't kill my Dad. Aug 15, 2020 at 21:52
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    @AdamBarnes - How on earth is this not the only answer to all of these ridiculous questions? I dealt with idiots a couple of days ago that think if the park has an unlocked gate that you're allowed in. (You're not). My statement of "A security system that does not prevent access is not the same as a sign that says Help Yourself" was met with much upset and crying. Some people!!
    – enhzflep
    Aug 16, 2020 at 0:11
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    @enhzflep I guess people just don't want me to have a Father any more. Aug 16, 2020 at 0:24
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    When you fill the Visa & immigration office paperwork that is required to enter the country now (due to COVID), you will be asked about all the countries you've been in the last 14 days, so you will need to inform about your stay in France. Lying can give you a fine up to 3200£. Aug 17, 2020 at 9:11

1 Answer 1

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According to Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors,

You will need to self-isolate if you visited or made a transit stop in a country or territory that is not on the list in the 14 days before you arrive in England.

You would be OK if you spent 14 days in Italy after leaving France.

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    @ConanTheGerbil Seems worth a try, especially if they are covering the whole trip, not just airfare. Aug 14, 2020 at 16:55
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    @ConanTheGerbil The FCO is currently advising against all but essential travel to France. That should normally be enough to get an insurance refund. Aug 14, 2020 at 18:54
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    @GS-ApologisetoMonica - usually… but many have a new covid clause covering rapid changes in policy. Basically, you're supposed to know the situation could change at any time, therefore, you're at your own risk.
    – Tetsujin
    Aug 15, 2020 at 7:02
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    @Tetsujin depends when it was booked. If before the pandemic it should be covered. Anyone who booked travel after the pandemic can’t say they didn’t know there would be a risk of their plans being disrupted at short notice.
    – Darren
    Aug 15, 2020 at 7:52
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    @PatriciaShanahan if it’s just airfare that may be a challenge, as Conan is flying into Italy, not France, and Italy is still fine to travel to.
    – Tim
    Aug 15, 2020 at 9:07

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