French threat to fine Britons with the wrong papers
BRITISH visitors to France were yesterday warned that travellers trying to use inadequate evidence of Covid vaccinations or tests face large fines and even jail terms.
It came as President Emmanuel Macron, inset, brought in “strictly enforced” checks that are compulsory in all bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as public transport.
An Interior Ministry spokesman said the checks will “focus on tourist and urban areas” in the first week.
“If there is doubt about identity, or the documentation being used, then the police will be called,” he added.
Maximum fines for repeat offenders without an adequate pass can rise to the equivalent of £3,200, while six-month sentences are an option for the criminal courts.
Travellers have been told that they can use NHS proof of double vaccination, or show they have had a negative Covid test within the last 72 hours.
A French government spokesman denied that the digital QR code provided by the NHS as proof of double vaccination had to be uploaded to France’s anti-Covid smartphone app.
He said: “The British app is acceptable in itself. If you don’t have a smartphone then you just need to print it out.”
But on Monday there was still widespread confusion, as police said they expected to be overrun by call-outs – for while venue managers and transport staff are expected to check passes, they cannot carry out identity checks themselves.
Olivier Hourcau, of France’s Alliance police union, said: “We expect our colleagues to be mistreated or insulted by a minority who are anti-everything.”
The adoption of the passes on Monday coincided with the UK removing France from its amber plus list, meaning those with two jabs will no longer need to isolate on their return.
Some 200,000 people have protested against the new Covid passes in Paris during the past month.