After two days of confusion, France temporarily lifted restrictions which prevented the British in transit to Belgium or other European countries from using the Channel Tunnel with their vehicle, instructions that had taken regulars by surprise and even the British government.
The blocking concerned the British officially resident in a country of the European Union other than France and who to get there usually cross France by car, as is the case during this period of return from the holidays. Those residing in France are not affected, nor are passengers on Eurostar trains.
Travel Update
Passengers traveling from the UK, with residency in other EU countries under the Withdrawal Agreement, can again transit through France to return home. Subject to their journey to UK being completed before 28 Dec 2021.
This comes into force immediately. pic.twitter.com/ntFHK4MRlO– Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (@LeShuttle) December 30, 2021
Britons considered to be citizens of third countries
“Unless they hold a French residence, British citizens are now considered citizens of third countries and can no longer transit through France by road to reach their country of residence in the EU,” tweeted on Wednesday evening Eurotunnel, the subsidiary of the Getlink group which manages the Channel Tunnel, evoking a decision of the French government of December 28.
Ditto for ferries: “Only those who have a residence in France will be allowed to enter France”, wrote in a tweet the company P&O Ferries.
Application of border instructions
The Interior Ministry replied to AFP that there had been no rule changes, and that it was about the application of border instructions, updated on the 18th. December.
“The British, the same beneficiaries of the withdrawal agreement, are nationals of third countries, the withdrawal agreement allowing them to be exempt (for the moment) from a residence permit,” said the ministry. “Therefore, and even though the title of the category is silent on this point, it seems logical to read it in a manner consistent with other third-country nationals and not to allow transit to another EU country “.
Confusion and disarray for travelers
The application of these rules had surprised British passengers who had planned to use the Eurotunnel to return to their European country of residence, some testifying on Twitter that access to the tunnel was refused to them just before boarding.
It had caused confusion and disarray among people who were about to travel, such as Fiona Navin-Jones: “I am completely lost, that does not make sense!”, Told AFP the Briton, currently in Great Britain. Brittany and who was due to return by car on Thursday with her children, her husband and her dog to Belgium, where she has lived for 14 years.
Coming to spend Christmas with her family, she found herself unable to take the same route as on the way there. “Now, I do not have the right to return home”, noted this professor, believing that it is a “question of Brexit disguised with the Covid”.