French Prime Minister Jean Castex has announced that beginning at 12 AM Paris time tomorrow, Saturday 18 December 2021, travelers to France from the UK must provide "compelling reasons" for their visit, and that for all persons, vaccinated and unvaccinated, trips from the UK for tourism or business will no longer be permitted.

Per the French Ministry of the Interior, French nationals and their partners and children are exempt from this new requirement.

And per UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, truck drivers will also be exempt.

All arrivals must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 24 hours prior to entering France, and must isolate for at least 2 days.

A similar requirement was in place during the winter of 2020-2021 for visitors from the UK and 6 other countries, but was lifted in March.

A record high 78,610 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the UK on Wednesday.

Obviously, the new restrictions have upset the holiday travel plans of thousands of British people, and thrown a wrench into the recovery plans of transport companies and French hotels.