Has anyone had a recent experience transiting through Heathrow when flying to Paris? Looks liked France requires a Covid test result within 24 hours for travelers from the U.K. is there any exception for when the traveler only had a layover in London? For travelers coming from the US, the test result is required within 48 hours, which is more feasible.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2702 posts
If you check the motifs impérieux for those entering France unvaccinated from the UK, the last provision stated that those connecting at a UK airport were exempt from the special UK rules as long as they remained in the airport transit area for a period not to exceed 24 hours. If, for example, you arrive LHR on flight from the USA and are only connecting internationally, you are subject to the USA to France rules requiring a negative PCR/Antigen test taken no earlier than 48 hours before your initial embarkation.
Ultimately, you should confirm all entry requirements with your air carrier.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you! We are fully vaxxed. Only problem is that British Airways tells us we must leave the security area and reenter to get on our flight for the final leg to Paris. Does that change the equation?
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2702 posts
Does that change the equation?
In my view, it changes everything.
This is the referenced information. It states you must remain in the transit area (last item stated):
If you exit the transit area, you will be entering both the UK and then entry France from the UK which complications your situation, I should think, enormously.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
It does sound like a problem, but my husband just talked to British Airways, and they were unequivocal that traveling "through" the UK (in the airport) does not trigger the French restrictions on travels from the UK. We are going to keep trying to confirm, but we're hoping that advice is reliable.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I don't know whether this helps, but international passengers connecting at Heathrow have to go through a security screening before their next flight, without having to formally enter the UK through passport control. I did this twice in Terminal 5, once connecting from US to Venice and again connecting from Madrid to US. Both times my bag was checked through and I was on a single ticket. I was never "landside," which would have required UK passport control. I suggest contacting BA again to make certain about this.