COVID-19: Travel to France to go skiing 2022

With the borders between the United Kingdom and France now open again, skiing in Morzine is back on for many British skiers who want to make the most of the epic snow conditions.

On January 14th 2022, the French Government relaxed its entry rules at the borders for fully vaccinated travellers from the UK. Read on to find out the entry rules and what to expect in resort for peace of mind on your skiing holiday.

Entry requirements

Travel to France from the UK

Tests before travel:

Fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), whatever their nationality, have to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 24h hours prior to departure. Kids under 12 do not need to test.

Fully vaccinated travellers (and minors accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult) will no longer need to justify an essential reason for travel to France, nor isolate on arrival.

French Sworn statement form:

All arrivals to France (12 years and over) must complete a sworn statement declaring absence of COVID-19 symptoms and no contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases in the previous 14 days, download it here in English.

Unvaccinated travellers must provide a compelling reason to travel, quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, and register before departure on the digital platform “passenger eos” here, where they must enter the address of their stay and quarantine in France.

Before travel, check the official information on the French government website here.

Travel via Geneva airport to a French ski resort

Fully vaccinated skiers (from 16 years) flying into Geneva airport and then transferring to a French ski resort, including Morzine, by bus, rental car or ski transfer, need a lateral-flow (taken within 24hr) or a PCR test (taken within 72 hr) to enter Switzerland (therefore, the above mentioned tests taken within 24 hrs should also suffice at the Swiss boarder).

You also need to have completed a Swiss entry form before departure and have proof of your onward travel to France.

Returning to the UK (from France or via Switzerland)

Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to present a negative Antigen or PCR test before re-entering the UK.

However, before you travel to England you must:

• book and pay for a COVID-19 test – to be taken after you arrive in England. You can book either a lateral flow test or a PCR test. You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0.
• complete a passenger locator form– to be completed in the 48 hrs before you arrive in England

You can double check the rules before you fly on the UK Government website.

If you’re returning to the UK after your holiday via Geneva airport, then you do not need to take any tests to pass through Switzerland. The Haute Savoie (where Morzine is located) is classified as a ‘border region’ and testing is not required to pass into and depart Switzerland if you are in transit. To cross the boarder complete the Swiss PLF just to be on the safe side, which you can find here.

Rules in France

Obtaining a Pass Sanitaire

The Pass Sanitaire is mandatory for access to ski lifts, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities, including swimming pools, from the age of 12 years.

To obtain a pass sanitaire, 3 types of proof are accepted:

Proof of full vaccination
Proof of a test less than 24 hours
Proof of recovery from COVID-19 more than 11 days ago and less than 180 days ago

Verification is carried out by checking a QR code, which may be presented in digital or paper format. QR codes issued by the NHS after full vaccination are now recognized by the French ‘Tous Anti-Covid App’.

The pass sanitaire is accessible to children and teens who are vaccinated with two doses, recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months or have tested negative (lateral flow/antigen or PCR) within the last 24 hours. Children aged 12 to 17 who are not considered fully vaccinated in France, need daily testing to use ski lifts.

Tests can be acquired from the local Pharmacy for around €25 Euros with results available within 20 minutes, and they will provide the valid QR code for proof. Its easy to book online here.

It’s now required that those aged 18 and over will have to have a booster jab seven months after their last injection or infection, to extend their Pass Sanitaire.

When you need to wear a mask

Wearing masks is mandatory in France from the age of 6 years in public places, including telecabines, shops and restaurants (and can be removed when seated).

As all guests in our catered chalets must have a pass sanitaire or equivalent, wearing masks is not obligatory. To protect guests and staff, we have a transparent Covid protocol, which can be found here.

If you’d like the ease and comfort of an exclusive luxury catered chalet, we still have availability for this season. For those who prefer a self-catered chalet or apartment, why not consider our meal delivery service. This way you’re guaranteed top quality food every evening, without needing to cook or visit a supermarket.

Skiing on a mountain equals freedom and is great for the mind, body and soul. If you don’t want to miss out this season get in touch, we’re here to make sure your holiday goes smoothly.

Information correct as of 20 January 2022.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash