Fully vaccinated Scots travelling from France to self-isolate

Fully vaccinated people travelling from France will be forced to self-isolate for ten days from Monday despite the requirement being removed for amber list countries on the same day.

The Scottish Government has announced the change, which was put in place over concerns around the Beta variant of coronavirus – which may evade vaccine protection.

The decision, announced less than 36 hours before changes were due to come into effect, comes as the requirement for all amber list returnees to self-isolate in their own homes was being removed.

Under the new rules, those coming back to Scotland from France will need to stay in their own accommodation and take a test on the second and eighth day of their isolation period – even if they have had both doses of the vaccine.

Travellers will also require to self-identify on the passenger locator form needed for all returnees, according to the government website, by declaring they are not exempt from isolation.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Nobody wants travel restrictions in place for any longer than is absolutely necessary.

“We have been clear that the green, amber and red lists can change at short notice.

“It is important we act quickly to limit the risk of importation of variants of concern which could undermine the rollout of our vaccine programme.”