Authorities in France will require a negative Covid-19 test result for hauliers entering the country from tomorrow (Thursday, January 28), with the rule set to be in place for “at least” a month.

The rule will apply to both heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers and light goods vehicle (LGV) drivers. They must present proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test (the standard test used to detect the disease) or antigen test (the faster test).

The tests must be carried out before a driver is allowed embark on a ferry headed for France, and the result of the test must have been confirmed no longer than 72 hours before departure.

The rule will apply to any drivers of the relevant types of vehicles (which also includes coaches) traveling by ferry from Ireland to France from 11:00pm Irish time tonight (midnight French time).

Proof of the negative test result must be shown to the shipping company in Ireland before boarding, and must also be shown to the French authorities upon arrival.

The driver will also be required to complete a declaration confirming that they have no Covid-19 symptoms and that they have not been a close contact of a person who has tested positive in the preceding 14 days.

Dedicated antigen testing sites for HGV/LGV drivers travelling from Dublin or Rosslare ports to continental Europe are being set up, with a site located near Dublin Airport due to begin operations tomorrow morning, it is understood.