The government says it is 'urgently seeking clarification' after France announced it will no longer allow British nationals to drive through the country to reach other European states.

Non-essential travel from the UK to France has been banned since December 18, but the new rules have been introduced due to rising fears around the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

From January 3, only those with a French residency will be able to travel from Dover to France by road to reach their country of residence in the EU.

French nationals, as well as residents in France, are considered to have an essential reason for travel.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its travel advice for France to include the new information but feels the announcement has not been clear enough.

It says: “The French government has indicated that UK nationals travelling from the UK who are not resident in France will not be permitted to transit France to return to their country of residence unless they are travelling by air.

"We are urgently seeking further clarification from the French government."

It later added: “The French authorities have confirmed that British nationals will face no additional restrictions while travelling through the holiday period.

"British nationals who are currently in the UK, but resident in the EU, will be able to return to their home through France over the New Year period without disruption.

"We remain in close contact with the French authorities, and will update our own travel advice with the latest information”

These measures do not have a set expiry date, and apply to all British nationals who travelled to the UK by December 28.

In the meantime, those wishing to travel to Europe through France are being advised to check before travelling.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which operates vehicle-carrying trains between Folkestone and Calais, said the decision was made by the French Government on Tuesday.

In a Tweet it says: "Following a French Government decision, on 28/12/2021, unless they hold French residency, British citizens are now considered third country citizens and can no longer transit France by road to reach their country of residence in the EU."

The changes will mainly affect those who hoped to avoid flying when returning to their homes in the EU after spending Christmas with friends in the UK.