Home Secretary Priti Patel announced on Friday travellers entering the country would have to self-isolate for 14 days or they could face a £1,000 fine.

It was confirmed France would not be exempt following reports earlier this week it’s citizens may not be forced to quarantine.

A spokesman for France’s Interior Minister said: ‘We take note of the British government’s decision and we regret it.

‘France is ready to put in place a reciprocal measure as soon as the system comes into force on the British side.’

Patel announced the new measures during the daily coronavirus press conference in Downing Street.

She said: ‘We are following the science and introducing public health measures that are supported by SAGE.

‘This will require international arrivals to self-isolate for 14 days – that is the incubation period of the virus so that if people have become infected overseas, we can limit the spread of the virus at home.

‘And as we are taking this action, we are taking it at a time when it will be the most effective.

‘Passengers arrivals have been down by 99% compared to the previous year. Now we are past the peak of this virus, we must take steps to guard against imported cases, triggering an insurgence of this deadly disease.’

As part of the new regime, travellers will be asked to fill in a form with their contact information, and health officials will perform spot checks to ensure they are complying with the measures.

Road hauliers and medical officials will be exempt, while the common travel area with Ireland will be unaffected.

Arrivals from France will not be exempt, the official confirmed, following confusion earlier this week.

The government has previously said the measure would be reviewed every three weeks following implementation.