France
Travel restrictions
As of June 15th 2020, French borders with other European Union member states are open. For more information regarding travel within the European Union, see the following link: https://reopen.europa.eu/en
Restrictions entering France from outside the European Union remain in place.
The Government of France closed its borders to travel to non-European countries on January 31st 2021, with the exception of U.K., Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore. All travelers must show a compelling personal, familial, medical, or professional reason to travel.
All travelers, even those arriving from Europe, must present results of a negative PCR test, carried out less than 72 hours before departure.
Travelers to France will need to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival and test again at the end of the self-isolation period, even if they tested negative prior to boarding.
Measures taken by the government
On May 7th 2020, Prime Minister Philippe presented the government’s de-confinement strategy for France. A three-week progressive de-confinement period began on May 11th.
The French Government has announced the next phase of de-confinement, which began June 15th, 2020. Cafes, bars, and restaurants are fully open, as are schools and public transportation.
Cloth face coverings are mandatory in indoor settings and on public transportation. Some cities have made face coverings mandatory in all outdoor areas as well.
The Government of France imposed a new nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 on October 30th 2020, with certain restrictions easing November 28th..
The Government of France has imposed a new stay-at-home curfew in January 2021. Beginning January 16th 2021, the curfew is from 6 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for all of France.
Beginning March 20th, 2021, the curfew is now from 7 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for all of France.
Paris is among sixteen regions in lockdown for at least one month, starting midnight, March 19th, 2021.
The Government of France has extended the current lockdown for 19 departments for all of metropolitan France effective April 3rd 2021. The current nationwide curfew will remain in effect from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Under the lockdown provisions, you are limited to travel within 10 km of your residence during the day and you must carry proof of address. Interregional travel is banned beginning the evening of April 5th. Non-essential services are closed for the month of April.
Useful FAQ from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/
Testing
COVID viral (PCR) testing is available at many laboratories and testing centers, usually by appointment. Some pharmacies can do serologic tests. PCR tests generally cost between 70 and 100 euros, payable in advance.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
A toll-free hotline service (French only) can answer your questions about the Coronavirus COVID-19 non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 0 800 130 000 (from abroad: +33 800 130 000, depending on your operator).
If the symptoms get worse, with breathing difficulties or signs of suffocation, dial 15 or call or send a text to 114 if you have a speech or hearing impairment.
Source:
US Embassy in France https://fr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on April 6th 2021 (checked on April 7th 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx