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.
Beginning June 9th 2021, France is moving to a color–coded system:
- Vaccinated travelers from green list countries (currently include EU members along with Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the Vatican, Australia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the US) can enter with proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated travelers from these countries will need to present a negative PCR or antigenic test taken less than 72 hours before the flight.
- Vaccinated travelers coming from red list countries (Afghanistan, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Suriname, and Uruguay) can only travel to France for essential reasons (not tourism) and will need to provide a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) performed within the 48 hours before departure, and must quarantine for seven days after arrival and take a second COVID test at the end of the quarantine. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers are restricted to certain categories of travelers who must show a compelling reason for travel. These travelers must present a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) performed within the 48 hours before departure, and must quarantine for ten days after arrival (this quarantine will be enforced by police checks at the quarantine location).
- Vaccinated travelers from orange nations (all other countries not listed above) need only proof of vaccination AND a negative COVID test (either a PCR test performed in the 72 hours before departure or an antigen test performed in the 48 hours before departure); no quarantine is necessary. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must show they are essential travelers with a compelling reason for travel. All such travelers must have a travel attestation available at the Ministry of Interior website.
As of June 17th 2021, fully vaccinated travelers coming from green-listed countries (as well as minor children under 17 accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian) can enter France with proof of vaccination and a sworn statement they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 nor contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Currently only the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are accepted. Full vaccination occurs two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca vaccine, and four weeks after the single dose of Johnson & Johnson.
Travelers under age 11 are treated as vaccinated regardless of their vaccination status and do not need to have a COVID test. Travelers ages 11 through 17 are treated as vaccinated if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian. Travelers in this age group traveling independently must meet the rules applicable to adult travelers.
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.
As of June 9th 2021, the Government of France has announced cafés, bars, and restaurants are allowed to re-open with capacity restrictions. Museums, theaters, cinemas, monuments, stores, and sporting events may also reopen, but may be subject to capacity restrictions and/or presentation of a health pass.
The nationwide curfew was lifted on June 20th 2021.
As of June 17th 2021, face masks are no longer mandatory outdoors, except in crowded areas, such as markets, lines, and stadiums. Masks are still required indoors and in vehicles.
On July 12th 2021, French President Macron stated that as of July 21st, a health pass will be needed to enter events with more than 50 people. In addition, as of August 1st 2021, a health pass will be needed for airplane, train, and long-distance car trips as well as cafes, restaurants, medical facilities, and shopping centers. These plans must still be approved by the French parliament and could change as a part of that process.
As of July 21st 2021, the French government has not provided official information on obtaining a health pass for people vaccinated outside the European Union. While some people have been able to have their information entered into the French system by a French doctor or pharmacist, others have been told this is not possible. At this time, the Embassy is not aware of the extent to which it is still possible to have the U.S. information entered into the French system.
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 July 27t 2021 (checked on July 28th 2021)
France Diplomacy: Coronavirus - Advice for Foreign Nationals in France https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/
Published on July 26th 2021 (checked on July 28th 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx