France: COVID-19 Entry Requirements For International Travelers

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Last Updated 3 months ago

With France being the most popular country for international tourists before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has been eager to relaunch its tourism sector as quickly and as safely as possible. 

Here are all the recent COVID-19 entry requirements for France you need to know before booking. 

Temporary Restrictions and Updated News for France:

• As of May 19, 2021, the curfew will be extended 9:00 pm to 6:00 am. June 9 it will be extended again until 11:00 pm. Also on May 19, nonessential shops, restaurants, cafes, museums, cinemas, and more will reopen.
• June 9, 2021: The official ‘tourism reopening’ date. Vaccinated tourists from the EU as well as third=party countries outside the EU are welcome to visit for tourism.
• As of July 14, 2021, France made some new rules due to variant strains, especially to those coming from UK, Spain and Portugal.

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements

EU+ travelers / ‘Green’ Nations

Vaccinated = only proof of vaccination is required. No tests or quarantines needed.

Un-vaccinated = a proof of a negative test is required for visiting EU passengers who are unvaccinated. Either a 72-hour PCR or antigen test.

This applies to visitors who are EU+, which includes:

• All European Union countries
• European Area Countries:  Andorra, Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, and Switzerland
• Third-Party Countries: Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia, Brunei, Canada, Comoros Islands, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, the United States, and Vanuatu.
• *Temporary update to those coming from Cyprus, Greece, Netherlands Spain, and Portugal, starting July 14, 2021: Fully vaccinated travelers from these countries may travel to France for any reason, and do not need to quarantine or have a negative test. Unvaccinated travelers from Spain and Portugal can still travel for any purpose without having to quarantine, but they must show a negative test taken within 24 hours of travel.

NON-EU / Third=Party Countries – “Orange” Nations

Vaccinated = Proof of vaccination is required, in combination with a negative test. Tests accepted are a 72-hour PCR test or a 48-hour antigen test.

Un-vaccinated = Un-vaccinated visitors from Orange countries will face a few additional restrictions. In addition to the 72-hour PCR test, they will also require an essential reason for entering (tourism not being a valid reason) and isolate for 7-days upon arrival.

This applies to visitors who are EU+, which includes:

• Third-party countries classified as ‘Orange’ on France’s map, which notably includes Mexico, the UK and more
• UK was moved from the ‘Green’ list to the ‘Orange’ list July 14, 2021, meaning only fully vaccinated can visit and they must also have a negative test.

Quarantine Entry Requirements 

Tourists (both vaccinated and non vaccinated) from green countries are not required to quarantine.

Vaccinated tourists from orange countries are not required to quarantine. However, unvaccinated travelers from orange countries need an essential reason to enter and must quarantine for 7-days.

All passengers from red countries need an essential reason to enter and will be subject to a 7-10 day quarantine.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements 

All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to France. 

COVID-19 Health Requirements While in France

All visitors must abide by the following COVID-19 health requirements while in France:

• Wearing a mask in all indoor public spaces
• Wearing a mask on all public transportation including buses, taxis, ride-sharing and trains.
• Follow social distancing and do not congregate in groups of more then 10.
• Children under 11 are exempt from mask rules

COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements 

France is now making exceptions for vaccinated tourists, both from the EU and third-party countries. The exact rules will be determined on if the country is classified as Green, Orange or Red. Government of France

Visa Entry Requirements For France During COVID-19

All essential and non-essential travelers will still need to follow French visa requirements. France’s embassies and consulates are once again issuing visas, so it’s now possible to apply online via the France-Visas portal.

Many travelers are able to visit France for a period of up to 90 days without a visa.

Unsure if you need a visa to visit France? Use this easy government tool to find out.

France Covid-19 Entry Requirements:

1. See if your country is approved to visit France for non-essential travel.
2. Perform a PCR test if needed
3. Check if your country requires a visa to visit France
4. Follow all French health protocols.

Read More: 

COVID-19 Entry Requirements By Country: Travelers Guide

All Countries Reopening For Tourism

Countries in Europe That Have Reopened For Tourism

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions, Join Our: Facebook Community

Sources: France Government/UK Embassy/France Government Visa 

Disclaimer: Current France travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

Originally published August 2020 with updates