France: COVID-19 Entry Requirements For International Travelers

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Last Updated 5 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 November 26, 2021, flights from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique have been suspended due to fears of the Omicron variant.
• As of December 1, 2021, anyone over 65 must have a third booster shot. Otherwise, they will be considered ‘unvaccinated.’
• The EU Digital COVID Certificate or a Pass Sanitaire is required to access public spaces, including restaurants, museums, and events.
• As of December 17, 2021, tourists from the UK are banned from entering France due to Omicron fears. They will be asked to supply a “compelling reason” to enter the country.
• As of January 2022, unvaccinated travelers from the US need to undergo a 10-day quarantine.

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements

EU+ travelers / ‘Green’ Nations

Vaccinated = proof of vaccination or certificate of recovery plus a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before the flight.

Unvaccinated = 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: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Vanuatu.
• Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia have been placed under surveillance among the countries in the European space. Unvaccinated visitors from these nations need to have a negative COVID-19 test 24 hours prior to arrival, as opposed to the generally-applied 72 hours.

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. For entry, they need to get an exempted international travel certificate for Metropolitan France.

This applies to visitors from nations not on the green and red lists.

NON-EU / Third=Party Countries – “Red” 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 Red countries can only travel to France if they have essential reasons. For this, they need to get an exempted international travel certificate for Metropolitan France. They also need to show a negative COVID test taken less than 48 hours before their departure. They will be tested again upon arrival in France, and will thereafter face a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

This applies to the following countries: Afghanistan, Belarus, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Georgia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

As of December 2021, visitors from the UK are banned from entering France due to Omicron fears. They will be asked to supply a “compelling reason” to enter the country.

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 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:

• The EU Digital COVID Certificate or a Pass Sanitaire is required to access public spaces, including restaurants, museums, cinemas, and events.
• Wearing a mask in all public spaces, indoors or outdoors.
• Wearing a mask on all public transportation including buses, taxis, ride-sharing, and trains.
• Eating and drinking will not be allowed in public transportation, regardless if short-haul or long-haul.
• Follow social distancing and do not congregate in groups of more than 50.
• Children under 11 are exempt from mask rules
• Restaurants, bars, and cafes are only available for literal sit-down dining. A casual glass of wine or cup of coffee while standing at a bar will no longer be allowed.
• Nightclubs are indefinitely closed.

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