France: COVID-19 Entry Requirements For International Travelers

Share The Article

Last Updated 4 weeks 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 COVID-19 entry requirements for France you need to know before booking. 

Temporary Restrictions and Updated News for France:

• 16 regions of France, including Paris, are in lockdown until at least April 19, 2021 with a curfew of 7:00 pm to 6:00 am
• As of Jan 25, negative covid tests will be required from ALL passengers entering France, including fellow EU citizens. 

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements

Tourists and Non-Essential Travelers

All visitors WILL need to present negative test results from a PCR COVID-19 test (72-hours) when entering France from the following countries:

• All European Union countries
• European Area Countries:  Andorra, Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland
• Third Party Countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay

All other countries are banned from entering France for non-essential purposes.

For Essential Travelers ONLY

You can apply for an international travel certificate to enter France if you are traveling for essential reasons online at France Ministry of Interior.

If you are approved for essential travel, you’ll be able to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure in lieu of a 14 day quarantine. PCR tests are also available at the airport.

Travelers from the following countries that have been deemed essential will face mandatory Covid-19 testing:

• Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Israel, Turkey, Algeria, India, Madagascar, South Africa, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Serbia and the USA

Quarantine Entry Requirements 

Tourists and Non Essential Travel

The following countries will NOT need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival: 

• All European Union countries
• European Area Countries: Andorra, Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland
• Third Party Countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, Singapore, South Korea

All other countries are banned from entering France for non-essential purposes. 

Essential Travelers Only

Essential travelers that are approved to enter France will have to self-quarantine for 14 days if they do not provide a negative PCR test result and are unwilling to be tested upon arrival at the airport. 

The following countries do not have the option to self-qurantine instead of testing: Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Israel, Turkey, Algeria, India, Madagascar, South Africa, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Serbia and the USA.

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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements 

France has not made any announcements regarding if a proof of vaccination record will be required in the future. They are also not making exceptions to testing/entry for vaccinated travelers at this time.

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
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