France: Authorities update list of country classifications based on COVID-19 risk as of Aug. 21 /update 61

Event

Authorities have amended the list of country classifications based on COVID-19 risk as of Aug. 21, adding Morocco and Algeria to the red list. France uses a three-tiered, color-coded system to classify countries based on COVID-19 risk and imposes entry restrictions accordingly. Green countries are those assessed to have the lowest disease risk, with orange countries being considered moderate risk and red being those with the highest risk.

Travelers from green countries do not need to provide a pressing reason for travel to France; however, unvaccinated travelers arriving from most of these countries must present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for France. Travelers from Cyprus, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Malta must present a negative test taken within 24 hours of departure. As of Aug. 21, the green list includes the EU, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Comoros, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, the US, Vanuatu, and Vatican City.

Unvaccinated arrivals from red countries are required to have pressing grounds for travel, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure for France, and are subject to a COVID-19 test on arrival. Travelers may also present a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 between 11 days and sixth months old instead of the test before travel requirement. Unvaccinated arrivals must quarantine for 10 days under the supervision of security forces. As of Aug. 21, red countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, DRC, Indonesia, Maldives, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Seychelles, South Africa, Suriname, and Tunisia.

All other countries are currently classified as orange. Unvaccinated travelers from these countries must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for France or a negative result from an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. Unvaccinated travelers from the UK must present a negative test taken no more than 24 hours before departure. Travelers may also present a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 between 11 days and sixth months old instead of the test before travel requirement. Unvaccinated travelers from orange countries must also have pressing grounds for travel, may be randomly selected to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival, and must self-isolate for seven days on entry.

All travelers must also fill out a sworn declaration form before travel; unvaccinated travelers from orange countries and all travelers from red countries must also fill out a certificate of international travel before arrival. Both forms are available by clicking here. For a detailed list of entry restrictions, including current country color classifications, click here.

Fully vaccinated travelers from all locations can enter France without restriction provided they present proof of vaccination and a sworn declaration stating they are COVID-19-free.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities previously expanded the requirement for the usage of health passports effective Aug. 9; health passports are required for long-distance domestic travel by plane, train, or bus, as well as to enter shopping malls, catering facilities, bars, holiday accommodation, and cultural and leisure venues. Health passes are used to provide evidence of full vaccination, having recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months, or having tested negative within the last 72 hours. Instructions on how travelers vaccinated outside the EU can obtain a health pass are available here.

Facemasks remain mandatory in indoor public spaces and limited circumstances in outdoor public spaces where many people are gathering. Most businesses and services are permitted to operate, subject to capacity limits and social distancing requirements. Restaurants, bars, and pubs are permitted to serve customers up to full capacity.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Government of France Coronavirus Information
Certificate for Travel During Curfew Hours
World Health Organization (WHO)