12 Feb 2022 | 05:35 PM UTC
France: Authorities no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated travelers as of Feb. 12 /update 81
France no longer requires pre-departure COVID-19 for fully vaccinated travelers as of Feb. 12; domestic restrictions remain in force.
Event
Authorities in France have amended the country's COVID-19-related entry restrictions. As of Feb. 12, a negative COVID-19 test result is no longer required for individuals who can show proof of having been inoculated with a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Unvaccinated individuals must still provide a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test result to enter France; however, those arriving from countries on the green list are no longer subject to on-arrival testing or isolation requirements. Unvaccinated travelers from countries on the orange list must have a compelling reason for travel to France and may be subject to a random COVID-19 test upon arrival. Other domestic measures remain unchanged.
Domestic Measures
Vaccination or recovery certificates are required to access most indoor public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and long-distance trains; negative test certificates are no longer sufficient to grant entry. Vaccination certificates are valid for four months after the last dose of a primary vaccination schedule; a booster dose is required to extend validity beyond this. Recovery certificates are valid between 11 days and six months after infection. For instructions on how travelers vaccinated outside of the EU can obtain a health pass, click here.
Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to health requirements. Individuals over the age of six must wear a facemask in all indoor public spaces. Teleworking is not mandatory but remains recommended. Nightclubs and concerts can resume operation from Feb. 16.
International Travel Restrictions
As of Feb. 12, individuals able to show proof of full vaccination no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test result before travel. Unvaccinated arrivals must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure or an antigen test taken less than 48 hours before travel. Individuals over 18 who had their full vaccine course more than nine months ago and have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France.
France uses a four-tiered, color-coded system to classify countries based on COVID-19 risk and accordingly impose entry restrictions. Green countries are those assessed to have the lowest disease risk, with orange countries considered moderate risk, red being those with high risk, and scarlet being those with the highest risk. Unvaccinated travelers from non-green list countries must have a compelling reason for travel to France. For a detailed list of entry restrictions, including current country color classifications, click here.
All travelers must 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. All forms are available by clicking here.
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.
