Skip to main content
18 Nov 2021 | 12:24 PM UTC

France: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures nationwide as of Nov. 18 /update 68

France maintaining COVID-19 measures nationwide as of Nov. 18; domestic and international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Warning

Event

Authorities in France are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Nov. 18.

Travel Restrictions
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 a 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. For travelers from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia, the test must be taken within 24 hours of 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. As of Nov. 18, the green list includes the EU, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Comoros, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE, Uruguay, 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 Nov. 18, red countries include Afghanistan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Georgia, Iran, Moldova, Montenegro, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Suriname, Turkey, and Ukraine.

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 and must self-isolate for seven days on entry. All travelers may be randomly selected to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival; unvaccinated travelers from the UK arriving via Eurostar must take a further test upon arrival.

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
Health passes are mandatory for use of catering facilities, bars, holiday accommodation, cultural and leisure venues, long-distance domestic travel by plane, train, or bus. Health passes are also mandatory for staff in many sectors and for individuals aged between 12-17. 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; from Dec. 15, a booster shot will be required for over-65s and individuals who received the Janssen vaccine for the health pass to remain valid. For instructions on how travelers vaccinated outside the EU can obtain a health pass, please click here.

Facemasks remain mandatory in indoor public spaces and limited circumstances in outdoor public spaces where many people gather. However, they are not required in areas where a health pass is mandatory. 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
World Health Organization (WHO)