France: Authorities to tighten domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from Jan. 3 /update 75

Event

Authorities will impose tougher domestic restrictions nationwide effective Jan. 3 through at least Jan. 23 due to concerns regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Remote working will be required for a minimum of three days a week where possible. Indoor gatherings will have a maximum capacity of 2,000 people while outdoor gatherings will be capped at 5,000 people.

Domestic Measures
Health passes are required to access catering facilities, bars, holiday accommodation, cultural and leisure venues, and long-distance domestic travel by plane, train, or bus. Health passes are mandatory for individuals over the age of 12 and staff in many sectors. Health passes are used to show evidence of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months, or a negative test result for COVID-19 taken in the previous 24 hours. A booster shot is required for over-65s and individuals who received the Janssen vaccine for the health pass to remain valid. From Jan. 15, vaccinated individuals who received their last dose over seven months ago must receive a booster shot for the Health Pass to remain valid. For instructions on how travelers vaccinated outside the EU can obtain a health pass, please click here.

Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to health requirements; nightclubs are to remain closed and bars and restaurants will only be permitted to serve seated customers. Dancing is prohibited in bars and restaurants. Masks are mandatory for individuals over the age of 11 in all indoor public spaces and for everyone in city centers.

International Travel Restrictions
All arrivals from locations outside the EU must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. Additionally, travelers from EU countries without a certificate of vaccination or recovery must possess a negative result from a test taken less than 24 hours before travel. Flights with Morocco are suspended until at least Dec. 31.

France uses a four-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, red being those with high risk, and scarlet being those with the highest risk typically due to the presence of the Omicron variant of the disease.

Travelers from green countries do not need to provide a pressing reason for travel to France. Travelers from outside the EU and unvaccinated travelers from within the EU must meet the testing requirements detailed above. Vaccinated and recovered travelers from the EU with acceptable certificates may enter without additional requirements.

Travelers from orange countries must meet the testing requirements detailed above; unvaccinated travelers from the UK must possess a negative test taken in the 24 hours prior to travel. Vaccinated travelers may enter without additional requirements. Unvaccinated travelers must also have pressing grounds for travel and must self-isolate for seven days on entry. Travelers may be randomly selected to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

All arrivals from red countries must meet the testing requirements detailed above and may be subject to a COVID-19 test on arrival. Unvaccinated arrivals are required to have pressing grounds for travel and must quarantine for 10 days under the supervision of security forces.

Travel from scarlet countries is permitted for French and European nationals, diplomatic personnel, and flight staff only. All permitted arrivals must possess a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours before travel or a negative antigen test taken in the 24 hours before travel and must quarantine for 10 days under the supervision of security forces.

All travelers must also fill out a sworn declaration form before travel; unvaccinated travelers from orange countries and all travelers from red and scarlet countries must also fill out a certificate of international travel before arrival. All forms are available by clicking here.

For a detailed list of entry restrictions, including current country color classifications, click 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.

Resources

Government of France Coronavirus Information
World Health Organization (WHO)