How can the French go abroad this summer after more than a year? Epidemic ? What are the restrictions imposed on foreign tourists coming to France? A few days before the start of the new phase of dismantling, the government revealed its strategy for reopening the borders, which will come into effect at the same time as the health passage: on June 9.
The countries are divided According to three regions Green, orange or red – defines itself based on each country’s health indicators. Conditions for travel to and from abroad vary according to these classification colors. The government “identifies the lists of countries that are likely to be adjusted according to the evolution of their epidemiological situation.”
green countries
Countries where the virus is not actively spreading and where variables of concern have not been broadly identified are classified as green. From June 2, this will be the European region, Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand and Singapore.
Of these countries considered “safe”, travelers arriving in France no longer need a negative PCR or antigen test result within 72 hours. If they are fully vaccinated. They will have to purchase one of the products approved by the European Medicines Agency, namely Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen.
Please note that the vaccination certificate is valid only on the condition that you confirm that the full vaccination schedule has been completed, i.e. two weeks after the second injection of the double-injection vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca); Four weeks after the vaccine has been injected with a single injection (Janssen); Two weeks after injecting the vaccines into people with a history of Covid-19 infection (only one injection is needed).
For travelers who want to go to a green country, France will not ask for a compelling reason. Travel in the European region will be facilitated from 1 July with a health card. The device is “recognized (…) in the form of a European certificate,” according to the government. “The certificate may contain evidence of vaccination, a negative test result, or evidence of recovery from Covid less than six months ago.”
However, it is advisable to inquire about the procedures in the country of destination, even if it is a member of the European Union. GreeceTourists in Italy or Spain, for example, are obliged to fill out a site form before departure. In addition, random screening of travelers arriving in Greek territory may be required, “regardless of their nationality, origin and mode of entry”.
Also, a country classified as green does not mean that it accepts tourists. This is the case for Japan, which issues visas only to the French on rare occasions, or Australia, whose borders remain closed until further notice.
orange country
In countries classified as orange, the virus spreads actively and in controlled proportions and without spreading any variables of concern. Most countries join this area. Among them are the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Russia, China and most African countries.
To get to the orange country of France, vaccinated people don’t have to justify their trip for a compelling reason alone. Then the rules for entering the country of destination differ from country to country. The traveler can check it directly Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (Tip per country).
Travelers returning to France from an orange country will need a negative PCR test less than 72 hours or an antigen test less than 48 hours if the traveler has been vaccinated. If he is not vaccinated, he needs a compelling reason and a negative test on board. Upon arrival, he may also undergo a random antigen test and must self-isolate for seven days.
red countries
Countries where the spread of the virus is active, with worrying variables. This means: South Africa, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Turkey and Uruguay.
It will still be a compelling reason to go to these countries from France, whether one has been vaccinated or not. Then, it is up to the traveler to find out what rules the host country imposes regarding proof of immunity required before boarding the plane.
To return to France, there is a compelling reason once again required of all random travelers. A PCR or antigen test of less than 48 hours is required upon boarding and an antigen test is performed upon arrival on French soil. Those who have been vaccinated must self-isolate for seven days. Unvaccinated (or unvaccinated) travelers will have to respect a mandatory ten-day quarantine under the supervision of security forces.
Simplification abroad
According to a joint press release from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transport, vaccinated people will be completely exempted from self-isolation in both directions from June 9 for flights between France and Reunion or Mayotte, as well as for connections between the two regions. The government had already announced that on the same date, travelers to and from these destinations would be exempted from justifying a dominant cause. However, a negative PCR test is still required less than 72 hours before departure.
Between Guyana and France, travelers who benefit from the full vaccination schedule upon arrival in France will not be subject to a mandatory ten-day quarantine. However, they must respect seven days in self-isolation either way.
