Can I Enter France Now? France Travel Restrictions As Of October 2021

France, known for its historic boulevards, hundreds of castles in the Loire Valley, all of the vineyards in every region, and the rolling lavender fields and vineyards of Provence, remains one of the world’s most enduring tourist destinations.

France never fails to impress, with superb food, even better wine, and landscapes and cities to suit every type of traveler.

However, since the pandemic, traveling was never been the same again. France has some of the most stringent Covid-19 restrictions in the world. Although it reopened to visitors in the summer of 2020, the country has been placed under lockdown twice since then and is now tentatively reopening from a less restrictive third lockdown.

If you’re planning a trip to France during the Covid-19 pandemic, here’s what you should know and expect.

What’s the Covid situation in France right now?

France has been one of Europe’s hardest hits. As of October 4, France had over 7.1 million cases and 117,595 deaths.

Over 66 percent of the population had been fully vaccinated as of October 4. France also relaunched its test and trace app in October called TousAntiCovid, available for iPhone and Android phone users.

So, can I enter France now? 

Yes, you can, but first, you must determine which category you fall into as defined by the French government.

Yes, but first you must determine which of the French government’s categories you fall into.

What are the categories defined by the French government for incoming travelers? 

France employs a traffic light system that divides countries into three tiers, each with different rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Green – Visitors from green countries are permitted to visit France if they are fully vaccinated and do not require any additional testing. Unvaccinated visitors from green destinations are allowed to visit France for tourism purposes, but they must take a Covid-19 PCR or rapid antigen test 72 or 48 hours before departure, respectively.

Orange – Travelers from orange countries who have been vaccinated must also show proof of a negative test result. Unvaccinated visitors are not allowed to visit France for pleasure; they must have a compelling reason to visit and will be subject to a seven-day quarantine at home as well as testing requirements.

Red – Travelers from red countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka continue to face significant restrictions. Passengers from red destinations who are fully vaccinated must have a compelling reason to visit, show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, undergo pre-arrival health checks, and self-isolate for a week. The same rules apply to non-vaccinated travelers from red countries, including a 10-day quarantine.

Traveling with children – Covid-19 tests or proof of vaccination status are not required for children under the age of 11 from any destination.

Which countries fall under the green, orange or red category? 

Green Countries

There are 38 countries on France’s Green List, including every EU member state.

France has been accepting EU travel passes for visitors from all over the EU beginning Thursday, July 1. The country has also started allowing travelers from the countries listed below: 

• All 26 EU member states, plus
• Iceland
• Switzerland
• Norway
• Lichtenstein
• Australia
• South Korea
• Israel
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Lebanon

Orange Countries

All countries that are not classified as red or green are categorized as orange by the French authorities. This category currently includes the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Depending on the spread of Covid-19 and variants in each country, this country classification may change, and any changes will be posted here.

Visitors from orange countries who have been vaccinated can travel freely to France for a vacation and will not be required to spend seven days in quarantine once they arrive. They must, however, have a Covid-19 PCR test result or a rapid antigen test result that is negative.

Unvaccinated visitors from orange countries can only enter France if they have a compelling reason, a negative Covid-19 test result, and are willing to self-quarantine for seven days.

Red Countries

Even if they are fully vaccinated, visitors from the following red-listed countries are not permitted to fly to France for vacation.

• Argentina
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Brazil
• Bolivia
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• Suriname
• Turkey
• Uruguay
• All countries in Southern Africa

Which vaccines does France accept?

The European Medicines Agency has approved vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. 

At least 14 days before departure, travelers must show proof of full vaccination. Sinopharm is not recognized as a valid vaccine in France at this time, despite being approved by the World Health Organization for emergency use.

What can visitors expect now that they’ve arrived in France?

President Macron has been gradually easing restrictions in the country after months of strict lockdowns and closures, with many measures already lifted. The following changes to France’s health protocols have occurred since May. To make your visit as convenient and trouble-free as possible, keep the following in mind.

• On May 3, domestic travel restrictions were lifted, allowing residents to travel freely within the country again, and the national curfew was lifted.

• Restaurants, cafes, and open-air terraces reopened for outdoor service on May 19, with a maximum of six people per table, as well as nonessential shops.

• Spectators are allowed to return to arenas, and museums, monuments, theaters, and auditoriums with seated audiences with a maximum capacity of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors are allowed to reopen.

• Indoor dining at restaurants and cafes reopened on June 9, with establishments operating at half capacity indoors. On July 9, nightclubs will be allowed to reopen. After a nine-month hiatus, the Eiffel Tower has reopened.

• Residents will be required to use the health pass to access cafe terraces, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and other culture and leisure activities, as well as trains and airplanes, according to a bill approved by the French parliament on July 26. The new law, which has sparked nationwide outrage, currently only applies to adults, but on September 30, it will be expanded to include all children under the age of 12.

• The rules for wearing masks while outside are also being relaxed. As of June 20, masks are only required outside in crowded areas such as markets and stadiums. In public places, such as indoors and on public transportation, masks are still required.

What is the France health pass? 

To make travel within the European Union easier this summer, France’s “health pass” was issued to its residents on July 1. It is equivalent to the EU COVID-19 Digital Certificate and is now widely recognized throughout the bloc.

The health pass stores proof of vaccination, negative PCR tests, or evidence that the user has recently recovered from Covid-19.

Rules on Masks in Public Transportation

Public transportation is currently available in Paris. Please be advised that new passenger safety rules apply to all passengers (including visitors):

• Passengers over the age of 11 must wear a mask when using public transportation (Paris metro, RER trains, buses, and trams).

• Those taking the metro during rush hour will need to present a letter from their employer (mornings and late afternoons). Visitors should avoid using public transportation due to these restrictions and ambiguous regulations/rules.

• Until further notice, Eurostar passengers must also wear masks.

• Tourists and visitors are subject to the same rules as locals, including the aforementioned fines.