Last update: 09/16/2023
France’s borders have been open to certain EU countries since June 15, 2020 and to other countries outside the EU since July 1, 2020. France is one of the countries that are open for tourism without restrictions for vaccinated travelers from all countries. There is a traffic light system for unvaccinated travelers.
Vaccinated travelers must provide proof of full vaccination. They must also submit a sworn declaration that they do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.
Most unvaccinated travelers from “green” countries must present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to their flight, although unvaccinated travelers from certain countries must present proof of a negative test result from within 24 hours prior to their flight. They must also submit a sworn declaration that they do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.
Unvaccinated travelers from “orange” countries can only enter France if they have “pressing grounds for travel.” They must provide proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to departure or a negative antigen test result that was obtained within 48 hours prior to departure, unless they are traveling from the UK, in which case the PCR or antigen test must have been taken within 24 hours prior to boarding.
These travelers must also obtain an exempted international travel certificate and submit a sworn declaration that they do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, that they agree to get tested on arrival in France, and that they will self-isolate for 7 days and take a PCR test at the end of that isolation period. These travelers may undergo random testing on arrival in France and must self-isolate for 7 days from their arrival.
Unvaccinated travelers from “red” countries may only enter France if they have a “compelling reason.” They must present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 48 hours prior to their flight, obtain an exempted international travel certificate, and submit a sworn declaration that they do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, that they agree to get tested on arrival in France, and that they will quarantine for 10 days from their arrival.
These travelers will undergo testing on arrival in France and must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival, as supervised by security forces.
All travelers should download the TousAntiCovid app.
Can I travel to France right now?
France has only reopened its borders to many countries. Below is a map of all the countries that are currently allowed to visit France.
FRANCE - EN
- France
- Green List
- Orange List
- Red List
Green list
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*Unvaccinated travelers from these countries must present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 24 hours prior to their flight.
Orange list
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*Unvaccinated travelers from the UK must present a negative PCR or antigen test result from within 24 hours prior to boarding.
Red list
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Unvaccinated travelers from “orange” and “red” countries can only enter France for very specific reasons, such as if they are a French national, a French resident, or a student in France. Travelers are also allowed as transit passengers (i.e., for a layover or connecting flight) for less than 24 hours. Full information on these circumstances is available here.
France COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
France’s travel restrictions depend on your vaccination status. If you are fully vaccinated, you can enter France from any country. All you need to do is present proof of vaccination and complete a sworn declaration that you do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.
If you are an unvaccinated traveler from a “green” country, you must present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to your flight. If you are traveling from Cyprus, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, or Spain, your negative test result must be from within 24 hours prior to your flight. You must also submit a sworn declaration that you do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.
If you are an unvaccinated traveler from an “orange” country, you must have an approved reason for entering France. You must provide evidence of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to departure or a negative antigen test result that was obtained within 48 hours prior to departure. If you’re traveling from the UK, the test must have been taken within 24 hours prior to boarding.
You must also obtain an exempted international travel certificate and submit a sworn declaration that you do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, that you agree to get tested on arrival in France, and that you will self-isolate for 7 days and take a PCR test at the end of that isolation period. You may undergo random testing on arrival in France and must self-isolate for 7 days from your arrival.
If you are an unvaccinated traveler from a “red” country, you may only enter France if you have a compelling reason for traveling. You must submit a sworn declaration that you do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, that you agree to get tested on arrival in France, and that you will quarantine for 10 days from your arrival.
You must also provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 48 hours prior to your flight and obtain an exempted international travel certificate. You will undergo testing on arrival in France and must quarantine for 10 days from your arrival, as supervised by security forces.
Everyone should also download the TousAntiCovid app.
Covid-19 vaccine to travel to France?
Vaccinated travelers can travel from any country to France without restrictions.
To enter France, vaccinated travelers just need to present proof of full vaccination and complete a sworn declaration that they do not have COVID-19 and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.
Acceptable vaccines include Pfizer (Comirnaty), Moderna, AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), and AstraZeneca (Covishield). Travelers are considered fully vaccinated when seven days have elapsed since the second dose of their two-shot vaccine, when four weeks have elapsed since their one-shot vaccine, or when seven days have elapsed after a single vaccine dose if they have already had COVID-19.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to France?
All unvaccinated travelers must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result.
The test result must be from within 72 hours prior to their flight for unvaccinated travelers from “green” countries. For unvaccinated travelers from “orange” countries, a negative PCR test result must be from within 72 hours prior to departure and a negative antigen test result must be from within 48 hours prior to departure.
For unvaccinated travelers from “red” countries, the PCR or antigen test result must be from within 48 hours prior to the flight. For unvaccinated travelers from Cyprus, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, or the UK, the negative PCR or antigen test result must be from within 24 hours prior to boarding.
Unvaccinated travelers from “orange” countries may undergo random testing on arrival in France. Unvaccinated travelers from “red” countries will be subject to testing on arrival in France. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the testing entry requirement.
Travelers who are not from approved European countries will take a second PCR test on the 7th day of their self-isolation period after arrival in France. Children under the age of 11 are exempt from PCR testing requirements.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to France?
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in France?
There is no mandatory quarantine for vaccinated travelers or unvaccinated travelers from “green” countries.
Unvaccinated travelers from “orange” countries must self-isolate for 7 days from their arrival in France. Unvaccinated travelers from “red” countries must quarantine for 10 days at their accommodation or residence, where they will be monitored by control officers.
Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory?
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is not mandatory to enter France. However, it is highly recommended since, these days, it is more important than ever to look after your health and safety.
Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory?
According to the CDC, COVID-19 risk in France is high, and they recommend unvaccinated travelers avoid all nonessential international travel to France.
If you’re traveling to France and looking for great travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, I can’t recommend Heymondo enough. They cover both testing and treatment abroad, and they’ve helped keep us safe on our travels this year. The best part of using Heymondo is that you can get a 5% discount on their insurance just for being our reader. You can learn more about their COVID-19 travel insurance here.
Other travel restrictions for France during COVID-19
France may be open to tourists from many countries, but there are still several precautions travelers need to follow:
- Travelers from all countries must complete a declaration form stating that they have no COVID-19 symptoms.
- Unvaccinated travelers from “orange” and “red” countries must also show an international travel certificate.
- All travelers should download the TousAntiCovid app.
- All travelers should expect to have their temperatures checked upon arrival in France.
- Wearing face masks in indoor spaces and on public transport is mandatory.
- Social distancing (two meters) should be practiced in all public spaces.
- Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa to enter France. Check if you need one below.
What’s Open in France
Restrictions in France have lifted, so there is plenty to see and do right now. Hotels, attractions, and restaurants are all open, and there is no longer a curfew in place.
Hotels that are open in France
Hotels in France are open, so you’ll be able to find a place to stay if you visit.
Attractions that are open in France
Attractions and museums in France have reopened, so popular spots, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Sainte Chapelle, and Versailles, are all open.
However, the French government now requires visitors age 18 and over to present a health pass to enter museums and attractions. The pass must show either that you are fully vaccinated, that you have tested negative for COVID-19 (with a PCR or antigen test) within the last 48 hours, or that you have recovered from COVID-19 (with a positive PCR or antigen test result that is between 15 days and 6 months old).
The health pass can be digital (on the TousAntiCovid app) or in paper form (proof of vaccination or test result). Whichever method you use, the proof you use for the pass must be in French or English.
The French government has not yet provided official guidance on obtaining a health pass if you were vaccinated outside the European Union. Some travelers have been able to show their CDC vaccination card, while others have been able to have their information entered into the French system by a doctor or pharmacist. Be sure to check with the US Embassy before you travel.
Attractions that are open in France
Visitors to attractions and museums must wear masks and social distance. Visitors should book their tickets in advance, as many attractions operate on a timed entry system.
Restaurants that are open in France
Restaurants and cafes in France are currently open, so you can eat plenty of delicious French food.
Like museums and attractions, customers must have a health pass in order to eat at restaurants and cafes. The pass must show either that you are fully vaccinated, that you have tested negative for COVID-19 (with a PCR or antigen test) within the last 48 hours, or that you have recovered from COVID-19 (with a positive PCR or antigen test result that is between 15 days and 6 months old).
Airports that are open in France
France has many international airports, but its two biggest and busiest are Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport, both of which are open.
All travelers must wear masks and abide by social distancing rules. They will also have their temperatures checked upon arrival.
Curfew in France
There is no curfew because of COVID in France at this moment.
Where to get a PCR test in France
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in France, here is a list of places you can get a PCR test.
France reopening to International Tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to France reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to France right now?
Yes, if you are vaccinated, you can travel to France from any country. If you are unvaccinated, you can only travel from “green” countries.
Is it safe to travel to France during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 800,000+ active cases and 110,000+ deaths because of COVID-19 in France as of today. The CDC classifies travel to France as “Level 3- High Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, you shouldn’t travel to France. Even if you are not high-risk, you should reconsider travel to France, especially if you are not vaccinated.
Is there a travel ban on travel to France?
Yes, unvaccinated travelers cannot travel from “orange” or “red” countries unless they have an approved reason for traveling. You can consult our list above to see which countries are considered “orange” and “red.”
Is quarantine required to visit France?
Yes, if you are an unvaccinated traveler from an “orange” country, you must self-isolate for 7 days from your arrival. If you are an unvaccinated traveler from a “red” country, you must quarantine for 10 days from your arrival.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to France?
Yes, you must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result if you are unvaccinated. The test result must be from within 72 hours prior to your flight if you are traveling from a “green” country. For unvaccinated travelers from “orange” countries, a negative PCR test result must be from within 72 hours prior to departure and a negative antigen test result must be from within 48 hours prior to departure.
For unvaccinated travelers from “red” countries, the PCR or antigen test result must be from within 48 hours prior to the flight. For unvaccinated travelers from Cyprus, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, or the UK, the negative PCR or antigen test result must be from within 24 hours prior to boarding.
Is a curfew in place?
No, there is no longer a curfew in France.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
No, there are currently no restrictions on an intercity or interregional travel.
Are hotels open in France?
Yes, hotels in France are open.
Are airports open in France?
Yes, France’s airports are open at the moment. You can fly direct to Paris Charles De Gaulle from many places in Europe.
Are restaurants and Cafes open in France?
Yes, restaurants and cafes are open, but you must have a health pass in order to enter them.
Are museums open in France?
Yes, museums in France are open, but you must have a health pass in order to enter them.
Is Notre-Dame Cathedral open?
No, Notre-Dame is not currently open. A devastating fire destroyed much of the cathedral on April 15, 2019, and it has been closed for renovation since.
Is the Louvre open?
Is the Eiffel Tower open?
Yes, the Eiffel Tower is currently open.
Is France open to American tourists?
Is France open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Canadians can currently travel to France.
Sources
This guide to France reopening for tourism will be updated with any new developments as they are reported. However, if you want more information on travel to France, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in France
- CDC Travel Recommendations for France
- General France Travel Advisory
- COVID-19 Advice for Foreign Nationals in France from the French Government
- List of Restrictions in France from the French Government
- TousAntiCovid App
- Declaration Form and International Travel Certificate – Information in French and Forms in English
- How to get a French Health Pass
