COVID-19 Information

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The Department of State has issued COVID-19 Traveler Information and advises all U.S. citizens to read the country-specific Travel Advisories and U.S. Embassy COVID pages for updates on the impact of COVID-19 worldwide.

COVID-19 Information  

Last updated:  01/24/2022  

*** Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions. 

Country-Specific Information  

France is now under a Level 4 – Do Not Travel travel advisory.  

  • France has confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the country. 
  • If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 in France or must travel to France imminently, please refer to this page for more information.  
  • Detailed information about the November 8 U.S. entry changes, including accepted vaccinations, testing requirements, and other critical information, is available at the following links:  
  • Find out if you can board a flight to the United States | CDC 
  • White House Statement in French and English 
  • COVID-19 Traveler Information (state.gov)  
  • Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air Travel to the United States | CDC  
  • Under the new rules, there is NO EXCEPTION for the non-citizen spouses or minor children of a U.S. citizen, nor for the non-citizen parents of a U.S. citizen minor child. These travelers must meet the same rules as any other non-U.S. citizen, including two doses of an approved vaccine, with the exception of the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose.  
  • The new U.S. travel rules require two doses of an approved vaccine (one dose if it was the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine), even if the traveler has recovered from COVID. Unlike France and some other European nations, the United States does NOT consider a traveler fully vaccinated with only one dose if they previously recovered from COVID; all travelers must have two doses, even if they have previously recovered from COVID.  
  • As of December 15, people aged 65 and older will need to have received a COVID-19 booster shot in order to keep their health pass active. As of January 15, 2022, all people age 18 and older will need a COVID-19 booster shot between three (3) and seven (7) months after their second COVID dose to keep their health pass active. Booster shots are available to all adults living in France age 18 and above beginning three (3) months after they became fully vaccinated. Vaccinations for all children age five (5) and older opened December 22, 2021. 
  • Face masks are again mandatory for all people, even those vaccinated, in indoor public spaces. Local authorities have the discretion to require face masks in designated outdoor spaces. Currently, masks must be worn outdoors in Paris in designated areas. For masking requirements in other locations in France, please consult local authorities and information resources.   
  • On January 2, France’s entry rules changed. Fully vaccinated travelers coming from the United States (as well as minor children under 17 accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian) are still able to enter France with proof of vaccination, a negative test (as applicable; see testing requirements below) and a sworn statement they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 nor contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19. For entry purposes only, for all vaccines approved for use in the United States, a booster dose is not required to be considered fully vaccinated. Some vaccines not approved in the United States do require a booster shot for entry purposes. Unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated travelers are required to show a compelling reason for travel, undergo a 10-day quarantine period upon arrival, and have various testing requirements. Entry rules depend on the country where travel originated. Please see Entry and Exit Requirements below for more information.  
  • French authorities accept the CDC card as evidence of vaccination for entry into France, but it is not accepted as a French health or vaccine pass required for domestic travel within France or to enter cultural sites, museums, theatres, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, athletic facilities, medical offices and hospitals (except for emergencies), retirement homes, and some other facilities.  
  • HEALTH PASS / VACCINE PASS: As of January 24, France has changed the Health Pass to a Vaccine Pass for all people aged 16 and older. Existing health passes were automatically converted to vaccine passes, if the pass holder qualified. To qualify for the vaccine pass, the person must be age 16 or above, be fully vaccinated (two shots except for the Johnson & Johnson/Jansen vaccine), and, if more than seven (7) months have passed from the second vaccine dose, a booster dose is required. (Beginning Feb. 15, a booster dose will be required four (4) months after the second dose.) These rules apply to everyone, residents and tourists alike. There is NO alternative to present a negative test for the vaccine pass. While recovery from COVID can take the place of one of the initial doses or, in some cases, the booster dose, this only applies if this occurred in the EU. U.S. and other foreign certificates of recovery are not accepted. The vaccine pass is required at all places where the health pass was previously required, except medical facilities, which only require the health pass. Children ages 12-15 also only require the health pass. Health pass rules are the same as the vaccine pass, except that no booster shot is required and a negative COVID PCR or antigen test provides a temporary 24-hour health pass.  
  • To obtain a vaccine or booster pass if vaccinated in the United States (or elsewhere outside the EU) the traveler must go to one of the designated pharmacies (The map of designated pharmacies is available on this website: https://www.sante.fr/obtenir-un-passe-sanitaire-en-cas-de-vaccination-letranger) and present their original, paper vaccination record (their CDC card), their passport, and a fee of up to 36 Euros. . More information about the health pass is available under the Movement Restrictions section, below.  

COVID-19 Testing  

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in France? Yes.  
  • If so, are test results reliably available by the following calendar day? Yes.  
    • Antigen test results are available within 24 hours, often in less than one hour. PCR test results may take up to 48 hours. 
    • Numerous pharmacies offer rapid antigen tests on a walk-in basis. To locate pharmacies open after-hours, weekends, or holidays in Paris and outskirts visit https://monpharmacien-idf.fr/. To find late-night or emergency pharmacies anywhere in France, call 112 (European emergency number, available free of charge, 24/7).
    • PCR testing is available at many laboratories and testing centers, usually by appointment — including the testing centers at Paris’ airports. 
    • Antigen tests cost 25 Euros, payable in advance. PCR tests cost 43.89 Euros. As of October 15, free COVID tests at public testing centers for French residents are no longer available, with an exception for fully vaccinated residents or residents with a prescription. Private testing centers, including pharmacies, may charge. COVID test results can be obtained on paper, or via email or SMS message.  
    • Beginning Monday, December 6, all air travelers to the United States age 2 and older, regardless of their vaccination status, will need a negative COVID test taken within the day before travel. This includes U.S. citizens. This can be either the PCR or antigen test. While antigen test results are reliably available within 24 hours, PCR tests may take more than 24 hours. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.  
    • Be aware that many testing centers and pharmacies performing COVID tests are closed on Sundays. Testing centers or pharmacies at airports and major train stations may be open on Sunday, depending on your location in France. In Paris, tests are available at most airport pharmacies at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, as well as at major train stations.  
    • Waivers to the testing and vaccination requirements may be granted by the CDC on an extremely limited basis. Please go here for more information. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information  

  • Has the government of France approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes.   
  • Are vaccines available in France for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes. Non-French citizens who are living in France, including those who are not registered in the French health care system but who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine (see below), can be vaccinated at a vaccination center but may be charged for the vaccine. You can download a letter stating your eligibility as a U.S. citizen (if you are otherwise qualified) here. Vaccination is voluntary, but the French government has clearly stated its intent to make life difficult for unvaccinated people.  
  • Which vaccines are available in France? Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.  
    • Under France’s COVID-19 vaccination program, vaccines are being offered to everyone age 5 and over. Additional information is available on the sante.fr website. Booster (third) doses of vaccine are being offered to all people aged 18 and over. 
    • Booster (third) doses are available for everyone age 18 and above beginning three (3) months after their second dose.  
    • Those people 16 and over who completed their vaccination scheme more than 7 months ago must receive a booster dose to obtain or maintain their vaccination pass. On February 15, the time period will change to 4 months after the second shot to obtain the booster dose.. 
    • The French government announced a new program in which unvaccinated residents can obtain a temporary pass if they get their first dose between January 24 and February 15, commit to a second dose a month after the first, and in the interim obtain negative COVID tests that will provide a 24-hour pass. 
    • People eligible for a COVID vaccine, either initial doses or a booster, may register for a vaccine appointment several ways: online at sante.fr; via the Doctolib, Maiia, and KelDoc apps; by phone at 0800 009 110; or with their doctor.  
    • Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.  
    • The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.  

 Entry and Exit Requirements  

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes.  
    • France has restricted travel to and from countries outside the “European Area” (EU members along with Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the Vatican).  
    • Under new rules that went into effect June 9, certain travelers may now be admitted to France, depending on conditions in the country of origin of their trip and the traveler’s vaccination status. All countries are color-coded, either green, red, orange, or scarlet. A country’s status and particular requirements to enter France are subject to change with little notice. Please see the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most recent information.  
    • France has announced specific, heightened restrictions on travel between the United Kingdom and France. Please carefully consult the Embassy of France in the UK website before planning any travel between France and the UK. Airline transit through the UK on a France-bound flight from the U.S. will still be permitted. 
    • Green countries (currently European Area countries along with Bahrain, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Vanuatu). Fully vaccinated travelers coming from these countries can enter with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) performed in the 48 hours before departure; this testing rule does not apply to travelers coming from a European Area nation. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated require a negative PCR or antigen test performed within the 48 hours before entering France, with the exception of travelers entering from a European Area nation, who require a negative test (PCR or antigen) within 24 hours before departing for France, and all unvaccinated travelers must sign a statement agreeing they may be retested upon arrival in France. This includes land and sea travelers as well as air travelers. There is no quarantine requirement.  
    • Red countries (currently Afghanistan, Belarus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Mauritius, Montenegro, Nigeria, Pakistan, Suriname, Tanzania, Turkey, and the United States,): Fully vaccinated travelers need proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test performed with the 48 hours prior to departure for France; no quarantine is necessary. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers are restricted to certain categories of travelers who must show a compelling reason for travel. These travelers must present a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) performed within the 48 hours before departure, be tested again upon arrival, and must quarantine for ten days after arrival (this quarantine will be enforced by police checks at the quarantine location) at a location the traveler must identify to French authorities. Depending on your country of origin, you may be subject to additional screening upon arrival. To facilitate administrative procedures, you are asked to fill out the form available at the following address: https://passager.serveureos.org. Additional restrictions may be imposed.  
    • Orange countries (all other countries ). Fully vaccinated travelers must present proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test performed with the 48 hours prior to departure for France; no quarantine is necessary. France accepts the CDC card as sufficient proof of vaccination for entry. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must provide a compelling reason for travel (see Compelling Reasons, below), a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) performed in the 48 hours before departure. All travelers will be tested again upon arrival, and must self-isolate upon arrival for 7 days. At the end of the 7 days they must take a PCR test. In addition, depending on your country of origin, you may be subject to screening upon arrival. To facilitate administrative procedures, you need to fill out the form available at the following address: https://passager.serveureos.org. Children under age 12 are exempt from the testing requirements.  
    • Scarlet countries: There are currently no countries on the scarlet list. All travelers, whether vaccinated or not must have a compelling reason from the list of compelling reasons on the appropriate attestation form, a negative PCR test performed within the 48 hours before departure or a negative antigen test performed within the 24 hours before departure, complete the form at https://passager.serveureos.org and be screened upon arrival, quarantine or isolate for 10 days upon arrival in France with set limits on the time you can leave the isolation area (the quarantine requirement does not apply to passengers who remain in the transit zone of the airport), be tested upon arrival in France, provide proof of address of the suitable space where you will quarantine and allow French authorities to verify your compliance with the quarantine order. Travel to scarlet countries is also subject to tight restrictions. 
    • Children: Travelers under age 11 are treated as vaccinated regardless of their vaccination status and do not need to have a COVID test. Travelers ages 11 through 17 are treated as vaccinated if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian. Travelers in this age group traveling independently must meet the rules applicable to adult travelers.  
    • “Fully vaccinated”: Currently only the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are accepted for entry into France. Travelers who have received all required doses of a WHO-licensed vaccine not approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) require an additional single dose of an EMA-approved mRNA vaccine (currently Pfizer or Moderna). Travelers must also be fully vaccinated, which occurs 28 days after receiving one dose of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine; 7 days after receiving a second dose of other vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield); or, for persons who have received all the required doses of a WHO-licensed vaccine not approved by the European Medicines Agency, 7 days after receiving the additional dose of an EMA-approved mRNA vaccine.  
    • While entry into France does not require a booster dose, the French vaccine pass – required to enter many public locations including museums, restaurants, sporting events, and numerous other locations – does require a booster dose within seven (7) months of the final initial dose (so the second shot for two-shot vaccines); beginning February 15, the booster dose will need to be within four (4) months of the final initial dose. 
    • Compelling Reasons and Essential Travelers: The list of compelling reasons and essential travelers can be found at the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is located on the attestation page for travelers entering France. Note that different rules may apply depending on the country of origin of travel; please ensure you select the correct travel attestation. Travelers subject to this requirement attempting to enter without a compelling reason may be denied entry and detained in an immigration detention center until they can be returned to their point of departure.  
    • In rare cases, the French government will consider allowing travel for otherwise unqualified travelers in humanitarian situations and in cases of business activity important to the French economy, and have announced a program to allow unmarried couples to reunite. Persons may inquire about such allowances with the French Embassy in Washington, DC (visas@consulfrance-washington.org). 
    • The United States Embassy has no standing to intervene or advocate for the private travel of United States citizens to France. Please contact your nearest French Embassy or French Consulate or refer to France Visas. If you are already in France, please contact your nearest Prefecture or refer to Prefecture de Police.  
    • Anyone entering France or transiting through France must have an attestation, available here. You do not need an endorsement from the Embassy for this attestation.  
    • Transit passengers through Charles De Gaulle Airport are being allowed under certain conditions. Transiting passengers may not leave the international zone and will not be admitted to France unless otherwise qualified to enter France. Luggage must be checked through to your final destination. You will not be permitted to leave the international zone to collect and recheck baggage. The duration of transit must be less than 24 hours. For more information regarding entry into France, we refer you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  
    • French Residents Traveling Outside France: On June 9, France dropped the compelling reason requirement for fully vaccinated travelers from France traveling to red countries. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers will still need to show a compelling reason for travel to orange or red countries, as do all travelers to scarlet countries. No compelling reason is needed for travelers traveling to a green country regardless of vaccination status.  
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.  
    • All travelers, except fully vaccinated travelers with a health pass coming from a European Area country, must present results of a negative COVID test. The type of test and the time frame for the test vary depending on the color classification of the country and the vaccination status of the traveler. Please see the information above under Entry and Exit requirements.  
    • Please note this testing requirement applies only to travelers who are otherwise allowed to travel to France. For more information regarding entry into France, we refer you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (English version).  
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes.  
    • France is performing temperature checks and COVID testing for certain passengers.  
    • There are Covid-19 testing centers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris-Orly. Departing passengers wishing to get a test at the airport must make an appointment online (doctolib.fr). According to Paris Aéroport, results for the PCR test are available within 48 hours and generally within 1 to 2 hours for an antigen test. There are also pharmacies located in the departures area near the check-in counters in Terminal 2E and terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle that can perform the antigen test. 
    • Travelers who entered France on the 90-day Schengen visa waiver cannot obtain an extension on their stay due to COVID.  
    • People in France with a valid residence permit may face long delays in renewing their permit. Such travelers should carry a copy of their receipt showing they submitted the extension or renewal request in a timely manner, or if no receipt is available, other evidence that they submitted their request. Travel difficulties due to COVID are not a sufficient reason to obtain an extension, as travel has been and remains available to the United States from France. 

Movement Restrictions  

  • Is a curfew in place? No.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes. 
    • Long-distance travelers within France may be required to present a valid Vaccine Pass (health pass for those age 12-15) for air, rail, or automobile travel.  
    • France has imposed movement or travel controls on several of its overseas territories and departments. For more information, see the Ministry of Interior website.  
    • Vaccine Pass/Health Pass (Pass Vaccinal/Sanitaire): As of January 24, the health pass has changed to a vaccine pass for people age 16 and above. Many tourist attractions, entertainment and sporting facilities, and all dining establishments, among other businesses, require presentation of a vaccine pass for entry. A vaccine pass is also required for long distance travel.  
      • Travelers age 12-15 require a health pass everywhere a vaccine pass is required. Travellers under age 12 do not require a pass. 
      • A vaccine pass (or a health pass for those age 12-15) can be obtained from designated pharmacies for a fee of up to 36 Euros. The map of designated pharmacies is available on this website: https://www.sante.fr/obtenir-un-passe-sanitaire-en-cas-de-vaccination-letranger. Travelers will need to have their passport and their original paper version of their vaccination record. The vaccination record will need to show the traveler’s name, DOB, vaccination date(s), the number of doses and the country where the vaccination occurred. The vaccine pass requires a booster dose if more than seven months have passed since the second dose and those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (Note: Only mRNA vaccines can be used for the booster dose). Beginning February 15, the booster must have been received within four months of the second dose. A positive test result or certificate of recovery from OUTSIDE the European Union does NOT count as a dose.
      • The health pass does not require a booster shot. In addition, for the health pass only, a temporary, 24-hour health pass can be obtained with a negative COVID test performed in France. Rapid antigen tests are available on a walk-in basis at many local pharmacies, with results in under 30 minutes. These results include a QR code that serves as the temporary pass. Once the pass expires, a new test can be taken to obtain a new temporary pass. This option only applies to the health pass; this option is not available for the vaccine pass.
      • Travelers fully vaccinated within the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland, England, or Wales must use the pass issued by their country of vaccination. 
      • This is strictly a French government procedure. Despite what some pharmacies have told travelers, the U.S. Embassy has no access to the French system, nor can we assist in this process. 

 Quarantine Information  

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes.  
    • Quarantine requirements vary depending on the country where travel originated and the vaccination status of the traveler. Please see Entry and Exit requirements above for more information.  
    • All travelers coming from a green list country and fully vaccinated travelers (and accompanying minors under age 11) from an orange or red list country are not required to quarantine. All other travelers will still need to quarantine. Quarantine is at the traveler’s expense.  
    • Unvaccinated travelers arriving from red countries and all travelers arriving from scarlet countries face a heightened, 10-day quarantine that may be enforced by police or other government authorities. See information at the French Ministry of Interior website.  

Transportation Options  

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes.  
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes.  
    • Face coverings are required on all public transportation and in all public spaces, including in the stations. Face masks may be mandatory in some outdoor areas, including all markets, as well as crowded areas, such as lines and stadiums. Masks are still required indoors and in public transportation. Departements and regions which exceed current French COVID guidelines may impose stricter requirements. For masking requirements in particular cities, , please consult local authorities and information resources.   
    • Long distance transportation requires presentation of a health pass; local public transportation such as subways, tramways, buses, and suburban trains does not. 
    • Failing to wear face covering where required can result in a 135 Euro fine (approximately $160). All people age 6 and over must wear a mask on public transportation and other designated locations.   

 Fines for Non-Compliance  

  • Non-compliance with the mask requirements can lead to a fine of 135 Euros (approximately $160) for a first offense. Repeat offenders can be fined up to 1,500 Euros (about $1,735) 

 Consular Operations  

  • American Citizen Services: The U.S. Embassy in Paris and the Consulates General in Marseille and Strasbourg have resumed regular services other than Federal Benefits, which are limited and available only by email, and Loss of Nationality (renunciation) services, which remain suspended at this time. Services may be limited due to COVID-mitigation measures. United States citizens should see the corresponding pages on this website to make appointments for these services. 
  • Visa Services: All immigrant visa categories are being processed. Non-immigrant visa services have resumed, but with extremely high demand and limited capacity, resulting in significant backlogs. New appointment slots are added regularly; please monitor the appointment system website. For more information, or to schedule a visa appointment, please see: https://fr.usembassy.gov/visas. 
  • Due to COVID-19, visa applicants must comply with any applicable French government travel-related quarantine requirement prior to their interview or will not be admitted to the Embassy and will be required to reschedule their appointment. 

Local Resources  

 

By | 20 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: , , , , ,

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