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.
Updated October 15, 2020
Country-Specific Information:
- France has confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the country.
- As of Saturday, October 17, and continuing for at least four weeks, local curfews have been imposed between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. in Paris, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Saint-Etienne, Rouen, Montpellier, and Toulouse. Violating the curfew may result in a fine: 135 euros (about $160) for first offense; 1,500 euros (about $1,760) for subsequent offenses. Schools and public transportation are open. Everyone is expected to practice social distancing (one meter), use cloth face coverings, and avoid large gatherings that may spread the virus. Cloth face coverings are mandatory in indoor settings and on public transportation. Some cities, including Paris, have made face coverings mandatory in all outdoor areas as well. Failure to wear a face covering when required may result in a fine of approximately $150.
- The U.S. Embassy in Paris and the Consulate General in Strasbourg have resumed the following regular services – passport processing, reports of birth abroad, notary actions, voting assistance, and federal benefits assistance (Paris), and are accepting ballots from overseas voters. United States citizens should see the corresponding pages on this website to make appointments for these services. The Consulate General in Marseille is currently offering only ballot acceptance and emergency services. Contact the consulate directly at CitizeninfoMarseille@state.gov for emergency assistance.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? No
- Broad restrictions on non-essential travel from many countries outside the European Union, including the United States, remain in place. The French government has defined essential travel as entry by French citizens, residents of France, all foreign (including United States citizen) students (with appropriate visa or residence permit), and spouses and children of French citizens.
- In rare cases, the French government will consider allowing travel in humanitarian situations and, reportedly, in cases of business activity important to the French economy. 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 the Ministry of the Interior or Prefecture de Police.
- Anyone entering France or transiting through France to reach the United States must have an attestation, available here, with the English version 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. 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 website (English version).
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
- As of 5 August 2020, air passengers arriving from certain countries, including the United States, must present “results of a negative virology COVID-19 test (a PCR test for example), carried out less than 72 hours before the flight” or they will not be allowed to board their flight to France.
- Please note this testing requirement applies only to travelers who are otherwise allowed to travel to France. Entry by non-essential travelers is suspended regardless of COVID-19 test status.
- 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 voluntary or mandatory (depending on country of origin) COVID testing for some travelers.
- Where can I get information on my French visa?
- On April 24, French authorities announced a 6-month extension of visas de long séjour, titres de séjour, autorisations provisoires de séjour, and Récépissés de demande de titre de séjour with expiration dates between March 16 and June 15, 2020. We refer you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (in English) for more information.
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? Yes. As of Saturday, October 17, and continuing for at least four weeks, local curfews have been imposed between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. in Paris, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Saint-Etienne, Rouen, Montpellier and Toulouse.
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
- France has imposed movement or travel controls on several of its overseas territories and departments. For more information, we refer you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- Foreign nationals arriving in France from outside certain European countries and certain other excepted countries are subject to a 2-week quarantine “at a location of their choice or, where appropriate, in special accommodation.” Please note the countries subject to entry restrictions and quarantine are reviewed regularly and can change with little notice. See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (in English) for more information.
COVID-19 Testing:
- U.S. citizens in France can obtain a COVID-19 PCR test at laboratories listed on this website, usually by appointment. Note that pharmacies can only do the serologic test.
- PCR tests cost between 70 and 80 euros. Testing is paid for by the individual, unless he/she is covered by French Health insurance (“Sécurité Sociale”).
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Cloth face coverings are required on all public transportation and in all public spaces, including in the stations.
- Failing to wear a cloth face covering where required can result in a 135 Euro fine (approximately $150).
- A growing number of French cities now require cloth face coverings in outdoor areas throughout or in designated parts of the city. This includes Paris, where as of August 28, 2020, cloth face coverings are required in all outdoor locations in Paris and its suburbs. Rules vary by city and can change quickly. Check with the website of each city.
Consular Operations:
- American Citizen Services: The U.S. Embassy in Paris and the Consulate General in Strasbourg have resumed the following regular services – passport processing, reports of birth abroad, notary actions, voting assistance, and federal benefits assistance (Paris), and are accepting ballots from overseas voters.United States citizens should see the corresponding pages on this website to make appointments for these services. The Consulate General in Marseille is currently offering only ballot acceptance and offering emergency services. Contact the consulate directly at CitizeninfoMarseille@state.gov for emergency assistance.
- Visa Services: Limited visa services are available in critical travel categories, including students and investors. Most travel from the Schengen area – including France – to the United States remains suspended at this time. For more information, or to schedule a visa appointment, please see: https://fr.usembassy.gov/visas/
Local Resources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (in English)
- French Embassy and Consulates
- Ministry of the Interior
- Paris city government COVID information (in French)
Other links:
- State Department COVID-19 crisis page
- CDC page on COVID-19
- France Country Information and Travel Advisory page
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