Traveling to Paris soon? This French travel news update is for US citizens planning to visit in the coming weeks and months.
It brings together everything you need to know about the latest rules for entry into France.
Plus, everything else that’s expected when you’re out and about in the capital.
The latest changes from the French government
Face coverings... Booster shots... Vaccine passes… With so much information out there, we’ve written this easy-to-follow guide.
Some of this is specific guidance for American nationals entering France, while the rest is general advice for all visitors.
It follows the latest changes announced by our government. These came into play very recently, in January and February.
Food, drink and face coverings
From this month, nightclubs have reopened, while concerts with standing audiences are also back with no limits on capacity.
The rules around consuming food in public places are now relaxed. You can now eat and drink in cinemas, stadiums, and on trains.
You can also order and stand at the counter in bars and restaurants.
Finally, face coverings are no longer required outside, a rule which has been in place for some time.
Starting February 28th, face coverings will only be required in shops and venues where a vaccination pass is not required to enter. You can read more on that below.
When you arrive in France
Since February 12, 2022, if you are fully vaccinated and can prove it, there are no more Covid-19 restrictions at the French border.
For adults over the age of 18, this does now include proof of a booster shot within the past nine months.
Also, it is essential the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes your vaccines.
The EMA recognizes Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna as a booster, jabs which most Americans will have received, so there should be no problems there.
Just ensure you have adequate proof of your vaccination status. As well as on your phone or device, we recommend you bring paper copies too.
Before you set off for your journey, you should also fill in the Eos electronic form online. Make sure this is complete before you land in France.
You must also declare you have no Covid-19 symptoms when you arrive, and that you haven’t had any contact with someone who has the virus within the past 14 days.
Changes to the vaccination pass rules
But what about getting out and about when you are here?
You will need to have proof of your Covid-19 vaccination status to use cafés, restaurants, bars, cinemas, gyms and all other leisure facilities. As of February 28th, after showing your pass, a face covering will no longer be necessary.
As of February 15, the previous pass sanitaire (health pass) has been replaced by a new pass vaccinal (vaccination pass).
To get the pass, you must be able to show either…
• A vaccine certificate showing full vaccination (including a booster shot within the past four months)
• Or, a certificate of a medical exemption for non-vaccination.
You can download the TousAntiCovid app, to store your pass on your phone, which makes it very easy.
The option to show a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 within the past six months is not viable for Americans. This is because US certificates of recovery do not have a QR code that meets the French requirements.
The bottom line is this: A recent negative test is no longer accepted. The vaccination pass showing a completed course of Covid-19 immunization is essential to participate in many activities.
The rules for children
First, children under 12 years old do not have to use any pass or proof of Covid-19 status.
For children aged 12 to 15, you can still present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test less than 24 hours old. This is exactly like the previous health pass. These are available at pharmacies for a small charge.
But the new vaccination pass is necessary in France for everyone aged 16 and older to participate in most social or cultural activities.
More changes are likely
The Covid-19 situation continues to change, fast.
It is very likely that soon, even the vaccination pass requirement will end. This change could happen as soon as next month.
We will continue to share the latest developments that are of interest to our clients and readers.
But as you would expect, official advice from the French government remains to “consult a medical professional if you have been in direct contact with an infected person within the past three weeks and have any symptoms.”
Staying vigilant and taking sensible measures is the best way for everyone to enjoy life here in Paris, and everywhere else.
The latest French travel news
We hope you’ve found this guide to the latest French travel news informative.
As the guidance around Covid-19 restrictions is likely to change, we do recommend you visit the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website, before you travel.
In the meantime, if you have any queries about buying, selling, or renting property here in the French capital, please do contact the team at 56Paris and we will be happy to help.
You can also follow our social media accounts via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for the latest news and updates.
Update March 3, 2022: Since this blog was published, the French government has announced that face coverings and the vaccine pass will no longer be required in the majority of public settings, beginning March 14th. Masks will only be required on public transport and in medical facilities.
Please note: This article follows the latest information and is correct at the time of posting. We always recommend you check government websites before traveling.