Source: Ministère des l'Europe et des Affaires Étrangères
20.12.2020
Complete suspension of passenger travel from the United Kingdom to France for 48 hours
The French National Security and Defence Council (CDSN), chaired by the President of the French Republic, decided to suspend for 48 hours all travel of persons, including those involved in freight transport, by road, air, sea or rail from the United Kingdom, as of midnight (French time) on 20 December. Only unaccompanied freight will therefore be permitted. Passenger travel and transport into the United Kingdom is not affected.
This 48-hour window must enable two objectives to be met:
• Allow coordination between European Union Member States to set out a common doctrine on regulating and controlling travel from the United Kingdom;
• Operationally prepare the safe re-opening of travel from the United Kingdom from 22 December, based on a system of mandatory testing upon departure;
We will particularly focus on the specific situation of French nationals who have planned to return to France to spend the holidays with family. We urge them to arrange a PCR test over the next few days.
A nightly curfew from 8PM to 6AM is currently in force in Metropolitan France. For all information on this issue, visit https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19.
30.10.2020
TRAVEL TO FRANCE
I am a foreign national. Can I enter France?
1. If you are arriving from a country on the list below, you can enter metropolitan France without any COVID-19-related restrictions or paperwork.
Member States of the European Union, Andorra, the Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland,and the United Kingdom.
2. If you are arriving from another country, you can only enter France if your journey meets one of the following criteria for exceptions:
- If you are a French national (you may be accompanied by your spouse and children);
- If you are a European Union citizen or a national of Andorra, the Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, and your main residence is in France or you are crossing France to reach your country of nationality or residence (you may be accompanied by your spouse and children);
- If you hold a valid French or European residence permit or long-stay visa and your main residence is in France or you are crossing France to reach your residence in the European space;
- If you are transiting for less than 24 hours in an international zone;
- If you hold an official passport;
- If you take up your duties in a diplomatic or consular mission or in an international organization headquartered or having an office in France, where necessary with your spouse and children, or if you travel to France with a mission order issued by your home State;
- If you are a foreign health professional helping to fight COVID-19 or recruited as a trainee for this purpose;
- If you are a member of crew or personnel operating passenger or cargo flights, or travelling as a passenger to reach your departure base;
- If you are carrying out international goods transport;
- If you are a passenger coach or train driver or crew member;
- If you are a member of crew or personnel operating a merchant or fishing vessel;
- If you are a student with a long-stay visa (VLS) or short-stay visa (VCS) for study or placements or coming for less than 90 days from a country exempted from VCS requirements or you are a minor enrolled in school, and you can prove you have accommodation in France;
- If you are a professor or researcher employed or invited by a French higher education establishment or research laboratory and you are travelling for study and teaching purposes;
- If you have a “Talent Passport” or “ICT posted worker” long-stay visa, where necessary with your spouse and children,;
- If you travel to France to receive treatment in a public or private hospital.
For your arrival in France, you need to fill in and carry two documents:
● An exempted international movement certificate for travel to metropolitan France. You must present this certificate to travel companies before using your travel ticket, as well as to border control authorities (for travel by air, sea and land, including by rail);
● A sworn declaration that you do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
These documents can be downloaded in French and English from the Ministry of the Interior’s website.
In all cases, the usual travel restrictions apply (visas, duration of stay, etc.).
Other rules apply to travel to and from French overseas territories (see below).
Source: European Union/Re-open EU
11.12.2020
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
Travelling from EU Member States, Schengen Associated countries and the UK to Metropolitan France is allowed without restrictions.
Regardless of their country of origin, all persons showing Covid-19 symptoms when entering the national territory will have to observe quarantine or, if needed, be placed and kept in isolation by the relevant prefect, in compliance with article 24 of the decree 2020-1310 of 29 october 2020.
Specific rules for the French Overseas Territories
Travel to or from French Guiana, French Polynesia, Mayotte, New Caledonia, the Wallis and Futuna islands is allowed only for compelling family or professional reasons.
Travellers to overseas territories aged over 11 years must get tested at least 72hrs before boarding and provide negative test results.
A certificate of exemption on restrictions of movement is also required to travel to or from these overseas territories.
Travel to French Polynesia is subjected to special rules and check-in prior to travel. All necessary information is available on www.etis.pf.
Upon arrival in Metropolitan France from one of these territories, you will be encouraged to submit to a PCR test or, failing that, to comply with a 7-day quarantine period.
Transit
May I transit this country?
Transit is allowed in the following cases:
1. EU/EEA nationals, as well as their spouses and children, joining their home country via France;
2. third country nationals holding a valid European residence permit or a long-term residence visa transiting via France to their home in an EU/EEA country;
3. international transits of less than 24h, provided that travellers don't leave the airport.
Travellers in transit are exempt from voluntary quarantine unless they show symptoms.
If you are arriving from a country on the list below, even if you are in transit, or if you have been there in the last 30 days, you must present a negative test result carried out less than 72 hours before boarding (you will not be allowed to board without this document):
- Algeria
- Bahrain
- China
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ecuador
- Iraq
- Iran
- Israel
- Lebanon
- Morocco
- Panama
- South Africa
- Russia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Ukraine
- United States
- Zimbabwe
Find out more:
coronavirus advice for foreign nationals
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Tavellers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand can enter without restrictions.
From any other third country you can only enter France if your journey meets one of the criteria for exceptions available at: Can I enter France?
Additionally, air passengers arriving from the following countries are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result carried out less than 72 hours before boarding:
- Algeria
- Bahrain
- China
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ecuador
- Iraq
- Iran
- Israel
- Lebanon
- Morocco
- Panama
- Russia
- South Africa
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Zimbabwe
Travellers from countries others than those listed above are strongly recommended to present a negative test result upon arrival in France, carried out less than 72 hours before departure, or to undergo the test upon arrival.
Before their arrival in France, third country travellers need to fill in and carry two documents in addition to the required travel documents:
- An exempted international movement certificate for travel to metropolitan France. You must present this certificate to travel companies before using your travel ticket, as well as to border control authorities (for travel by air, sea and land, including by rail);
- A sworn declaration that you do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
These documents can be downloaded in French and English from the Ministry of the Interior’s website.
All the previous requirements do not apply to children under the age of 11.
Specific rules for the French Overseas Territories
To travel to French overseas communities, if you are over 11 years, you will have to produce a negative result of a PCR test carried out less than 72 hours before boarding, in addition to the rules set out above and regardless of your place of departure.
You cannot travel to or from Reunion, Mayotte, French Polynesia, New Caledonia or the Wallis and Futuna islands if you cannot prove imperative family or professional grounds.
You will then have to provide an exempted movement certificate for travel to or from these overseas territories, available on the Ministry of the Interior’s website.
Travel to French Polynesia is subjected to special rules and check-in prior to travel. All necessary information is available here: https://www.etis.pf. Tourism remains authorized if you are not coming from Metropolitan France or Martinique where the confinement does not allow you to leave your home except for imperative reasons.
Upon arrival in metropolitan France from an overseas community, you will be required to have a PCR test or, failing that, to comply with a seven-day isolation period.
Find out more:
Coronavirus advice for foreign nationals
Find out more:
diplomatie.gouv.fr
Attestations de déplacement dérogatoire
Information for travelers
Documents you need to travel in Europe
14.10.2020
Entry Restrictions
Travelling from EU+ countries to Metropolitan France is allowed without restrictions.
EU+ comprises EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and the Republic of San Marino.
Travellers coming from other countries are encouraged to have a negative PCR test before they arrive in France. Those without a negative PCR test will be presented with information upon their arrival in France about the conditions for carrying out a 7-day quarantine at a location of their choice or, where appropriate, in special accommodation. They will be informed of the possibilities for carrying out a test at the airport and in France.
Symptomatic travellers during border health checks should be subject to quarantine, regardless of their nationality.
Specific rules apply to the French Overseas Territories: all travellers aged over 11 years will have to produce a negative PCR test result, carried out less than 72 hours before boarding, in addition to the rules set out above.
Travel to or from French Guiana, French Polynesia, Mayotte, New Caledonia, the Wallis and Futuna islands is allowed only for compelling family or professional reasons.
A certificate of exemption on restrictions of movement is required to travel to or from these overseas territories.
Upon arrival in Metropolitan France from one of these territories, you will be encouraged to submit to a PCR test or, failing that, to comply with a 7-day quarantine period.
Travelling from France or returning to France
Travel Information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be found on the Travel Advice page.
Transit
Transit is allowed in the following cases:
1. EU/EEA nationals, as well as their spouse and children, joining their home country via France;
2. third country nationals holding a valid European residence permit or a long-term residence visa transiting via France to their home in an EU/EEA country;
3. international transits of less than 24h, provided that travellers don't leave the airport.
Travellers in transit are exempt from voluntary quarantine unless they show symptoms.
Third-country nationals coming from outside the EU and Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein
Tavellers from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay can enter without restrictions. All the other third-country nationals are subject to quarantine, even if they are asymptomatic.
Air passengers arriving from certain countries are required to present results of a negative virology COVID-19 test (a PCR test for example), carried out less than 72 hours before the flight, in the following conditions:
- air passengers travelling from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, or Panama, must present a negative virology COVID-19 test upon boarding the flight.
- Air passengers travelling from South Africa, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, India, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Madagascar, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Dominican Republic, Serbia, Palestinian Territories, Turkey, will have to either present a negative PCR test result, carried out less than 72 hours before departure, or submit to such a test at the airport upon arrival in France.
The following travellers may be asked to quarantine or remain in isolation upon arrival:
- travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival into France;
- travellers who, upon arrival, cannot show the results of a virology test carried out less than 72 hours before flying, which proves that the traveller does not have COVID-19.
Third-countries travellers are also required to have a certificate corresponding to their situation (derogatory international trip from abroad to metropolitan France or to an overseas community) and to complete a self-declaration that they don’t have symptoms.
Quarantine
Travellers from EU+ countries and from the following third-countries: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, can enter without restrictions.
EU+ comprises EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and the Republic of San Marino.
Air passengers arriving from certain countries are required to present results of a negative virology COVID-19 test (a PCR test for example), carried out less than 72 hours before the flight:
-air passengers travelling from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, or Panama, must present a negative virology COVID-19 test upon boarding the flight.
-Air passengers travelling from Algeria, Brazil, India, Israel, Kuwait, Madagascar, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Serbia, South Africa or Turkey, who do not present such a document upon arrival in France, will be directed towards a medical check point where the test will be carried out.
All the other third-country nationals are subject to quarantine, even if they are asymptomatic and a voluntary quarantine is suggested to travellers coming from the United Kingdom.
Travelling to/from French Guiana, French Polynesia, Mayotte, New Caledonia or the Wallis and Futuna islands is allowed only for proven compelling family or professional grounds. Upon arrival to metropolitan France from one of these territories, travellers will be encouraged to submit to a PCR test or, failing that, to comply with a seven-days isolation period. Furthermore, an exempted movement certificate available on the Ministry of Interior's website has to be provided.
The following travellers may be asked to quarantine or remain in isolation upon arrival:
- travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival into France;
- travellers who, upon arrival, cannot show the results of a virology test carried out less than 72 hours before flying, which proves that the traveller does not have COVID-19.
For all passengers a declaration of no symptoms of Covid-19 and no contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 within 14 days prior to the flight is required.
Find out more:
coronavirus advice for foreign nationals
Mandatory Travel Documentation
A travel certificate is required. This certificate must be presented to companies before embarking, as well as to border control authorities (for travel by air, sea and land, including by rail).
Additionally, travellers must complete and carry a declaration of no symptoms and no contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 within 14 days prior to the flight.
These documents can be downloaded in French and English from the Ministry of the Interior's website.
Find out more:
Documents you need to travel in Europe
01.09.2020
French Overseas Territories
Specific rules apply to the French Overseas Territories: all travellers aged over 11 years will have to produce a negative PCR test result, carried out less than 72 hours before boarding, in addition to the rules set out above.
You cannot travel to or from French Guiana, French Polynesia, Mayotte, New Caledonia or the Wallis and Futuna islands if you cannot prove compelling family or professional grounds.
You will then have to provide an exempted movement certificate for travel to or from these overseas territories, available on the Ministry of the Interior's website.
Upon arrival in metropolitan France from one of these territories, you will be encouraged to submit to a PCR test or, failing that, to comply with a two-week quarantine period.
Third-country national
There are no restrictions for travel to Metropolitan France from the EU/EEA and the following countries: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay. All the other third-country nationals are subject to quarantine, even if they are asymptomatic.
Air passengers arriving from certain countries are required to present results of a negative virology COVID-19 test (a PCR test for example), carried out less than 72 hours before the flight:
- air passengers travelling from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, or Panama, must present a negative virology COVID-19 test upon boarding the flight.
- Air passengers travelling from Algeria, Brazil, India, Israel, Kuwait, Madagascar, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Serbia, South Africa or Turkey, who do not present such a document upon arrival in France will be directed towards a medical check point where the test will be carried out.
The following travellers may be asked to quarantine or remain in isolation upon arrival:
- travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival into France;
- travellers who, upon arrival, cannot show the results of a virology test carried out less than 72 hours before flying which proves that the traveller does not have COVID-19.
Entering the French territory is no longer possible from other countries unless for specific imperious reasons and for French citizens or people living in France.
Updated information and FAQs are available at coronavirus advice for foreign nationals.
______________________________________________________________________________________
26.08.2020
Travelling to France
Travelling to and from EU countries is allowed without restrictions.
Travelling to and from Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and the Republic of San Marino, is allowed without restrictions.
Travelling from France or returning to France
Travel Information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be found on the Travel Advice page.
Rules and Exceptions
There are no restrictions for travel to Metropolitan France from the European space (European Union Member States, United Kingdom, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marina, Switzerland, Vatican) and from the following countries: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay.
Travellers coming from other countries are encouraged to have a negative PCR test before they arrive in France. Those without a negative PCR test will be presented with information upon their arrival in France about the conditions for carrying out a two-week quarantine at a location of their choice or, where appropriate, in special accommodation. They will be informed of the possibilities for carrying out a test at the airport and in France.
Symptomatic travellers during border health checks should be subject to quarantine, regardless of their nationality.
Specific rules apply to the French Overseas Territories. Health checks upon entry into the French Overseas Territories are adapted for each territory:
Travellers to Guadeloupe, Martinique, La Réunion, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, including an RT-PCR test on the 7th day following a negative RT-PCR test in the 48-72 hours after their arrival. Travellers who did not perform a RT-PCR test upon departure will be subject to strict 14-day quarantine measures.Entry into French Guiana and Mayotte is only allowed for emergency family or work reasons, given that the virus is still actively circulating in these territories. Travellers arriving in these territories will be subject to strict 14-day quarantine measures.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
No special documentation required.
Links to relevant national sources
diplomatie.gouv.fr
Air passenger rights.
Updated info on air travel regulations may be found at the IATA website
here are no restrictions for travel to Metropolitan France from the EU/EEA and the following countries: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay. All the other third-country nationals are subject to quarantine, even if they are asymptomatic.
Air passengers arriving from certain countries are required to present results of a negative virology COVID-19 test (a PCR test for example), carried out less than 72 hours before the flight:
- air passengers travelling from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, or Panama, must present a negative virology COVID-19 test upon boarding the flight.
- Air passengers travelling from Algeria, Brazil, India, Israel, Kuwait, Madagascar, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Serbia, South Africa or Turkey, who do not present such a document upon arrival in France will be directed towards a medical check point where the test will be carried out.
The following travellers may be asked to quarantine or remain in isolation upon arrival:
- travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival into France;
- travellers who, upon arrival, cannot show the results of a virology test carried out less than 72 hours before flying which proves that the traveller does not have COVID-19.
Entering the French territory is no longer possible from other countries unless for specific imperious reasons and for French citizens or people living in France.
Updated information and FAQs are available at coronavirus advice for foreign nationals.
No quarantine required for travelers from the EU/EEA and the following countries: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay. All the other third-country nationals are subject to quarantine, even if they are asymptomatic and a voluntary quarantine is suggested to travellers coming from the United Kingdom.
No quarantine required from travellers from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Panama, from Algeria, Brazil, India, Israel, Kuwait, Madagascar, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Serbia, South Africa or Turkey, if they present a negative result of a virology COVID-19 test conducted at most 72 hours before the flight.
The following travellers may be asked to quarantine or remain in isolation upon arrival:
- travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival into France;
- travellers arriving from Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, La Réunion, Mayotte, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna Islands, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, the French Southern and Antarctic Territories and Clipperton;
- travellers who, upon arrival, cannot show the results of a virology test carried out less than 72 hours before flying which proves that the traveller does not have COVID-19.
Updated information and FAQs are available at coronavirus advice for foreign nationals.
Source: GOUVERNEMENT.FR
29.10.2020
RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS IN METROPOLITAN FRANCE
Starting 30 October 2020 new lockdown measures are established for four weeks in metropolitan France and Martinique. You may only leave your residency in the following circumstances and with an exemption certificate:
- Commuting to and from work or university and training place
- Medical appointments that cannot be carried out remotely or postponed;
- Essential family reasons, assisting vulnerable persons, persons in a precarious situation or taking care of children.
- Persons with a disability and their accompanying person
- Judicial or administrative summons
- Participating in a mission of general interest upon request from an administrative authority
- Walking a pet outdoors within 1km of one’s place of residence and for a brief amount of time
Download the exemption certificate here.
Further restrictions are in force across France:
- Groups of more than 6 people in public places are forbidden
- No parties may be held in public community halls
- Venues may not host more than 5,000 people, and spacing rules must be observed: an empty seat between spectators or groups (of maximum six) of spectators
- In enclosed spaces open to the public you must wear a mask at all times.
- Local authorities may decide further restrictions. For example, in some cities and towns (including Paris) you may be required to wear a mask when you are outside.
Anyone without a valid certificate faces a fine of 135 €.
EMPLOYMENT
Working from home is mandatory whenever possible.
If you cannot work from home, staggered work patterns must be encouraged, to reduce the numbers of people both in the workplace and in public transport.
SCHOOLS
All schools from kindergarten to high schools will remain open during lockdown, face masks are compulsory for all children above the age of 6.
All universities lectures will be on videoconference and libraries will be accessible only with an appointment.
SHOPS AND VENUES
Non-essential shops and venues as well as bars and restaurants will have to close but take away, grocery stores and supermarkets, pharmacies, tabacs, as well as petrol stations and other essential stores will remain open.
It is mandatory to wear a mask in all shops remaining open.
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
Lockdown measures do not apply in overseas territories except for Martinique.
TRAVEL
Travelling between different parts of France are forbidden, the will be tolerance for those returning from holiday this week-end.
European borders will remain open but external borders are closed except for essential travel. All travelers must be tested at airports and ports.
Masks must be worn at all times in public transport.
Find more information for foreign nationals on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Source: https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19
15.10.2020
RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS IN METROPOLITAN FRANCE
Starting Saturday 17th of October local curfews will be imposed in the Paris region and 8 more cities : Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Saint-Etienne, Rouen, Montpellier and Toulouse for at least 4 weeks from 9 PM to 6 AM.
Outings after hours will only be authorized with a certificate
Three Zones have been defined in areas where the virus is circulating freely.
Alert Zone
69 departments are in Alert Zones. From 28 September gatherings are limited to 30 people. Local authorities may put in place further restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus.
High Alert Zone
Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice, Lille, Toulouse, Saint-Etienne, Rennes, Rouen, Grenoble, Montpellier are in High Alert Zones.
- In these zones the upper limit for event venues (stadiums, racing tracks…) is reduced to 1 000 people.
- Events such as local fêtes or student parties are prohibited and bars are required to close at 10 pm.
- Public gatherings are limited to 10 people.
- Gyms are closed.
- It is highly recommended to avoid private gatherings outside of your immediate family and loved ones.
Critical Alert Zone
Marseille, Guadeloupe, Paris and the departments of Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne are in critical alert zones. All of the above applies except for bars that will close totally from 26 September.
Moreover, all venues open to the public that do not have strict health procedures will close. Theatres, cinemas and restaurants already implement strict procedures and may therefore remain open.
Whatever the zone you are in, wearing a mask is mandatory in enclosed public spaces and outside in some areas and towns including Paris, Marseille and Lyon.
EMPLOYMENT
Working from home must be preferred whenever possible in high and critical alert zones especially for people considered at risk.
TRAVEL
There are no health-related restrictions for travel to Metropolitan France from EU Member States, or from Andorra, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Rwanda, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and the Vatican.
Travel to France from outside these countries remains restricted. For more information, visit the the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Travel to foreign countries remains limited. Visit the Travel Advice pages of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Within metropolitan France, you may travel freely. You must wear a mask at all times on public transport.
TRAVEL TO THE OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
Specific rules apply to the French Overseas Territories.
If you are 11 or over, you must provide a negative RT-PCR test carried out less than 3 days before travelling to the Overseas Territories. This applies wherever you are departing from.
You may not travel to or from French Guiana, Mayotte, New Caledonia or Wallis-and-Futuna except for urgent family or professional reasons. You will have to fill out and carry an exempted movement certificate and a declaration that you do not have COVID-19 symptoms (included in the same document). These documents can be downloaded from the Ministry of the Interior’s website.
On arrival in metropolitan France from one of these Overseas Territories, you will be encouraged to be tested or to respect a 14-day quarantine period.
For information on travel from foreign countries to the Overseas Territories, visit the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Within the Overseas territories, local authorities may impose additional restrictions.
MORE INFORMATION
Find more information for foreign nationals on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
HEALTH ADVICE
What is coronavirus COVID-19?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses. COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that causes illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughing, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
How can I protect myself from the virus?
The virus does not spread on its own. People who have the virus are the ones who spread it. Therefore, the following measures can help you protect yourself (and others) from the virus :
- Wash your hands very often ;
- Use single-use tissues, and then throw them away ;
- Cough and sneeze into your arm or into a tissue ;
- Do not shake hands or greet people with kisses on the cheek ;
- Respect social distancing: you should remain further than a metre from others.
- Wear a mask if social distancing cannot be respected.
What should you do if you are feeling ill?
If you have a cough or a temperature, stay at home, avoid contact with others and call a doctor.
If you have a cough and/or a temperature, and you have difficulty breathing and/or you are feeling faint, dial 15 or call or send a text to 114 if you have a speech or hearing impairment.
HOTLINES
A toll-free hotline service (French only) can answer your questions about the Coronavirus COVID-19 non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 0 800 130 000 (from abroad: +33 800 130 000, depending on your operator).
Please note that the toll-free hotline service cannot give medical advice.
Source : https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19
18.09.2020
TRAVEL
There are no health-related restrictions for travel to Metropolitan France from EU Member States, or from Andorra, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Rwanda, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and the Vatican.
Travel to France from outside these countries remains restricted. For more information, visit the the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Travel to foreign countries remains limited. Visit the Travel Advice pages of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Within metropolitan France, you may travel freely. You must wear a mask at all times on public transport.
TRAVEL TO THE OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
Specific rules apply to the French Overseas Territories.
If you are 11 or over, you must provide a negative RT-PCR test carried out less than 3 days before travelling to the Overseas Territories. This applies wherever you are departing from.
You may not travel to or from French Guiana, Mayotte, French Polynesia, New Caledonia or Wallis-and-Futuna except for urgent family or professional reasons. You will have to fill out and carry an exempted movement certificate and a declaration that you do not have COVID-19 symptoms (included in the same document). These documents can be downloaded from the Ministry of the Interior’s website.
On arrival in metropolitan France from one of these Overseas Territories, you will be encouraged to be tested or to respect a 14-day quarantine period.
For information on travel from foreign countries to the Overseas Territories, visit the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Within French Guiana and Mayotte, you may be subject to additional restrictions.
RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS IN METROPOLITAN FRANCE
No more than 10 people may gather in any public space at present.
The new school year for kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools (collège) and high schools started as usual on 1 September 2020. Health measures are enforced according to the age of the students, including masks for pupils aged 11 or over and teachers.
In some circumstances a school or part of a school may shut for a short period. In this case, distance learning will be put in place by the school.
Universities will mix on-site learning and distance learning.
Many activities and places are subject to specific health precautions:
- You have to wear a mask if you are 11 or over in enclosed public spaces: public transport, shops, museums…
- You must wear a mask outside in some areas and towns, including Paris, Marseille and Lyon.
- Bars and restaurants are open with adapted measures.
- Strict health rules apply for shows, cinemas, casinos and so on. There is an upper limit of 5,000 people per venue. Nightclubs remain closed.
- Stadiums and racing tracks may reopen to the public from 11 July. There is an upper limit of 5,000 people per venue.
If the local epidemiological situation makes it necessary, local authorities may put in place further restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus.
EMPLOYMENT
From 1 September you will have to wear a mask on all indoor company premises except individual offices. Your employer is required to pay for the masks.
You must comply with the instructions given to you by your employer according to the situation in your company and your own situation;
You must ensure your own security and that of your colleagues by respecting the health advice given.
MORE INFORMATION
Find more information for foreign nationals on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
SOURCE: WCO/Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGDDI)
01.04.2020
On the French Customs’ website at www.douane.fr, there is a special page which has been set
up for operators as part of the management plan for the COVID-19 pandemic:
https://www.douane.gouv.fr/dossier/informations-coronavirus-covid-19.
As can be seen on the special COVID-19 page, there are no restrictions on the import of goods, and Customs offices are operating virtually as normal, albeit with reduced staffing owing to the containment measures in place. Therefore, if Customs need to be contacted, this should be done by electronic means (practically all Customs clearance procedures are now being performed electronically, and the time taken for clearance, except in the case of selection for checking, is now down to just a few minutes until goods are released).
As regards the special interim measures on imports, in view of the restrictions linked to
containment in France and its partner countries, extra time is being allowed for transit of goods.
In addition, having regard to the national emergency in respect of sanitary and medical
equipment and supplies, the importers concerned have been given exemptions from Customs
duty. Finally, all operators are being accorded payment facilities until the situation returns to
normal.
Regarding exports, please note that, owing to the relative shortage of various types of medical
and sanitary equipment and supplies, prior authorization must be sought for such goods.
There is an FAQ section to help operators find their way round these provisions.
There is also a business continuity plan (BCP) for the French Customs Administration, should
any situation arise which might jeopardize the normal running of Customs activity.
Remarks from the International Road Transport Union
11.01.2021
Brexit : France - Guidance on customs documents to scan in order to enter France from the UK
United Kingdom - France
The French Customs authorities have issued further guidance on which customs documents to scan in order to be able to enter into France when coming from the UK (see attachment for further details).
Source: French Customs and the UK Department for Transport
07.01.2021
Mont Blanc Tunnel conducts maintenance work (France- Italy)
France - Italy
In order to allow maintenance work to be carried out, traffic will be completely interrupted:
- Night between Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 January, from 10 pm to 6 am.
It is recommended that users inform themselves about the conditions of viability of the tunnel:
- FM radio (107.7 Autoroute Info, or 103.3 ISO RADIO)
- Website (www.tunnelmb.com)
- Tel. +33(0)4 50 55 55 00 or +39 0165890411
- TMB Mobility app.
Source: GEIE-TMB
31.12.2020
Brexit: “fast track” available from tomorrow to international lorry drivers provided the driver can show evidence of a negative COVID test
United Kingdom - France (31 December 2020)
The Department for Transport has advised that from tomorrow, 1 January 2021, a “fast track” is going to be available for international lorry drivers moving to the Channel Tunnel and Dover who arrive in Kent with proof of a valid negative COVID test. The driver must have evidence of a negative test within the previous 72 hours to access the fast track. The plan is to also use some of the Brexit advice centres for testing HGV drivers too, but this is not in place yet. If HGV drivers arrive in Kent without a test it will still be possible to obtains tests in Manston for those entering France through Dover or on the M20 for those using the Channel Tunnel. The Government list of private testing centres is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing
29.12.2020
France – Confirmation of the entry into force of the blind spot sticker obligation in France as of 1 January 2021
Following our Flash Info news of 2 December 2020 and questions raised by IRU members, we confirm that the new obligation, applicable in urban areas in France, is entering into force as foreseen on 1 January 2021. Please be advised that a tolerance period of 12 months will also apply, for all those HGV vehicles, equipped with such stickers which are not fully compliant with the new French requirements, and which have been fixed in a visible way on the sides and the back of the vehicle.
Sources: AFTRI and FNTR
28.12.2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - Update on the situation regarding goods transport traffic flows between France and the UK
France - United Kingdom
Commercial goods transport continues to operate between France and the UK. On the way to the UK, it is expected that spot COVID test might be organised on the French side, to be applicable at least until 30 December 2020.
Up-to-date information on the traffic situation on the French side can be found in English and French at the following websites:
- The Calais Port - on their dedicated Twitter account;
- the Eurotunnel Calais terminal - available here;
- General traffic information in the Calais region is available here.
Sources: AFTRI and FNTR
24.12.2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - France - Temporary lifting of traffic bans due to the COVID-19 situation and special lifting of traffic bans and derogation on driving and rest time rules for vehicles returning from the UK
France - United Kingdom
Lifting of Traffic Bans : 84 Decree of 22 December 2020 lifting the ban on the movement of certain types of goods transport vehicles on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 December 2020 for the supply of shops with essential products in the context of the epidemic crisis of the coronavirus " covid-19 ".
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000042731489
Lifting of Traffic Bans : 85 Decree of 23 December 2020 lifting the ban on the movement of certain types of goods transport vehicles from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 December 2020 to allow the return of road drivers from the United Kingdom.
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000042731493
Derogation on Driving and Rest Times: 86 Order of 23 December 2020 temporarily derogating from the rules on driving time and rest for road transport of goods from the United Kingdom.
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000042731497
02.12.2020
Installation of the blind spot warning system for heavy vehicles
By 1 January 2021, all heavy vehicles (goods vehicles and passenger vehicles) will be required to affix a signalling device to their vehicle in such a way that it is visible from the sides and rear of the vehicle. A decree specifying the conditions for affixing and the model of the blind spot signs on these vehicles will be published shortly. This obligation applies to heavy vehicles with a total authorised laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes, including vehicles registered in a State other than France. The decree excludes from its scope of application agricultural and forestry vehicles on the one hand, and winter service vehicles and intervention vehicles of the services managing motorways or dual carriageways on the other.
Penalty: Failure to comply with this obligation will be punished by a 4th class fine.
Regulatory texts:
- Decree no. 2020-1396 of 17 November 2020 relating to the marking of blind spots on vehicles with a total authorised laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
- Draft decree implementing Article R. 313-32-1 of the French Highway Code relating to blind spot signs on heavy vehicles.
Source: FNTR
30.11.2020
Mont Blanc tunnel conducts maintenance work (30 November 2020; 09:44)
France - Italy (30 November 2020)
We inform you that, in order to allow the safety exercise and maintenance work to be carried out, traffic will be completely interrupted:
- From Saturday 28th November, 17:00, until Monday 30th November, 4:00 (35 hours);
- From Monday 30 November to Tuesday 1 December, from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am (11:00 am);
- Night from Tuesday 1 to Wednesday 2 December from 22:00 to 6:00 (8:00);
- Night of Wednesday 2 to Thursday 3 December from 22:00 to 6:00 (8:00);
- Night from Thursday 3 to Friday 4 December from 22:00 to 6:00 (8:00).
It is recommended that users inform themselves about the conditions of viability of the tunnel:
- FM radio (107.7 Autoroute Info)
- website (www.tunnelmb.com)
- tel. 04 50 55 55 00
- app TMB Mobility.
Source: GEIE-TMB
27.11.2020
Lifting of traffic bans on weekends until 27 December 2020
Traffic bans are lifted on weekends from 28 November to 27 December for courier services (small parcels, packages).
More information can be found in the attached document.
Source: AFTRI
25.11.2020
Mont Blanc tunnel conducts maintenance work (25 November 2020; 14:21)
France - Italy (25 November 2020)
We inform you that, in order to allow the safety exercise and maintenance work to be carried out, traffic will be completely interrupted:
- From Saturday 28th November, 17:00, until Monday 30th November, 4:00 (35 hours);
- From Monday 30 November to Tuesday 1 December, from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am (11 hours).
Users are advised to inform themselves about the conditions of viability of the tunnel:
- FM radio (107.7 Autoroute Info)
- website (www.tunnelmb.com)
- tel. 04 50 55 55 00
- app TMB Mobility.
Source: GEIE-TMB
18.11.2020
Please be informed that traffic will be completely interrupted in the Mont Blanc Tunnel from Saturday 21 November, 17.00 hrs, until Monday 23 November, 6.00 hrs (37 hours), to allow maintenance work to be carried out. Users are advised to inform themselves about the conditions of viability of the tunnel :
- FM radio (107.7 Autoroute Info)
- website (www.tunnelmb.com)
- tel. 04 50 55 55 00
- app TMB Mobility.
Source: GEIE-TBM
16.11.2020
France - Morocco : Marseille-Tanger a cargo sea links
Today, the 16 November, the « La Méridionale » company will open a direct RORO maritime link between France and Morocco, the result of close collaboration with AFTRI.
This Marseille - Tanger - Marseille line will provide with 2 vessels, 3 weekly port of call with a transit time of 39 hours.
This direct maritime link to Morocco and the Tanger Med site will meet the needs of road transport companies and make up for the lack of RoRo freight service, so much criticized by operators.
By offering an alternative to road transport, the Méridionale thus provides a new opportunity for road transport companies to demonstrate their ability to adapt and their responsibility in terms of road safety and environmental protection.
Today, this new link also makes it possible to alleviate the constraints of the Covid 19 global health crisis, which complicates the organisation of exchanges due to the implementation of different national health protocols.
More detailed information on this line Marseille -Tanger : see enclosed document
Source: AFTRI
16.11.2020
Update on restauration and services on roads and motorways.
Road restaurants - French Government has allowed a certain number of transport cafés/truck stops to reopen during France second lockdown. Those restaurants are only open at night from 6pm to 10am (everyday). Only professional drivers (professional licence is required) can access them and eat hot meals sitting at the table. AFTRI made a map to locate them (link bellow). This map is continuously updated according to the local government’s published decrees.
Motorways services – Attached to this email: an updated information to include some of the service areas included in the decrees allowing drivers to eat at the table instead of to take away (3rd column). All service and resting areas remain open 7d/24h for essential services (take away food, gas, showers and sanitary).
The map includes both service areas (motorways) and “road restaurants” (other roads) mentioned in the decrees.
AFTRI map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1T0uB23EdVAz85K9kIjw0ovRI2a09Y5s3&usp=sharing
Source: AFTRI / APPR / Regional Prefectures
09.11.2020
The decree of November 6, 2020 lifts the bans on the movement of certain types of goods transport vehicles, from Tuesday November 10, 2020 at 4 p.m. to Wednesday November 11, 2020 at midnight, in the context of the epidemic crisis of the COVID-19.
Link: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000042504967
Source: FNTRR
02.11.2020
Information on motorway service and rest areas during lockdown (2 November 2020; 10:59)
- Hygiene : In rest areas, lavatories remain accessible, as well as lavatories and showers in service areas.
- Fuel and shops : Remain open 24h/24 and 7d/7
- Restauration : To take away only. Snacks and at least one hot meal are available.
Source: PRR / AFTRI
12.08.2020
Mont Blanc tunnel conducts maintenance work
The Mont Blanc tunnel will be closed for maintenance works on:
• Monday 7 September 2020, from 22:00 to 6:00
• Monday 14 September 2020, from 22:00 to 6:00
• Monday 28 September 2020, from 19.00 to 6:00
Additional information can be found in the documents attached (in French, English and Italian).
Source: TMB, tunnelmb.net
11.06.2020
On 10 June, FNTR received the following clarifications from national authorities: drivers do not have to present a declaration that certifies the absence of Covid-19 symptoms, nor the lack of contact with a positive case. The Decree of 31 May sets out a declaration of lack of symptoms which is only mandatory for air passengers, and optional for sea and inland waterway passengers. Moreover, road transport workers are not obligated to obtain a declaration from the client that certifies that their work cannot be postponed.
Source: FNTR
19.05.2020
On 18 May, the French government lifted the current driving bans to allow specified freight traffic during the Ascension and Pentecost holidays.
From 16:00 on 20 May to 24:00 on 21 May, and from 22:00 on 31 May to 24:00 on 1 June, driving bans are lifted for the following categories:
· Vehicles transporting food (for animal or human consumption), health products (for animal or human health) including all products and materials necessary for their production and provision
· Vehicles transporting materials, products, equipment, devices, fuels or fluids used for public construction works (the building or renovation activities for the service sector, industrial or commercial buildings as well as collective housing)
· Vehicles transporting manufactured products, including all products and materials necessary for their production and provision
· Vehicles transporting parcels in relation to mail operations
· Removal vehicles (for removals or relocations)
The empty return of these vehicles is also permitted during the period that the ban is lifted.
Source: AFTRI
14.05.2020
On 14 May, the French Ministry of the Interior issued an authorisation form with which transport companies can perform domestic operations beyond 100km from their place of establishment and outside their department of residence.
Click here to see the form.
Source: AFTRI
04.05.2020
The French Government has published a document lifting some of the driving bans for goods vehicles heavier than 7.5 tonnes, on the following days:
- on 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 May, for vehicles delivering parcels by post - text here;
- from 20 to 21 May (public holiday ‘Ascension’) and 30 May 22:00 to 1 June midnight (public holiday ‘Pentecost’), for vehicles carrying out removals - text here;
- from 7 to 8 May and 20 to 21 May, for vehicles transporting food (human or animal), hygiene or medical products (or any product needed for their development) and construction materials (the equipment required for any general public works or the construction of public buildings) - text here.
Source: AFTRI
24.04.2020
France has decided not to extend the lifting of driving bans in place for weekends and public holidays, and the temporary relaxation of driving and rest times rules based on the EU Regulation 561⁄2006.This means that the bans in place prior to the lifting/relaxation of rules will apply once again.
This decision may be further reviewed in light of the current circumstances.
Source: AFTRI
23.04.2020
On 23 April, APRR provided updates and details on the activities of some rest areas in France that are open to truck drivers. Details can be found here and here.
Source: AFTRI
15.04.2020
On 15 April, FNTR and other French transport associations published guidelines on best practices that workers of goods transport and logistics companies must follow to ensure the continuation of activities whilst preventing the spread of Covid-19 virus. Guidelines can be downloaded and consulted here.
Source: FNTR
11.04.2020
On 10 April, IRU received confirmation from the European Commission that the French authorities are allowing non-French professional drivers to use the form provided by Annex 3 of the EC communication on Green Lanes – Template of Certificate for International Transport Workers – to enter France.
Source: European Commission
09.04.2020
The applicable driving restrictions on weekends and Public Holidays are lifted until 20 April (further information of the normal applicable bans are available here).
08.04.2020
On 7 April, the French Ministry of Interior published one additional certificate with three variations (to be used according to which type of travel is done) that must be used by people to justify their international movements. The three variations of the certificate cover the following cases and can be downloaded here:
- Travel from mainland France to French overseas territories
- Travel from abroad to mainland France
- Travel from abroad to French overseas territory
Following extensive discussions with national associations and competent authorities, IRU recommends companies to provide drivers with one of the certificates above, plus the written document justifying any movement (“attestation de déplacement”) and the certificate for professionals (“Justificatif de déplacement professionnel”). Forms can be downloaded in both French and English by clicking on the hyperlink above. Duly filled forms must be given to the driver before the start of the operations; the driver must present them at the border.
Controls on certificates started on 00:00 of 8 April.
Source: FNTR, AFTRI
06.04.2020
The GEIE of the Mont Blanc Tunnel informs you that, in order to allow maintenance works to be carried out, the traffic in the tunnel will be completely interrupted during the following nights:
- on Monday 20thApril 2020, from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.
- on Tuesday 21stApril 2020, from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.
- on Wednesday 22ndApril 2020, from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.
- on Thursday 23rdApril 2020, from 11.30 p.m. to 4.00 a.m.,
For more information, please see attached in English, French and Italian.
Source: TMB
The French Government has issued a map to inform truck drivers on the service stations which are open and which offer essential services (such as sanitary facilities and take away restaurants). This map also gives information on which vehicle technical centres are open.
Source: AFTRI
According to a decree published on 20 March and an official e-mail answer seen by the IRU and following the confirmation by IRU’s Member Associations in France, FNTR and AFTRI, we inform that a crew of two drivers in the cabin is allowed in France (but not a crew of three), as long as the minimum distance of 1 meter is respected.
Moreover, the following temporary relieves apply:
- Daily driving times extended to 10 hours a day. Drivers can also choose to drive for 11 hours a day for a maximum of two days during a week.
- Extension of weekly driving times to 60 hours a week and 102 hours on two consecutive weeks, provided such extensions respect legal provisions on driving and rest times applicable to drivers.
Source: AFTRI and FNTR