Source: Ministère des l'Europe et des Affaires Étrangères
16.01.2021
RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS IN METROPOLITAN FRANCE
A nightly curfew is currently in force in metropolitan France. Between 6PM and 6AM you may only leave your residence for the following reasons and with an exemption certificate:
- Commuting to and from work, school or training place; carrying out essential business trips that cannot be postponed;
- 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;
- Air or rail transit related to long distance journeys;
- Walking a pet outdoors within 1km of one’s place of residence and for a brief amount of time.
Download the exemption certificate here.
An electronic version of the certificate is also available here (in French only) and may be presented to authorities on your smartphone.
If you do not respect these rules, you may be liable for a €135 fine.
EMPLOYMENT
You must work from home if it is possible to do so.
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 university lectures will be by videoconference and libraries will be accessible only with an appointment.
SHOPS AND VENUES
Shops and services, including public libraries, are open but must be closed at 6PM.
Bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums and gyms remain closed.
Public services remain open.
Places of worship may open.
You must wear a mask in all venues.
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
Curfew measures do not apply in overseas territories. In order to travel to an Overseas Territory you must present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old. If you travelling from French Guiana, Reunion Island or Mayotte Island to metropolitan France you must present a negative PCR test as well.
TRAVEL
Internal European borders remain open. . All travellers arriving in France from countries outside of European Union must present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old in order to board a plane or boat.
If you do not have access to a PCR test in the country you are travelling from you will be tested on your arrival.
Find more information about travel to France on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Masks must be worn at all times in public transport.
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.
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.