Last week, France eased up on rules for travellers who plan to come in and out of the country, by no longer requiring proof of a person’s need to travel. However, the relaxed travel rules apply only travels in and out of seven countries, namely: UK, Australia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and New Zealand. Still, all travellers arriving in France, whether by sea or air, still need to undergo coronavirus testing as only those who tested negative will be allowed to enter.
The UK FCO or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the other hand, recommends only essential travel to France including trips to the island of Corsica. Likewise, essential travellers are mandated to show a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours immediately after their arrival in the country coming from France.
Current Conditions that Could Affect Travel to France
The coronavirus situation in France can affect a traveller’s itinerary as mitigation rules are still in place while some others have been enhanced.
1. Only shops and service outlets are open as restaurants, cinemas and museums remain closed.
2. Curfew hours between 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. are still enforced by requiring people to stay inside their home during curfew hours unless for a necessary purpose or reason. In particular areas and during the month of March, weekend curfews are also imposed. The areas affected include Marne, Haute-Marne, Vosges, Moselle, Meurthe-et Moselle, Saône-et-Loire, Nièvre, Ardennes, Haute-Saône, Meuse, Jura, Doubs, Territoire de Belfort, Alpes-Maritimes, and Hautes-Alpes.
3. Children ages six and above are required to wear masks when attending schools, while the prohibition against the use of homemade masks remain in place. Since February, the French government mandated that only the Category 1 type of face mask must be worn while inside educational institutions.
4. Results of COVID-19 rapid diagnostic tests, also known as lateral flow tests, are no longer valid as proof of one’s coronavirus health condition, regardless of whether an individual tests positive or negative. This rule applies specifically to those arriving in France while coming from any country outside of EU jurisdictions.