Restrictions to enter the French territory for travelers and transporters

In the face of the sanitary crisis caused by the Coronavirus, the French government has set up several restrictions at the national borders (terrestrial, aerial, maritime) in order to fight off the epidemic present in many areas. Sanitary inspection measures have thus been established for travelers entering the French territory. Several restrictions have been provided for depending on where the travelers are coming from.

Restrictions for countries within the European area
 

Following the recommendations of the European Commission, the French government has lifted the restrictions at its borders for the circulation of travelers originating from the European area since 15 June 2020.

In this way, travelers originating from the following countries are not subject to any restriction whatsoever: 

• One of the EU member states,
• Andorra,
• Iceland,
• Liechtenstein,
• Monaco,
• Norway,
• San Marino,
• Switzerland,
• Vatican.

They can therefore enter the French territory freely, without facing any of the restrictions linked with the fight against the Covid-19.

Restrictions for countries outside of the EU

When it comes to non-members of the European Union, the restrictive measures set up by the French State vary depending on the virus’ spreading rate in these countries.

Countries where the virus is spreading slowly
 

A list compiling the countries where the virus is spreading slowly has been produced. Travelers and transporters coming from the countries figuring on this list are, just like the citizens of the European area, subject to none of the restrictions in place at the borders to enter the French territory. 

To date, this applies to the following countries:

• Australia,
• Canada,
• Georgia,
• Japan,
• New Zealand,
• Rwanda,
• South Korea,
• Thailand,
• Tunisia,
• Uruguay.

Note: this list is updated at least every 15 days. 

Countries where the virus is spreading fastest

All travelers or transporters in provenance of a country where the virus is spreading fastest will have to present several documents before entering the French territory.

In consequence, each traveler must obtain before travelling:

• A sworn statement vouching that the traveler does not suffer from any symptoms of the Covid-19, and that he or she has not been in direct contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the 14 days preceding the trip.
• A compulsory international travel certificate to mainland France.
• Any document that supports your reasons to travel.

Furthermore, all travelers coming from a country where it is possible to perform a virological screening test within 72 hours of the departure will have the obligation to present their test results before boarding.

The countries subject to this measure are as follow:

• Bahrein,
• Panama,
• United Arab Emirates,
• United States.

With regards to the countries where performing a virological screening test within 72 hours of the departure, the travelers will be directed towards a health station to get a PCR test done.

Travelers who refuse to get tested will be quarantined.

The countries subject to these measures are:

• Algeria,
• Argentina,
• Armenia,
• Bolivia,
• Bosnia-Herzegovina,
• Brazil,
• Chile,
• Colombia,
• Costa Rica,
• Equatorial Guinea,
• India,
• Israel,
• Kirghizstan,
• Kosovo,
• Kuwait,
• Lebanon,
• Madagascar,
• the Maldives,
• Mexico,
• Moldova,
• Montenegro,
• Oman,
• the Palestinian Territories,
• Peru,
• Qatar,
• the Dominican Republic,
• Serbia,
• South Africa,
• Turkey.

Note: these lists are updated at least every 15 days. 

Countries where the virus is spreading consistently

All travelers or transporters coming from a country where the virus is still spreading consistently and that was not listed previously must obtain before boarding the following documents:

• A sworn statement vouching that the traveler does not suffer from any symptoms of the Covid-19, and that he or she has not been in direct contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the 14 days preceding the trip.
• A compulsory international travel certificate to mainland France.
• Any document that supports your reasons to travel.
• The results of the screening test performed at most three days before departure.

In the event the test results presented to the French authorities are negative, travelers will be able to move freely within the French territory, while respecting the sanitary regulations in place.

In the event travelers have not undergone a PCR test, they are advised to quarantine themselves voluntarily for fourteen days and to follow the measures they will be instructed about upon arrival. They will be able to get tested when they arrive at the health center prepared for such occurrences if they wish so.

Restrictions on travels to the French overseas territories

All travelers intending to go to any the French overseas territories (Guiana, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna Islands) will have to present the results of a screening test performed within 72 hours of the trip, regardless of the country of departure.

On the other hand, travelers going to French Guiana, Mayotte, New Caledonia or the Wallis and Futuna Islands will need to present a compulsory travel certificate.

Source: French Ministry of Interior (link in French)

Useful links: 

International travel certificate to mainland France and sworn statement (paper version - French) 

International travel certificate to mainland France and sworn statement (paper version - English) 

Travel certificate to or from French Guiana, Mayotte, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna Islands (paper version - French)

Travel certificate to or from French Guiana, Mayotte, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna Islands (paper version - English) 

Travel certificate for trips to or from French Guiana, Mayotte, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna Islands (digital version - English)