France Open For Tourism - Everything You Need To Know

France began relaxing its travel restrictions for tourism on June 15, 2020, starting with travelers coming from EU nations. However, the country went into its third national lockdown this year due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

But the county is cautiously reopening again and is hoping to attract tourists back. Domestic travel restrictions have already been lifted, allowing residents to travel within the country again.

For international tourists wishing to visit the country for a holiday, here is the latest information about entry regulations and information about France’s tourism reopening.

Who Can Travel To France?

Vaccinated travelers coming from more than 30 countries, including the residents of the European Union Member States, can enter France completely restriction-free since June 9, 2021.

Those who have not been vaccinated will still be allowed to enter. However, they must show proof of having tested negative for the virus through PCR or antigen test taken within the last 72 hours before their arrival to France.

Here’s a list of countries whose citizens and residents can enter France restriction-free, provided they show proof of having been vaccinated.

All 26 EU Member States
Albania
Andorra
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iceland
Switzerland
Norway
Lichtenstein
Monaco
Australia
South Korea
San Marino
Israel
Japan
Kosovo
Lebanon
Montenegro
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Singapore
Taiwan
Hong Kong
United States of America
Canada
Vanuatu

French authorities have classified countries in three colors – green, orange, and red. The countries listed above are all under the “green category”.

Travelers Coming from Countries Outside of the “Green List”

Countries not in the list above are categorized as either “orange” or “red”. Different entry restrictions apply to travelers coming from these countries.

Countries categorized on the “red list” are countries with a strong presence of the Covid-19 variants. Travelers coming from these countries are subject to stringent restrictions when entering France.

Whether they have been vaccinated or not, travelers coming from the “red list” will only be allowed to enter France if the reason for their visit is “absolutely essential”. If allowed entry, they must present negative test result of a PCR or antigen test taken within the last 48 hours. They will also be subjected to random antigen test upon arrival in the country.

Furthermore, they must stay isolated upon entry. The isolation period will vary depending on the traveler’s vaccination status. Those who have been vaccinated will only need to isolate for seven days, while those who are not vaccinated must stay isolated for ten days.

Below is a list of countries that are on France’s “red list”.

Afghanistan
Argentina
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Democratic Republic of Congo
India
Maldives
Namibia
Nepal
Oman
Pakistan
Paraguay
Russia
Seychelles
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Uruguay
Zambia

Countries that are not on the “green” or “red” list are all categorized as “orange”.

Vaccinated travelers coming from “orange countries” are allowed to enter France, even for non-essential reasons, including tourism. They do not need to quarantine upon arrival. However, they are required to present a negative result of the Covid-19 test performed within 72 hours. An antigen test taken in the last 48 hours is also acceptable.

Unvaccinated travelers coming from these countries will only be allowed entry if the reason for their visit is “essential”. They must present a negative result of a PCR test or an antigen test taken in the last 72 hours or 48 hours.