France Open For Tourism – Everything You Need To Know

Last Updated: November 1, 2020

France began relaxing its travel restrictions for tourism as of June 15, 2020, starting with a list of EU nations.

By July 1st, 2020 it was further expanded to a number of third-party nations outside the EU.

Here is the latest information about entry regulations and information about France’s reopening

Who Can Travel To France?

Initially France reopened its borders to most of the EU/EEA member states. Later on on July 1st, France responded to the EU’s suggestion by allowing travelers from third approved countries to visit:

Serbia and Montenegro have recently been removed due to a growing number of COVID-19 cases in those countries. China will only be included if they allow French tourists in their country as well.

France mentioned that the lists are not based on nationality, but where the traveler has been in the last 14 days.

That is to say that all travelers from the list above are allowed entry, as long as they are coming from one of these approved countries and have been within the approved countries for at least 14 days. Everyone must also be traveling with valid documents, in order to be granted entry into France.

Is There A Mandatory Testing/Quarantine Upon Arrival?

Despite going into a second lockdown, the borders of France remain open to travelers from EU/EEA countries. However, all visitors will now be required to submit a negative Covid-19 test result taken in the past 72 hours.

For the approved countries listed above, at this time, there are no mandatory quarantines upon arrival. However, passengers should expect a health screening from border officials, as well as agree to temperature scans.

French or EU Citizens Arriving From Other Countries

French or EU Citizens eligible to enter France, arriving from these countries are subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing:

• United States
• Brazil
• Algeria
• Bahrain
• Israel
• India
• South Africa
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• the United Arab Emirates
• Oman
• Panama
• Peru
• Serbia
• Turkey
• Madagascar.

Other Entry Rules For France

• Above all, like any other person, of French, European, or foreign nationality wishing to go to France or transit through France, you must present an international travel certificate to the transport companies.
• The passenger must also present a sworn statement attesting that he/she has no symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
• Most importantly, travelers should wear face masks and practice social distancing.

What’s Open in France?

• Hotels and accommodations
• Restaurants and Cafes
• Parks and gardens
• Beaches
• Museums
• Cinemas
• Shopping malls
• River Cruises
• Stadiums and race tracks with a maximum capacity of 5,000 people.
• As with performance halls, activities involving over 1,500 people must be pre-declared so that the necessary precautions can be guaranteed.
• The maximum capacity of 5,000 people for major events, stadiums, and performance halls will remain in effect until September 1.

To sum it up, mostly everything is open in France today. But have different capacity levels or operating hours.

You may also want to check France on our live map for its detailed restriction/reopening information.

Sources: Re-open EU | France Diplomacy