France Drops Remaining COVID-19 Requirements for Travel

This week, France dropped all remaining COVID-19 protocols for incoming travelers, returning the country’s tourism requirements back to pre-COVID normal.

Effective immediately, inbound travelers to France will no longer have to present proof of vaccination or show a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. They also won’t be required to complete a health declaration form prior to travel.

In a statement, France’s Ministry of Interior said the move was made because the country was moving into a “new phase of the pandemic.”

“Faced with the new phase of the pandemic, the border health control system is lifted, in accordance with the law putting an end to the exceptional regimes created to fight against the epidemic linked to COVID-19,” the Ministry said.

France could bring back the requirements—the French Government said it has until Jan. 31, 2023, to activate “emergency brake” measures for two months should COVID-19 numbers increase or a new variant stresses its health system.

However, for the moment, travel to France, one of the most popular international destinations for North American tourists, is back to normal.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently has a Level 3: High Level of COVID-19 advisory for France. While the CDC dropped the mandatory testing requirement for inbound travel to the U.S. in June, it is still recommending that travelers be vaccinated and tested as close to travel as possible.

“Make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to France. If you are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travel to France,” the CDC’s advisory reads.