France Lifts Most COVID Restrictions, Vaccine Pass Included

Just three months after reinstating stricter entry rules for travelers from the United States due to the winter Omicron surge, France has now lifted nearly all COVID restrictions. Starting this week, unvaccinated U.S. leisure travelers can enter the country with a pre-arrival COVID test, according to the latest update from the French government.

On Sunday, France added the United States to its 'green list' of countries. Fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can continue to enter without needing a pre-arrival COVID test, a privilege they have enjoyed for the past month, since the testing requirement was removed in mid-February.

U.S. travelers are no longer required to complete an online health declaration form before arrival.

The most significant change affects unvaccinated U.S. travelers or those not deemed fully vaccinated. As of February 1, 2022, to be considered fully vaccinated by French authorities, individuals aged 18 and older must have received their vaccination within the last nine months or have a booster dose. Previously, unvaccinated U.S. travelers could only enter France if they had a compelling reason, such as being an EU citizen or resident, or traveling for essential work or study.

Travelers can now enter the country by presenting a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours before departure for a PCR test, or within 48 hours for an antigen test. The U.S. Embassy in France has noted that a positive COVID test taken at least 11 days but no more than six months before arrival can also be accepted instead of a negative test.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are exempt from testing requirements, while those aged 12 and older must adhere to the same testing rules as unvaccinated adults.

A significant update effective March 14 is the suspension of France's Pass Vaccinal, which served as official proof of full vaccination necessary for entry into various venues, such as museums, cafés, restaurants, public transportation, and entertainment locations.

However, the pass is still required for non-emergency visits to hospitals and nursing homes; unvaccinated individuals can obtain a temporary health pass by presenting a negative COVID test.

Additionally, France has lifted its indoor mask mandate this week. Individual businesses may establish their own mask policies, and travelers and residents can choose to wear masks if they wish.

For those returning to the United States from France, starting December 6, all international travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must be tested for COVID no more than one calendar day before their flight back to the U.S., a requirement that remains in effect. Additionally, all foreign arrivals to the U.S. are required to be vaccinated.

This article was initially published on December 3, 2021, and has been updated with the latest information.