Good news: No test is needed to enter France if you're fully vaccinated – Dinogo

France has introduced another change to its entry policies for travelers, and this one actually makes things easier for those arriving.

Starting February 12, travelers from the U.S. who are fully vaccinated and boosted no longer need a COVID-19 test to enter France.

With the constant changes to entry requirements, it can be tough to keep track, so we've compiled all the essential details for you below.

Updated entry rules for vaccinated travelers, effective February 12

France currently uses a color-coded system to determine the entry requirements for travelers from different countries.

As of last week, fully vaccinated travelers from any green or orange country, including the United States, no longer need to present a COVID-19 test upon arrival in France.

Instead, these travelers can enter France by providing proof of vaccination, including a booster shot taken within nine months of their final vaccine dose.

Travelers who received their booster more than nine months after their second dose can still enter France, as long as at least one week has passed since the booster was administered.

Vaccine pass rules as of February 15

To obtain the "pass vaccinal" required for entering public spaces that demand proof of vaccination, all individuals aged 18 and older must show proof of a COVID-19 booster given between three and four months after their final vaccine dose.

This doesn't mean you need to be boosted within four months of travel. Instead, a booster is required if four months have passed since your second dose of a two-dose vaccine or a single dose of a one-shot vaccine.

Vaccine passes for this age group will expire four months after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or two months after the Johnson & Johnson single dose, requiring a booster to keep the pass valid.

The timing of your vaccine doesn't matter beyond the four-month booster rule.

According to Atout France, the official tourism organization, obtaining the pass vaccinal mainly requires proof of a booster shot.

Where is the vaccine pass needed?

The vaccine pass is required at all locations where the "pass sanitaire" was previously mandatory, including bars, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, gyms, theaters, cinemas, public transportation (air/rail), museums, and other cultural venues.

In essence, if it's a public space, you'll need to show a vaccine pass to enter.

Vaccine pass rules for children

Children aged 12-15 are still required to follow the "pass sanitaire" rules, meaning they must show proof of vaccination to access most public spaces, though a booster shot is not required for them.

According to the U.S. Embassy, "Travelers aged 12-15 need a health pass wherever a vaccine pass is required," while those under 12 do not need any type of pass.

Travelers aged 12-15 can obtain a temporary, 24-hour health pass by providing negative results from a PCR or antigen test taken at a pharmacy in France, where walk-in rapid tests are available.

These test results are valid only for 24 hours, meaning you'll need to take a new test after this period to get another temporary health pass.

The option to test for COVID-19 instead of having a booster shot applies only to children who have a health pass.

Exceptions for non-American travelers

In some cases, proof of recent recovery from COVID-19 can substitute for an initial or booster dose, but this applies only if the person contracted and recovered from COVID-19 within the European Union.

According to the embassy, "U.S. and other foreign recovery certificates are not accepted."

Where to obtain either pass

Those vaccinated outside the EU, including in the United States, must visit a designated pharmacy in France with their CDC vaccine card, passport, and payment for a fee of up to $40 (or 36 euros).

Key takeaways

In France, all individuals aged 18 and older, including tourists, must present a vaccine pass proving full COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster). Those aged 12-15 must show a health pass with proof of full vaccination (excluding the booster). Children under 12 do not need either pass.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals can only enter with an approved "compelling reason for travel" from the French government. They must also provide a negative test result taken within 48 hours before departure and undergo a second test upon arrival, followed by a 10-day quarantine.

Don't assume you can skip quarantine—expect routine police check-ins at the designated quarantine location you report to French authorities.