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Ministère de l'Intérieur et des outre-mer

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COVID-19 : International travel

Mobilising on a weekly basis up to 6,000 members of the civil security service to carry out tests, border guards to check travellers’ health documents and internal security forces to oversee the isolation or quarantine measures decreed by the prefects, this mechanism was duly adjusted in response to the changing health conditions and Community regulations.

In light of the latest developments in the pandemic, the port health control system has been discontinued, pursuant to the law terminating the emergency measures instituted to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

Accordingly, the rules previously applied to travellers to France no longer apply effective from 1 August 2022:

• Travellers are now exempt from any formalities prior to entry into France, be it in mainland France or overseas, and no longer required to present a health pass, regardless of the country or place of departure;
• Justification of travel (the “compelling reason”) is no longer required;
• Travellers are no longer required to present a sworn statement of non-contamination and an undertaking to undergo an antigen test or screening upon arrival in the country.

The same applies to travel between mainland France and each of the overseas territories. Similarly, the French authorities no longer require any justification for outgoing travel from France, be it from mainland France or overseas, or any exit clearance to travel to another country.

However, foreign countries may continue to apply specific entry measures and formalities.

As of February 16th 2023, all passengers traveling from China are no longer required to present a negative antigen or PCR test result dated less than 48 hours, or a sworn statement. Random screening on arrival is also discontinued.

It is still recommended to wear a single-use surgical mask on board the aircraft.

Passengers from China making a stopover in a different country to reach France are invited to check the conditions applicable to transits.

Click here  to find out more about Overseas Territories Travel.

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Coming to France? Your Covid-19 questions answered

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French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures.

This FAQ supplements the information on the Conseils aux voyageurs (Travel advice, in French only) section.

— Last updated on 26 August 2022 —

What are the rules relating to the vaccine pass?

Since 14 March 2022, the “vaccine pass” has been lifted in France in all areas where it was previously required (cultural and leisure venues, commercial catering, professional trade shows, etc.). Similarly, the COVID certificate is no longer required as of 1 August 2022.

What are the current rules applied at national borders?

Since the outset of the crisis, the health check system at borders has protected our healthcare system and delayed the arrival into France of worrying variants. This system was removed on 1 August 2022.

Therefore, the rules previously in place for travellers to France no longer apply :

• Travellers no longer have any formalities to complete before arriving into mainland or overseas France, and the COVID certificate can no longer be required, irrespective of the country or area of origin;
• Proof of a compelling reason for travel can no longer be required ;
• Travellers no longer need to present a sworn declaration that they are not infected with COVID-19 and pledge to take an antigen test or biological exam upon arrival in France. This also applies to travel between mainland France and each of the overseas territories.

However, in the event of a dangerous variant, a system requiring a negative virological test upon entering France may be reinstated for travellers arriving from countries believed to be at risk.

The government will thus maintain the option to use “emergency brake” measures for a maximum period of two months, following a recommendation from the Haute autorité de santé (French National Authority for Health) in the event of the emergence and circulation of a new COVID-19 variant which can be a serious health risk, or in overseas territories, if the health system is at risk of saturation.

Furthermore, for foreign travel, a vaccination certificate, a negative test certificate or proof of recovery in EU format may be required by the destination country. It is also recommended to store all relevant documents on the TousAntiCovid application or print them out.

For the health rules in force for entering other countries, travellers should visit the “ Conseils aux voyageurs ” section on the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website (in French only).

What are the rules concerning mask-wearing in France?

• Mask-wearing is no longer mandatory in establishments open to the public, nor on board maritime, river, land and air transport;
• Mask-wearing continues to be recommended in enclosed and small spaces, and at large gatherings for vulnerable persons due to their age;
• It is also highly recommended in hospitals and retirement homes.
• Details on travelling to and from France

Brexit: travel rules between the UK and France

On 1 January 2021 Brexit came into effect, re-establishing the borders between the UK and France. Here's the information you need to know before planning trips between the two countries.

Please consult our dedicated Covid-19 article for the latest updates on travel between the UK and France.

Following a transition period, Brexit came into effect on 1 January 2021 and the UK left the European Union. Free movement no longer applies between the UK and France, and migration controls have been re-established to and from the UK.

Travel arrangements

For British travellers to France:

Since 1 January 2021, British nationals have been subject to more in-depth checks when travelling. They are encouraged to allow additional time for border control and use the queue labelled 'Ressortissant de pays tiers' rather than 'EU / EEA / CH'.

British nationals who are not resident in an EU Member State and who wish to travel to France for a short stay (a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period), or who are in transit to another Member State or to the Schengen area, do not require a visa.

Travellers need to:

• present their passport with at least six months' validity, which will be stamped upon entering and leaving the Schengen area. The maximum duration of a short stay cannot exceed 90 days within a period of 180 days;
• be able to prove that they have sufficient funds to meet their needs during their stay. With some exceptions, the minimum required in France is calculated as 65 euros per day. Examples of proof include cash or a bank statement;
• obtain travel insurance covering all medical, hospital and death expenses that could be incurred during their stay in France, including repatriation costs for medical reasons. Current EHIC cards will still be valid until their expiry date.

The supporting documents used to verify compliance with the entry conditions are listed in Annex I of the Schengen Borders Code, accessible here (External link) .

Further information on travel arrangements for British nationals to France is available on the French government website here (External link) and the UK government website here (External link) .

For international tourists wishing to visit both France and the UK on the same trip:

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK visa-free for holidays or short stays. A passport valid for the duration of the stay is required to enter UK territory. Until 1 October 2021, it is also possible to travel with a valid national ID card.

For nationals from outside the EU, a visa may be required to stay in the UK. Further information is available on the UK government website here (External link) .

Travellers from the UK to France are subject to customs control to comply with deductibles for purchases made in the UK, in quantity for alcohol and tobacco, and in value for other goods. The level of these exemptions is specified on the French Directorate General of Customs and Excise website here (External link) .

Purchases made in France may be eligible for tax relief - check here (External link) . PABLO machines, which automate this process, are available in ports, airports and train stations serving the UK.

Further information on customs procedures for UK travellers to France is available on the French government website here (External link) and the UK government website here (External link) .

Download the Brexit guide for travellers (French only) (External link)

Driving licences

British nationals travelling to France for a short stay can drive under their UK driving licence. An international driving licence is not required.

Travelling with pets

It is no longer possible to enter an EU territory with a European pet passport issued in the UK. British nationals travelling to France with dogs or cats must comply with the following health conditions defined by the regulation of 12 June 2013:

• ensure that pets are identifiable by way of a microchip or clearly legible tattoo made before 3 July 2011;
• ensure that pets have been vaccinated against rabies and that the vaccine is still valid;
• ensure that each pet has a health certificate issued by a registered UK vet. The certificate must be accompanied by proof of vaccination against rabies as well as a document attesting to the pet's ID. Certificates are valid for a period of 10 days from the date of issue and must be presented during border checks during this period. They remain valid in EU territories and Northern Ireland for a period of four months.

EU or Northern Irish nationals returning from a temporary stay in the UK and transporting dogs or cats to France must be in possession of a European pet passport. The passport must certify a valid anti-rabies vaccination and must be presented at border control.

On arrival in France, travellers with pets will need to enter through a designated travellers’ point of entry (TPE).

The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.

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Home > Newsroom > News archive > 2020 > French Ministerial statement on travel restrictions

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French Ministerial statement on travel restrictions

COVID-19 – Travel restrictions and establishment of health measures at the borders – Press release issued by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Solidarity and Health

Paris, 22 May 2020

To help control the spread of COVID-19, the Act of 11 May 2020 extending the state of health emergency provides for the possibility of putting specific health measures in place for travellers arriving in Metropolitan and Overseas France.

The measure comes on top of the travel restrictions which came into force at our borders on 18 March and will remain in place until 15 June 2020.

The decrees implementing the Act of 11 May will be published and come into force on Saturday 23 May 2020. They create a legal framework which makes it possible to impose, by decision of the prefect and under judicial supervision, 14-day quarantine or isolation measures at home or in appropriate accommodation. This is a legal option, which nevertheless systematically applies to Overseas France, where there is a specific health situation, and to people arriving at our borders who show symptoms of being infected with COVID-19 during the health checks which will be put in place.

From Monday 25 May 2020, the Government is additionally putting in place a voluntary 14-day quarantine measure for travellers arriving from certain countries:

French people or permanent residents in France may, however, enjoy continued access to French territory, as well as certain specific categories of people set out on the Interior Ministry website. In return, people are nevertheless asked to act responsibly by placing themselves in voluntary quarantine. On their arrival on French territory, those admitted who arrive from outside the European area will be provided with information about the conditions under which the voluntary quarantine can be carried out at their chosen address or, where applicable, in appropriate accommodation. Travellers are called upon to be civic-minded and demonstrate a sense of responsibility in putting this health precaution into practice.

In health terms, given the similar epidemiological situations in European States and the coordination of crisis management measures, there will be no requirement for people arriving on French territory from countries in the European area to go into a 14-day quarantine period.

However, for travellers arriving from European countries whose authorities have decided, in an uncoordinated fashion, to apply 14-day quarantine measures to travellers entering their territory from European countries, a voluntary 14-day quarantine period will be reciprocally requested. For example, from Monday 25 May onwards, travellers arriving from Spain, on flights only, will be asked to go into voluntary quarantine, because Spain imposed a quarantine system on 15 May for travellers arriving in Spain by plane. This applies to travellers of Spanish, French and all other nationalities. Likewise, travellers arriving from the United Kingdom, whatever their nationality, will be asked to go into a 14-day quarantine period when the British 14-day quarantine measure, announced this evening, actually comes into force.

The following people will be exempt from voluntary quarantine, except if they show symptoms:

In order to make their journey, travellers will have to provide the following documents, available on the Interior Ministry website:

France is also continuing its efforts to increase coordination with its European partners, in particular its border countries. We ask the States in the European area to give priority to quarantine measures not applying to travellers arriving from inside the European area. We are also promoting coordinated health measures at the European area’s external borders, with the aim of arriving in the coming weeks at a harmonized list of third countries where the active spread of the virus has been observed, and for which increased and coordinated health measures may be implemented./.

Published on 09/09/2021

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Covid: France enforces tighter restrictions on travel from UK

Rules on non-essential journeys toughened amid concerns over spread of India variant from Britain

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France has begun restricting non-essential travel from the UK due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus variant first identified in India.

The regulations were announced last week but came into force from Monday when entry to France from Britain is permitted only for EU nationals, French residents or people travelling for “compelling reasons”. The rules apply to all air, car, ferry and train passengers, and to people who have been vaccinated.

Those permitted to travel must take a pre-departure PCR Covid test if aged 11 or over and must also agree to quarantine for seven days on arrival in France.

The variant of concern, B.1.617.2, is thought to be driving a rise in Covid cases in parts of the UK and spreading across England , leading some scientists to warn the country is in its third wave of coronavirus.

An update on the website of the consulate general of France in London said: “Given the development of the so-called Indian variant, health measures have been tightened for people travelling to France from the UK.”

From Monday morning, it reads, “compelling reasons will be required for foreign nationals outside the EU not resident in France to travel to France from the UK” and “a PCR or antigen test less than 48 hours old will be required from anyone travelling to France from the UK”, while on arrival “travellers are obliged to self-isolate for seven days”.

It added: “Due to the low incidence of Covid in the UK, for the moment they will not be subject to systematic checks where they are staying.”

France is designated as an “amber list” destination under the UK government’s traffic light system. The government has said people should not travel to amber countries unless essential, with travellers required to self-isolate at home for up to 10 days and take two Covid tests upon return.

The French government continues to strongly advise limiting international travel to a minimum.

Non-EU travellers entering France must complete a sworn statement form certifying they do not have Covid symptoms and are not aware of having come into contact with anyone with the virus in the 14 days before their trip.

Proof of the negative pre-departure test and a sworn declaration to self-isolate for seven days on arrival in France must also be made, along with a second test after the quarantine period.

Germany barred most travel from the UK last week and requires a two-week quarantine on arrival even with a negative test, and Austria has reinstated its ban on all direct flights from Britain from 1 June.

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Travel to France From the UK

The latest rules for travel to France from the UK have been introduced. From Saturday, 18 December, passengers travelling from the UK to France must have a valid medical certificate and be fully vaccinated. If you’re not sure whether you need a vaccination, you can visit the French government’s website to learn more. It’s a good idea to book your tickets well in advance to avoid missing your flight. You can also find out more about quarantine requirements if you plan to stay longer.

Before you travel to France, you’ll need to take a Covid-related test. A COVID-related test asks you to self-certify that you don’t have any symptoms of the disease and have not had any contact with a positive case within two weeks before your trip. Although this is a relatively simple process, it can be difficult to get a test at a UK hospital and may not be covered by travel insurance.

For travelers from the UK, France will require a COVID-19 test to enter the country. The test must be carried out within 24 hours of entering the country, regardless of vaccination status. The test can be PCR or antigen, but you must ensure it is certified by a laboratory. The NHS lateral flow test kit is not acceptable for travel to France. Listed below are the main requirements for travel to France from the UK.

To travel to France from the UK, you must have a valid medical certificate. You must have a positive antigen test within 48 hours of entering the country. Vaccinations are not compulsory, but you must have proof of them. You should also have all your usual travel documentation with you. Taking a travel-related illness is risky, so it’s important to get your vaccination at the earliest possible time.

To travel to France from the UK, you must be fully vaccinated and have a valid medical certificate. In order to enter the country, you must be vaccinated against rabies. The test requires you to have a negative Covid-19 antigen test, which must be completed at least 48 hours before you travel. However, you should note that this isn’t an exemption for travel to France from the UK.

If you want to travel to France from the UK, you must take a PH-check. Moreover, you must take a COVID test. It requires a blood sample. In addition, you must provide the necessary information on a form called an attestation du territoire metropolis. The form is free and you can download it from the French government website. Besides, it’s important to get a vaccination certificate before travelling to France.

When you travel to France from the UK, it’s important to follow the rules regarding vaccinations. If you’re traveling to France for business, you must obtain a PH-test to check for Ebola. The PCR test can be difficult to obtain in the UK, so it’s a good idea to get tested at a private health care provider. The PH-test is mandatory for people arriving from the UK.

If you’re a non-vaccinated traveler, you need to have a valid antigen test. Luckily, this hasn’t changed much in the past few years, but you’ll still need to take a COVID test before traveling to France. If you don’t have a PH-test, it’s better to get a PCR test before you leave the UK. The French government has a red list of countries that are risky to travellers.

Vaccinations are mandatory for all travellers to France, but they differ from country to country. The French government recommends a certain vaccination schedule for people planning to travel to the French country. The antigen test window is limited to 48 hours, but it can be difficult to get a positive result from a different country. The PH test is only required if you’re traveling for work or tourism. It’s also important to get an e-ticket, so you can buy it as soon as possible.

Travel to France is an important part of a family holiday. You need to be vaccinated to travel to France. If you have any medical conditions, you can upload your NHS Covid Pass on the French government website. In order to travel to France, you must be a citizen of the country, or you can be a French national. A valid identity card must be presented. The attestation form must also be submitted 48 hours before you leave.

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• Entering and staying in the UK
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Attestation forms for travel to and within France

Information for UK nationals about which attestation form to use when travelling to and within France during the coronavirus (COVID-19) decree.

Entry and travel

Border controls.

On 20 March 2020, the French Government announced reinforced border controls with the UK.

You can still cross the border to return to the UK via France. If you live in France, the French Government has confirmed that you can continue to enter France to return to your principal residence.

Border checks are also in place on the borders with Italy, Spain and Germany.

Certificate requirements to enter France

If you are currently resident in France, travel within your department of residence or up to 100km from your place of residence is permitted without restrictions. Travel beyond 100km from your place of residence is only permitted for urgent professional or family reasons and you will need to complete a travel declaration to certify your reason for travel). This certificate can be downloaded onto smartphones or handwritten if you are unable to access a printer.

Certificate requirements for travel within France

To be able to travel in Île-de-France on public transport at peak hours (from 06h30 to 09h30 and from 16h00 to 19h00) you will need to complete a travel certificate to certify your reason for travel.

There is a certificate for journeys between the place of residence and the place of professional activity and business trips that cannot be postponed

Another certificate is for journeys taken for the following reasons:

• journeys between principal residence and school carried out by the person attending school there or accompanying the person attending school and journeys necessary to complete exams or competitions,
• for specialised consultations and care that cannot be provided online or near the home,
• for compelling family reasons, assistance to vulnerable persons and childcare,
• for an obligation to go to the police or gendarmerie services or to any other service or professional imposed by the administrative police authority or the judicial authority,
• to take part in tasks of public interest at the request of the administrative authority and under the conditions it specifies.

Check the relevant prefecture’s website for information on local travel restrictions.

Travel between the EU and non-European countries

On 16 March, the French Government announced that the EU would suspend travel between the EU and non-European countries for an initial period of 30 days from midday 17 March. On 13 April, the government announced that travel between the EU and non-European countries is suspended until further notice.

Permanent residents of EU countries, including France, will be able to cross the UK/France border into France if they have proof of residence. The French Government confirmed that UK nationals can enter France if returning to their principal residence. You must, however complete the necessary “attestation” to enter France, confirming that your travel is an absolutely necessary journey.

Some countries are imposing a compulsory period of quarantine for all travellers from France. If you are travelling from or through France, check the situation at your destination before you travel.

Travel between metropolitan France and French overseas territories

Regular flights between metropolitan France and its overseas territories - including Martinique, Mayotte, Guadeloupe, Guyana, La Reunion, French Polynesia, Saint Martin and Saint-Barthelemy - have been suspended since 23 March. Journeys between the islands are also prohibited, except in exceptional circumstances.

Local measures

France began progressive deconfinement from 11 May. The Government has categorised each department as ‘red’ or ‘green’, dictating the extent to which measures can be relaxed.

Certain confinement measures may still apply depending on the department you are in. Most of the north and east of France, including Paris, are currently classified as red. For more information see the government website .

The French Government announced that public transport should only be used for essential travel with social distancing and mandatory mask wearing. Since 11 May, wearing masks on public transport is compulsory for all users aged 11 and over, with fines for those who are not compliant. Masks will also be compulsory in taxis and private hire vehicles without a plexiglass screen.

For those currently resident in France,travel within your department of residence or up to 100km from your place of residence is permitted without restrictions. Travel beyond 100km from your place of residence is only permitted for urgent professional or family reasons and you will need to complete a travel declaration to certify your reason for travel. All residents are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and keep movement to a minimum.

Certain non-essential establishments remain closed to the public (i.e. restaurants, cafes, cinemas) until further notice. Food shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, post offices and banks remain open while other retailers have begun re-opening from 11 May.

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Updated rules following French government announcements

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