France lockdown COVID-19

France is not open for general tourism at this point. Image: Adobe Stock

International travel: France tightens its entry requirements

The country has imposed even stricter border controls for all arrivals from non-EU countries.

France lockdown COVID-19

France is not open for general tourism at this point. Image: Adobe Stock

In a bid to prevent the new highly contagious COVID-19 variants from spreading in the country, the French government has tightened entry requirements to also include PCR test results.

The government announced that all visitors arriving from non-European Union countries will need to present a negative coronavirus test result on arrival. The test must be undertaken within 72 hours of departure.

The revised entry requirements come in the wake of the rising number of COVID-19 infections in several countries across the world. France is trying to prevent a wave of COVID-19 infections that has surged in countries like the United Kingdom and South Africa.

France strengthens its border controls

“We are going to strengthen border control. As of Monday, January 18th, all travellers coming to France from outside the EU will have to take a test before leaving,” French Prime Minister Jean Castex was quoted by thelocal.fr.

REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO NON-EU VISITORS

On 14 January, France updated its entry requirements for all visitors wishing to enter the country from non-EU countries, including the UK. The new rules were applicable from Monday 18 January.

SCHEDULED FLIGHTS CONTINUE

While international airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines and, more recently, Emirates Airlines have suspended their scheduled flights to South Africa, Air France will continue to operate scheduled flights between the two countries.

Air France currently flies between Paris and Johannesburg three times a week.

FRANCE’S REVISED ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • France is not open for general tourism at this point. Visitors from outside the EU will be permitted to enter France if they are family members of French nationals or if travel is deemed essential.
  • Travellers need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, undertaken in the previous 72 hours, to gain entry into France.
  • Visitors are required to sign a declaration form confirming they will self-isolate for seven days once they arrive.
  • A second PCR test must be undertaken after the seventh day of self-isolation.
  • Self-isolation can take place at home in France.