International travelers to France will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of departure, so long as the person is fully vaccinated. The change went into effect on Saturday, February 12. Previously, only arrivals from within the European Union were able to bypass the testing requirement.
According to France’s The Local, announcing the change, the statement from Prime Minister Jean Castex’s office said: “In view of the new phase of the pandemic characterized, in most countries, by the predominance of the Omicron variant and a high level of vaccination, the government has decided to lighten the health control system at the borders, particularly for vaccinated travelers.”
Unvaccinated travelers will still require a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of their departure date, and quarantine on arrival in France, as well as an essential reason for travel to France.
The Local’s report notes that a booster shot is not yet required to enter France but certain establishments—such as bars, cafés and ski lifts—may require such.
Previously, France announced it would be easing is mask-wearing rules starting February 28. Masks from that date will no longer be required in venues that also require entrants to be fully vaccinated (i.e. bars, restaurants, cafés, ski lifts, cinemas, theaters, tourist sites, large events, gyms, concert halls and libraries). Other locations, such as shops and workplaces that do not require vaccinations for entry will continue to enforce mask-wearing. The same goes for public transportation.
For more information, visit www.interieur.gouv.fr.
This article originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.
Related Articles
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa Unveils New Wellness Offerings
Bermuda Revises COVID Travel Guidelines