The Government of France announced new restrictions to go into effect from January 2022. France will shorten the validity window of the vaccination certificate. As a result, to be fully vaccinated, individuals must have received a booster shot three months after their last dose.
What to Expect
- Anyone aged 12 and over entering French territory must present a negative PCR or antigen test less than 24 or 48 hours old, depending on the country of origin.
- For unvaccinated minors under 12 years old, the vaccine status of their parents or accompanying guardians shall apply.
Countries have been classified as follows:
- “Green list” countries and territories: Countries or territories where no active circulation of the virus is observed and no variant of concern is identified. These are the countries in the European area, plus Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Taiwan, Union of the Comoros, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Vanuatu.
- “Amber list” countries: Countries where active circulation of the virus is observed in controlled proportions, without the spread of any variants of concern. These are all countries not included in the “green” and “red” list countries.
- “Red list” countries: Countries where active circulation of the virus is observed with the presence of variants of concern. These include the following countries: Afghanistan, Belarus, Botswana, Georgia, Nigeria, Malawi, Mauritius, Moldavia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Suriname, Turkey, Ukraine, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- “Scarlet list” countries: Countries with very active circulation of the virus and discovery of a variant that may pose a risk of increased transmissibility or immune escape. These include the following countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini.
Fully vaccinated individuals from an EU Member State, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, the Holy See, or Switzerland, are exempted from the testing requirements.
Special rules of entry apply for visitors from the United Kingdom:
From December 18, the following restrictions apply for all travel between the UK and France:
- A compelling reason must be given for travel to or from the UK for unvaccinated and vaccinated persons. French nationals and their spouses (married or civil union) and children will be exempt.
- On departure, vaccinated persons must present a negative test result (PCR or TAG) taken within 24 hours.
- All travelers from the UK must register the address where they’ll be staying while in France on a digital platform.
Erickson Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving, and guidance from government agencies and health advisories change often.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.