You no longer need to take a COVID-19 test to travel to France - if you're vaccinated

If you're vaccinated, you no longer need to take a COVID-19 test to travel to France, regardless of where you are coming from.

Since the emergence of the Omicron variant, only vaccinated arrivals from European Union countries could bypass France's testing rules. But now all vaccinated passengers, including those coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and more, are no longer required to take a test under new rules that came into effect on February 12.

"Proof of vaccination will be sufficient to come to France whatever country you are coming from, just as it was before the spread of the Omicron variant," the government said.

To be considered fully vaccinated, passengers must have received a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and must be seven days out from their final dose, or 28 days in the case of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Those who have recovered from the virus must present proof of having received a single vaccine dose.

A booster shot is not required to enter France, but most arrivals may need proof of one to access France's health pass which grants them access to day-to-day services and venues in France such as restaurants, bars, museums, theme parks and public transport.

Read more: This is how international tourists can apply for a health pass in France

Currently, France classifies countries as red, amber and green based on their COVID-19 risk, and this determines the entry requirements for travelers based on their place of departure.

Unvaccinated passengers coming from green countries are required to present a negative lab-produced antigen or PCR COVID-19 test within 48 hours of traveling to France. Unvcaccinated travelers coming from an amber or red country, including the UK and the US, are banned from non-essential travel to France.

All travelers are required to provide a health declaration, stating that they have no symptoms of COVID-19 and haven’t been in contact with a confirmed case within two weeks of traveling.

Despite record cases, many countries are loosening restrictions as hospitalizations drop. Last week, Sweden joined Norway and Denmark in lifting restrictions and opening up to travelers; Greece and Portugal dropped testing requirements for vaccinated EU arrivals; and on February 11, the UK removed testing requirements for vaccinated arrivals.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub.

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