To counter the spread of the Omicron variant, the French government has announced the requirement for all travelers aged 12 years and older from countries outside the European Union, to have a negative test for coronavirus, regardless of their vaccination status.

Obligation to present a negative Covid test result to enter French territory, taking effect on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.

From this date on, all persons aged 12 years and older who travel to France, including those coming from Canada ("green country"), will have to carry:

• A RT-PCR or antigenic test that detects SARS-CoV-2, performed less than 48 hours before the departure of the first flight, in case of connecting flights
• A statement of honor that they agree that a virological screening test or biological examination for SARS-CoV-2 may be performed upon arrival and that they declare themselves free of Covid-19 symptoms or contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case

The forms can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of the Interior.

There are no restrictions on entry into metropolitan France from a green zone country.

Accepted vaccines and proof of vaccination

The vaccines accepted by France are those recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer's Cominarty, Moderna's Spikevax, AstraZeneca's Vaxzevria and Johnson&Johnson's Janssen. Covishield, R-Covi and Fiocruz vaccines are also recognized by France.

Proof of vaccination is only valid if it can attest to the completion of a complete vaccination schedule, i.e:

• 7 days after the 2nd injection for double injection vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca)
• 28 days after injection for single injection vaccines (Janssen)
• 7 days after injection for vaccines in people with a history of Covid-19 (only 1 injection required)

At this stage, the French authorities also accept the following vaccine combinations: AstraZeneca/Pfizer Comirnaty, AstraZeneca/Moderna and Pfizer/Moderna.

Children under 12 years of age are exempt from testing.

Children 12 to 17 years of age, whether traveling alone, with a vaccinated adult or with a non-vaccinated adult, must follow the same rules as adults and present a test prior to boarding.

Some airlines have partnerships to facilitate access to testing; check with your airline. Testing services are offered by private companies, which determine the costs themselves. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make an appointment within the appropriate time frame.

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