IN DETAIL: What are the rules on travel into France from within the EU
While there are still restrictions on travel into France from many non-EU countries, including the UK, travel from within the European Bloc is more relaxed - but there are still rules in place.
Here's what the latest border rules say;
The EU rules refer to the entire Schengen zone, so all the EU countries plus Switzerland, Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City.
Non-essential travel to France (tourism, holidays etc) from within the EU is officially still "strongly discouraged" by the French government but it is allowed.
Arrivals from within the EU do not need to self-isolate but there are however rules that need to be followed.
Anyone entering France from within the Schengen zone needs to present a negative Covid test taken within the previous 72 hours. The government specifies that this must be a PCR test, not the rapid-result antigen tests found in pharmacies.
As well as the test result, at the border you will also need to present a sworn statement declaring that you do not have any Covid symptoms and have not to your knowledge been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid - you can download the sworn statement HERE.
There are some groups of people who are exempt from the testing requirement. They are;
- Children under 11
- Cross-border workers
- Hauliers
- People who live near the French border and are travelling for less than 24 hours, within a 30km radius from their home
People in the exempt groups still need the sworn statement and will also need some proof of their exemption eg proof of address, professional ID for cross-border workers.
❗️Déplacements au sein de l’espace européen : obligation de test PCR de moins de 72h pour tout mode de transport ?? en sont exemptés les transporteurs routiers, travailleurs frontaliers et résidents des bassins de vie frontaliers dans un rayon de 30 km autour de leur domicile.
— Clement Beaune (@CBeaune) January 31, 2021
Hauliers who are travelling from Ireland are not exempt from the testing requirement.
Arrivals from within the EU do not need to prove that their trip is essential and can travel for any reason including tourism.
France has launched a campaign urging its citizens to holiday in France - as much to boost the country's battered tourism industry as for health reasons - but there is no official advice against travelling within Europe.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 2, 2021
At present, the testing requirement is the same even for fully vaccinated people but the EU vaccine passport is scheduled to come into effect from July 1st.
Travellers who are fully vaccinated will then be able to show a digital vaccination certificate at the border via their home country's health passport app instead of presenting test results.
Once in France some restrictions remain in place including a curfew and wearing a mask - so that it covers your mouth and nose - is compulsory in all outdoor public spaces at risk of a €135 fine.
Several countries within the EU also have France on their 'risk' lists, so check your home country's rules for returning from France as you may need to quarantine.
See Also
Here's what the latest border rules say;
The EU rules refer to the entire Schengen zone, so all the EU countries plus Switzerland, Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City.
Non-essential travel to France (tourism, holidays etc) from within the EU is officially still "strongly discouraged" by the French government but it is allowed.
Arrivals from within the EU do not need to self-isolate but there are however rules that need to be followed.
Anyone entering France from within the Schengen zone needs to present a negative Covid test taken within the previous 72 hours. The government specifies that this must be a PCR test, not the rapid-result antigen tests found in pharmacies.
As well as the test result, at the border you will also need to present a sworn statement declaring that you do not have any Covid symptoms and have not to your knowledge been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid - you can download the sworn statement HERE.
There are some groups of people who are exempt from the testing requirement. They are;
- Children under 11
- Cross-border workers
- Hauliers
- People who live near the French border and are travelling for less than 24 hours, within a 30km radius from their home
People in the exempt groups still need the sworn statement and will also need some proof of their exemption eg proof of address, professional ID for cross-border workers.
❗️Déplacements au sein de l’espace européen : obligation de test PCR de moins de 72h pour tout mode de transport ?? en sont exemptés les transporteurs routiers, travailleurs frontaliers et résidents des bassins de vie frontaliers dans un rayon de 30 km autour de leur domicile.
— Clement Beaune (@CBeaune) January 31, 2021
Hauliers who are travelling from Ireland are not exempt from the testing requirement.
Arrivals from within the EU do not need to prove that their trip is essential and can travel for any reason including tourism.
France has launched a campaign urging its citizens to holiday in France - as much to boost the country's battered tourism industry as for health reasons - but there is no official advice against travelling within Europe.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 2, 2021
At present, the testing requirement is the same even for fully vaccinated people but the EU vaccine passport is scheduled to come into effect from July 1st.
Travellers who are fully vaccinated will then be able to show a digital vaccination certificate at the border via their home country's health passport app instead of presenting test results.
Once in France some restrictions remain in place including a curfew and wearing a mask - so that it covers your mouth and nose - is compulsory in all outdoor public spaces at risk of a €135 fine.
Several countries within the EU also have France on their 'risk' lists, so check your home country's rules for returning from France as you may need to quarantine.
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