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Covid-19: Everything you need to know about travel between France and the USA

The Local France
The Local France - [email protected]
Covid-19: Everything you need to know about travel between France and the USA
The US has reopened its borders to vaccinated travellers. Photo: Kenzo Tribaullard/AFP

The majority of Covid-related restrictions between France and the USA have now been lifted, so if you have a trip planned, here's what you need to know.

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America has reopened travel from Europe for all purposes, including tourism, and the USA is on France's 'green list' for travel - meaning that tourism between the two countries is now once again a viable option.

From France to the US

Non-US citizens are able to travel from France for any reason - including holidays -  but only if they are fully vaccinated.

A negative test had been required for all arrivals - vaccinated or not - but this rule will be lifted from Sunday, June 12th.

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The US counts as vaccinated those who are:

  • Vaccinated with a WHO approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or AstraZeneca)
  • 14 days after the final dose
  • The US does not give mixed dose vaccines (eg one AstraZeneca and one Pfizer) but it will accept this combination as fully vaccinated.
  • However it will not accept a single vaccine dose after catching Covid

US citizens, permanent residents and those travelling to the US on an immigrant visa are not required to show proof of vaccination.

Find the full details here.

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From the US to France

The US is now on France's 'green list' for travel, which has the lightest level of restrictions.

If you are fully vaccinated - you need only to provide proof of vaccination, a negative Covid test is not needed. The health declaration is also no longer needed. CDC vaccine certificates are accepted at the border as proof of vaccination.

France counts as fully vaccinated those who:

  • Are vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson)
  • Are 7 days after their final dose, or 28 days in the case of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines
  • OR Have had a single vaccine dose after previously recovering from Covid. Travellers must be 7 days after their dose
  • Have had a booster shot if more than 9 months has passed since the final dose of your vaccine. If you have had a booster shot there is no need for a second one, even if more than 9 months has passed since your booster
  • Mixed dose vaccines are accepted 

If you are not vaccinated - you need to show a negative Covid test on boarding, taken within 72 hours if a PCR test or 48 hours if an antigen test. Travellers must also fill in a declaration stating that they do not have Covid symptoms and have not been in contact with Covid patients - find the form here.

Once in France there is no need to quarantine. 

In France

France has lifted many of its health rules, but masks are still required when entering any healthcare facility.

Masks are no longer required on public transport or in shops or bars, although private businesses have the right to require customers to wear one as a condition of entry.

There are no exemptions to the mask rule and failure to comply can lead to a €135 fine.

The vaccine pass is no longer required, unless you are visiting an establishment with high-risk residents such as a nursing home.

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Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

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Anonymous 2022/01/05 20:32
“If you are fully vaccinated the test must be taken within 72 hours of travel, non-vaccinated people must have a test taken within 24 hours of travel.” This is incorrect - every traveler to the US 2+ years of age needs a negative test taken one day prior to boarding, regardless of vaccination status.
Anonymous 2021/11/29 18:16
larry maloney CORRECTION/Amplification ... If you enter the USA via the boarder between Mexico and USA there are NO requirements of any kind.
Anonymous 2021/11/15 17:59
going to USA via UK. Leave France on Monday by car and fly from Heathrow Wednesday. Looks like i need a day 2 test and an antigen test at least 3 days before flight. Can i get antigen test in France on monday or do i need to pay for one in uk. Don't understand why can't just book 1 test for arrival and departure
Anonymous 2021/11/08 17:58
How and where online do I get an atestation form?

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