Here's how to travel to France right now
In welcome news, things have seemingly gone according to plan when it comes to the lifting of nearly all remaining COVID-19-related restrictions in France earlier this week.
Although the French "vaccine pass" is no longer required to do anything in France as of Monday, readers still have some questions about what is required to enter France at the moment.
Vaccine proof is not required — with 1 exception
End of the vaccine pass
As of March 14, the previously required French vaccine pass is no longer necessary for travelers or locals to do anything on the ground in France. This includes eating at restaurants and cafes, visiting museums and other cultural sites, watching a movie at a cinema (remember those days), etc.
However, the one exception to this rule is for people entering a medical establishment (for obvious reasons).
"If someone is visiting a medical establishment such as a hospital or nursing home, they will still need to show proof of vaccination," according to a spokesperson for Atout France, the country's tourism organization, who noted that this requirement would be waived for "emergency" circumstances.
Note that the proof of vaccination required at medical establishments is now known as the "sanitary pass," which can be obtained one of three ways:
- Negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken within the preceding 72 hours.
- Proof of full vaccination.
- Certificate showing recovery from COVID-19.
More information on the sanitary pass is provided by the French government here.
Public transit
Masks are still required, nothing else
The vaccine pass removal applies to public transit as well. This means train travelers on public transit as a whole, whether it be the Metro in Paris or regional transit options such as Eurostar, are allowed to use said transit within France, regardless of vaccination status.
There are two caveats with this point though, the first being that face masks remain required onboard.
"Masks are still required on public transport but all other mask obligations have been lifted," as confirmed by Atout France.
That said, if you're an unvaccinated passenger taking the aforementioned Eurostar out of France, you'll need to verify whether proof of vaccination is required at your end destination.
The US is now a 'green' country
Unvaccinated travelers must still take a test
A second consideration for unvaccinated travelers to France is that these travelers, age 12 and older, still need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid test administered within 48 hours of entering France.
Other than that, unvaccinated travelers to France do not need to attest to a lack of COVID-19 symptoms or have a “compelling reason” to enter mainland France.
Entry requirements are based on color country designations by the French government, which currently indicates the U.S. is a "green" country. Rules by country are outlined by the French Interior Ministry here.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine nuances
Single-dose vaccine booster options
Per the rules for green countries, travelers age 18 and older must meet certain considerations to be considered "fully vaccinated," specifically:
- Two doses of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, specifically Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca, plus a booster shot received within nine months of the second shot.
- One shot plus a booster received within nine months of the first shot for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Several TPG readers vaccinated with the single-dose J&J vaccine have emailed me asking how to comply with the French booster requirement for this vaccine specifically.
In this case, the U.S. Embassy in France advises these travelers to follow the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises travelers to obtain a Pfizer or Moderna booster in "most situations."
Travelers under 18
There's an exception for J&J vaccinated travelers who are under age 18, though.
"Full vaccination is two shots of an mRNA or one shot of J&J, no booster needed," per Atout France. For example, travelers ages 0-17 vaccinated with the J&J vaccine do not need to be boosted to enter France.
Have a question for next week? Email me at caroline.tanner@thepointsguy.com or tips@thepointsguy.com.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.