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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.