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France will 'progressively' lift restrictions for Americans as of May

April 19, 2021
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3 min read
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France will 'progressively' lift restrictions for Americans as of May
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For those who enjoy their vin et fromage, this week brings some good news for the possibility of a summer vacation in France.

French President Emmanuel Macron told CBS News on Sunday that France will start to lift travel restrictions starting in May, citing a possible vaccination passport to allow a person to travel. These enhanced travel privileges would affect non-European Union nations, such as the United States.

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"We will progressively lift the restrictions of the beginning of May, which means that we will organize in the summer time with our professionals in France for French European citizens, but as well for American citizens," Macron said. "So we are working hard to propose a very concrete solution, especially for U.S. citizens who are vaccinated, so with a special pass, I would say."

Full details still need to be worked out by the French government, but Macron said that ideally, France would be open for travelers "who are vaccinated, with a special pass" insinuating that a vaccine certificate or a negative COVID-19 PCR test would be required for travel to France.

Macron mentioned that his government is in the final stage of developing such a certificate, creating the possibility that a summer vacation in France will no longer just be a hope but a reality for Americans.

Related: Can Americans finally go to Europe?

(Photo by Harald Nachtmann/Getty Images)

To date, France has distributed more than 16 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines — about 12.5% of the country's population, according to Reuters. Cases of COVID-19 within the country are on the decline, with 344 infections per 100,000 people in the past seven days.

Macron said that the French government is working with its U.S. counterparts in the White House to lift travel restrictions between the two countries. While France has been closed to American citizens, the U.S. has also been closed to Europeans. Since March 2020, the United States has not allowed non-citizens coming from Europe — including the U.K. — to enter.

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Macron's statement on Sunday has been one of the most notable in the reopening of travel in Europe — especially for Americans. While other European countries like Germany and the Netherlands are still in a lockdown state until further notice, other countries are starting to show signs of reopening.

Italy announced it was set to begin the easing of restrictions ahead of schedule and Malta is even paying some travelers to go on holiday, providing a positive outlook for a summer holiday in southern Europe. Greece, meanwhile, announced plans to reopen its borders to travelers coming from some countries, including the U.S. and U.K., as soon as this week.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • 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.
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  • $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.