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French vaccine pass no longer required for travelers as of Monday
Caroline Tanner
News reporter
A classically trained journalist, Caroline Tanner covers news and travel for TPG. She is a dual-journalism graduate of Mizzou and Northwestern.
March 11, 2022
•
6 min read
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Editor's Note
This is a continually updated story
If you read my column last Friday, you may have seen an editor's note informing readers of breaking news that the French Vaccine Pass would no longer be required to access indoor spaces effective March 14, as long as COVID-19 case numbers are maintained in the country.
If things go as intended, the removal of the French vaccine pass marks the end of an era of sorts, since proof of vaccination has been required to enter cafes, bars and shopping centers throughout France since July 2021.
The French vaccine pass to be discontinued
What got us to this point?
On March 3, French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on local French television station TF1 that the French vaccine pass will no longer be required as of Monday, as long as certain health criteria are met related to COVID-19.
Specifically, the country needs to report less than 1,500 COVID-19 patients in the ICU, along with a specific incidence rate between 300-500 new cases and a virus reproduction rate of less than one.
Are there any places where the vaccine pass will still be needed to enter?
According to the prime minister's announcement, the vaccine pass will still be required to access "collective passenger transport," specifically long-distance trains, planes and buses. Vaccination proof is not required on local short-distance public transit, such as the Paris Metro.
Other than transportation, the only places where it will be necessary to show the pass are in medical buildings, hospitals and nursing homes.
Will there be requirements for tourists wishing to access other indoor spaces?
We won't know until Monday whether the elimination of the vaccine pass for most public spaces will actually happen, but as it stands, any remaining requirements for indoor access to places that previously required the pass, including restaurants, bars, museums, entertainment venues, sporting facilities, etc, will be removed beginning next week.
Masks are being dropped too
Are face masks still required when the vaccine pass isn't?
Another big change as of March 14 is that face masks will no longer be required to wear indoors at most public places, excluding public transit, where both masks and vaccine passes will still be mandatory.
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Entry requirements for visitors to France-unvaccinated travelers welcomed back
As of March 14, both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans alike will be able to enter France. France considers travelers fully vaccinated if you have been vaccinated with the following vaccines:
- Pfizer
- Moderna
- AstraZeneca
- Johnson & Johnson
French authorities will accept CDC-issued white cards as suitable proof of vaccination for entry. Remember, you are only considered "fully vaccinated" in the eyes of the French government if you have been vaccinated and boosted and have proof of it on your CDC card.
If you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated (i.e. vaccinated, but not boosted) and coming from the U.S., you may enter France starting Monday as long as you present results of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for France, or a rapid test conducted within 48 hours, to be shown to both airlines and customs officials, per Atout France, the country's tourism organization.
Guidance from the French ministry says travelers may be tested again upon arrival and would be required to self-isolate for 7-10 days if the result is positive.
These entry rules do not apply to travelers under the age of 12.
Have a question for next week? Email me at caroline.tanner@thepointsguy.com or tips@thepointsguy.com.
Featured image by AFP via Getty Images
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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Why We Chose It
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- 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.