Update: You no longer need a test to enter France if you are fully vaccinated
France has announced yet another change to its ever-evolving entry requirements for incoming travelers, although this one is actually making the process easier for travelers.
As of February 12, fully vaccinated and boosted travelers coming from the U.S. no longer need to take a COVID-19 test to enter France.
With requirements shifting so often, things can easily get confusing, so we have gathered all of the information you need below.
Entry requirements for vaccinated travelers as of February 12
Currently, France color codes countries to determine entry requirements for travelers originating from specific places.
Fully vaccinated travelers coming from any green or orange country, including the United States, are no longer required to submit a COVID-19 upon arrival to France as of last week.
Instead, these travelers may enter France by submitting proof of vaccination, including a booster shot taken within nine months of their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Travelers who received their booster more than nine months after their second dose may still enter France as long as one week has passed since receipt of the booster.
Vaccine pass requirements as of Feb. 15
In order to obtain a "pass vaccinal" necessary to enter any public space requiring proof of vaccination, all people age 18 and older must show proof of a COVID-19 booster administered between three and four months of the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
This does not mean you need to be boosted within four months of travel, rather a booster is required if four months have elapsed since the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine.
Vaccine passes for this age group will expire four months after their second dose of a two-dose vaccine or two months after the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, meaning a booster is required to keep your pass active.
"The timing of your vaccine does not matter beyond the four-month booster requirement.
"To obtain the pass vaccinal, it's showing proof of a booster that is most important," per Atout France, the country's official tourism organization.
Related: Update: France delays vaccine pass implementation until Monday
Where are vaccine passes required?
The vaccine pass is required at all places where the "pass sanitaire" was once required, including bars, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, malls, athletic facilities, gyms, theaters, cinemas, public transit (air/rail), museums and other cultural sites.
Essentially, if it's a public place, you will need to present a vaccine pass to enter.
(Screenshot from the French government)
Rules for children
Children ages 12-15 remain subject to the rules of the "pass sanitiare," meaning people in this age group must show proof of vaccination to access most public spaces, but a booster shot is not mandatory.
"Travelers age 12-15 require a health pass everywhere a vaccine pass is required," according to the U.S. Embassy. "Travelers under age 12 do not require a pass" of any kind.
Those 12-15 may obtain a temporary, 24-hour health pass by submitting negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken at a pharmacy in France, where rapid tests are available on a walk-in basis.
These test results only serve as a temporary pass, meaning once the 24 hours have elapsed, you must take a new test to earn a new temporary pass.
The option to test for COVID-19 in lieu of the booster only applies to children holding a health pass.
Related: Applications for France's digital health pass are temporarily closed
Exceptions for non-Americans
While in some cases, showing proof of recent recovery from COVID-19 can take the place of one's initial dose of COVID-19 or a booster dose, this is only applicable if the person contracted COVID-19 and recovered from it while in the European Union.
"U.S. and other foreign certificates of recovery are not accepted," per the embassy.
Where to receive either pass
Those vaccinated in the United States (or elsewhere outside the EU) must go to a designated pharmacy in France with their CDC-issued vaccine card, passport and money to pay a fee of up to $40 (or 36 euros).
Bottom line
A vaccine pass showing proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster) is required for all persons in France age 18 and above, even tourists. A health pass showing full proof of COVID-19 vaccination (but not a booster) is compulsory for anyone ages 12-15. Those under 12 do not need either pass.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people may only enter the country with a "compelling reason for travel" that has been approved by the French government. Additionally, they must present results of a negative test taken within 48 hours before departure and will also be tested again upon arrival, followed by a 10-day quarantine.
If you think you can skip out on quarantine, think again — you should expect routine police check-ins at the designated quarantine location you provided to French authorities.
Related: You can enter France if you haven't been boosted, but that might be all you can do
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| 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. |
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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.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.