19th July,2021: After vaccination campaigns and measures that led to a drop in the number of infections to below 2,000 per day,
France is once again facing the prospect of a rapid resumption of the epidemic, like most European countries.
Faced with the spread of the Delta variant, which is 60% more contagious than previous variants, the President
of the Republic announced on 12th July several measures aimed at encouraging the French to get vaccinated in
order to overcome the health crisis, prevent a new epidemic wave and protect the French population and foreign
visitors.

► Recent measures announced

• As of 21st July, the use of the pass sanitaire will be extended to leisure and cultural venues with more than 50 people. This pass will be required for anyone over 12 years old. Minors between 12 and 18 years old will be exempted until August 30th.
• From August 1, this health pass will also be required to visit cafes, restaurants, shopping centers (over 20,000 sq metres), long-distance transportation (plane, train, bus), and hospitals, from the age of 12. Minors between 12 and 18 years old will be exempted until August 30th.
• Border controls will be reinforced as of this week for nationals coming from countries at risk, with forced isolation for unvaccinated travelers (see below the new rules applicable as of July 17 for international travel).

► International travel to/from France

Since June 9, the influx of travelers between France and foreign countries has resumed according to modalities
that vary according to the health situation in various countries and the vaccination of travellers.
A classification of countries into 3 colour categories (green, orange, red) has been defined based on health
indicators.
The lists of countries are likely to be adapted according to the evolution of their epidemic situation (to be found
on the government website).

Since July 17, all vaccinated persons coming from countries classified as green, orange or red can enter France
without restriction.

Green” countries: no active virus circulation, no variants of concern identified.

– Member States of the European Union as well as Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican. The following countries are also included: Albania, Australia, Bosnia, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United States and Vanuatu. Among the green-listed countries, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, the Netherlands and Greece are placed under surveillance as of July 17 within the European Union.

– Vaccinated travelers from these countries can enter the territory without undergoing a PCR test.
Travelers (12 years and older) who have not been vaccinated must present a negative PCR or antibody test that is less than 72 hours old (less than 24 hours old for the countries under surveillance: Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, the Netherlands and Greece). Children under 12 years of age are exempt from testing.

Orange” countries: active circulation of the virus in controlled proportions, without circulation of variants of concern..

– All countries except those classified as “green” and “red” countries.

– Vaccinated travellers from these countries may enter the country without undergoing a PCR test.

Unvaccinated international travellers must have a compelling reason and must present a negative RT-PCR test
less than 72 hours old or a negative antibody test less than 48 hours old before departure (PCR or antibody test
less than 24 hours old for the United Kingdom).

Children under 12 years old are exempt from testing. A random test may be performed upon arrival at the port
of entry. Travellers will be required to undergo a 7-day self-isolation.

Red” countries: active virus circulation, presence of variants of concern.

– Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russia, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tunisia, Uruguay and Zambia.

– Vaccinated travellers (EMA-recognized or similar) from these countries may enter without undergoing a PCR
test.

Unvaccinated international travellers must have a compelling reason and present a negative RT-PCR or antibody
test less than 48 hours prior to departure. They will also be required to undergo an antibody test upon arrival
and a 10-day self-isolation period monitored by the authorities.

Vaccines recognised by France :

The vaccines accepted by France are those recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer,
Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson and those deemed similar by the French authorities. Since July
18, the Covishield vaccine has also been recognized by France in this capacity.

• Proof of vaccination is only valid if it can attest to the completion of a complete vaccination schedule, i.e.:
• 2 weeks after the 2nd injection for double injection vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield);
• 4 weeks after injection for single-injection vaccines (Johnson & Johnson);
• 2 weeks after injection for vaccines in people with a history of Covid-19 (only 1 injection required).

► Security measures and restrictions

– Since June 17th, it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask outdoors, except in certain cases (gatherings, queues, markets, stadiums, etc.).

However, some touristic areas have passed by-laws to make it compulsory to wear a mask outdoors..

• Since July 17 and until August 6, wearing a mask in public places is once again mandatory in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, which is currently experiencing an important surge of virus propagation, particularly the Delta variant. This measure does not apply on the beach and in large outdoor spaces.
• Wearing a mask remains mandatory in enclosed public places (workplaces, stores, transport…) throughout the country for everyone aged 11 and over (and from 6 years old at school) and in public transportation.
• Gatherings, meetings or activities on the public highway involving more than 10 people simultaneously remain prohibited.
• The consumption of alcohol on public streets remains prohibited.

► Openings/closings in France

Are open / can open:

• Public services and bank counters,
• Shops, markets, pharmacies,
• Parks, gardens, forests and beaches,
• Public transportation,
• Hotels, collective hostels, tourist residences, residential tourist villages, vacation villages and family vacation homes as well as camping and caravanning sites,
• Places of worship,
• Terraces of restaurants and cafés,
• The interior spaces of cafés and restaurants (50% of the capacity of reception, tables of 6 people maximum),
• Museums, theatres, cinemas, monuments as well as theatres with a seated audience (with an adapted protocol and attendance gauges: 8m² per visitor and 800 spectator’s maximum),
• Thermal establishments,
• Casinos,
• Sports halls and gymnasiums.
• Discotheques (since 9th July) with sanitary pass.
• The Eiffel Tower since 16th July

We will update you in the days to come on more information concerning visa issuances and other travel modalities.