Immigration update: France | PCR tests and quarantine now needed for all travelers to France

As of 18 January 2021:

+ France requires negative PCR test (72h max) to be presented at the airport before boarding by travellers aged 11 and more from all countries.

+ This also applies to all travellers entering France by plane from a European country, except cross-border workers (effective 24 Jan).

+ Travellers will be required to self-isolate for seven days on arrival and take a second test at the end of that period.

+ When it is not possible to get PCR test before travelling, one shall obtain an exemption from the French consulate in their departure country.
+They will be tested upon arrival and will be sent to a place identified and approved by the authorities to self-isolate for 7 days.

As a reminder, on top of PCR requirements, travellers need to fall under one of the authorized categories listed on the International Travel Certificate to enter France (eg. medical worker, Passeport Talent or ICT holder, student). This doesn't apply to European countries & a handful of open countries (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand).

What about UK nationals?

The United Kingdom not being part of the European Union any longer, it is seen as a closed country. As such, the restrictions also apply to travellers from the UK.

In addition to the authorized categories of travellers listed on the International Travel Certificate, the following 4 categories can enter France (with documents listed in question 3) from the UK:

+ Cross-border workers commuting to France
+ Pupils, students and trainees commuting to France on a daily basis
+ Seasonal workers
+ Journalists in the course of their role.

What about the curfew?

France entered a new curfew phase on 16 January. It limits the reasons for being outside between 6.00pm and 6.00am and requires that anyone out of their home carries documents justifying the reason for same: returning from work, collecting children from nursery/school, medical emergency.

We will continue to keep you updated on further developments and assist you as soon as possible to get the requested authorizations for future and current assignees to enter and circulate

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact:

Alexandra Demeure
Immigration Manager
Western Europe cluster
[e-mail]

To read more immigration updates, clickhere

About our Immigration Services

Our immigration services manage thousands of visa applications every year for a multitude of international companies. Our experienced immigration experts and migration agents handle the immigration process for you and provide simple reporting and guidance on immigration matters.