France to Partially Lift COVID Vaccine Passports
After evaluating the COVID-19 situation in the country, which has been relatively improving recently, the French authorities have announced that another coronavirus measure is to be ended.
Starting from March 14th, the COVID vaccine passports will no longer be obligatory to access indoor areas such as restaurants, fairs, cinemas, and other similar public venues.
As stated by the French Prime Minister, after the fifth coronavirus wave, the health situation in France has improved significantly and there is less pressure on hospitals. That is why the country can lift some restrictions and gradually resume the pre-pandemic life.
The vaccine passport obligation, however, will remain in place in order to access such places as hospitals, disabled establishments as well as elderly home care. All this is to protect those who are most vulnerable to coronavirus disease. Nevertheless, the pass to attend these places is also planned to be removed before July if no new COVID-19 variant occurs and the general situation continues to improve.
As of 14th March, the French authorities will also remove the obligation of wearing masks in public indoor spaces. Masks will remain obligatory only in public transportation.
Updated French Green List
France has also added almost 30 countries to its green list. Travelers from these countries can enter the French territory restriction-free, even those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, and travel to France for tourism-related activities.
All the following countries now were added to the green category:
- Angola
- Argentina
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Canada
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Eswatini
- India
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Stricter rules for countries from the Orange List
Stricter rules apply to unvaccinated travelers who arrive in France from a country classified on the orange list. They are subject to COVID-19 testing and a sworn statement that they have no coronavirus symptoms.
Travelers from countries included on the orange list should also be prepared for upon-arrival health screening.
Digital Passenger Locator Form
Every traveler to France must complete a digital Passenger Locator Form which was introduced by the French authorities as an additional coronavirus-related safety measure. Upon completing the form, a traveler receives a unique QR code which will be checked when entering France.
The Passenger Locator Form for France can be completed entirely online and requires only providing some essential information, including personal data, health, and travel-related details.
