UPDATE: Traveling to France During the Pandemic

Editor’s note: Cases are in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you’re fully vaccinated. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on August 18.

(CNN) -- If you're planning to travel to France, here’s what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the current pandemic.

The basics

There are no current Covid-related restrictions on international travel to France, although the country has had some of the most stringent Covid-19 restrictions in the world, including three lockdowns. While a few safety measures remain in place, the vast majority of restrictions have been eased.

What’s on offer

The historic boulevards of Paris, the fashionable sweep of La Croisette in Cannes, and the rolling lavender fields and vineyards of Provence. France remains one of the world's most enduring tourist destinations.

With superb food, even better wine, and landscapes and cities to satisfy every kind of traveler, it never disappoints.

Who can go

As of August 1, there are no Covid-19 related travel restrictions for France. This means travelers are no longer required to present proof of vaccination, complete a sworn statement before arrival, or show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, regardless of their vaccination status.

The same rules apply for travel between mainland France and French overseas territories.

“Faced with the new phase of the pandemic, the border health control system is lifted, in accordance with the law putting an end to the exceptional regimes created to fight against the epidemic linked to Covid-19,” reads a statement from the French Ministry of the Interior and Overseas.

“The government retains until 21 January 2023 the possibility of activating ‘emergency brake’ measures for a maximum period of two months, after consulting the high authority for health in the event of an appearance and circulation of a new variant of Covid-19 likely to constitute a serious health threat or, in overseas territories, in the event of a risk of saturation of the health system.”

What are the restrictions?

As stated above, there are currently no Covid-19 related restrictions on international travel to France.

What’s the Covid situation?

France has been one of the hardest hit countries in Europe, with over 34.4 million cases and 154,282 deaths as of August 18.

The emergence of the Omicron variant towards the end of 2021 brought about yet another rise in infections, with over 2.5 million infections recorded in one week towards the end of January 2022. The number of Covid-19 cases in the country would later stabilize. However, Covid-19 infections have been on the increase yet again.

There were 123,720 cases in the week leading up to August 18. Over 81.2 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

What can visitors expect?

Masks or face coverings are no longer compulsory indoors or on public transport. However, officials have advised people to start wearing masks in crowded spaces once again due to rising Covid-19 cases in the country.

Since March, a vaccine pass has no longer been required to enter indoor venues, aside from hospitals and care homes.

Useful links

French government official site
Advice for foreign nationals planning trips to France 
Tous Anti Covid app
Covid-19 official advice

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