France - Entry Requirements

 
Old Dec 2, 21, 1:47 pm
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France - Entry Requirements

PCR test required for non EU citizens within 48 hours of travel from 4 December 2021.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2021...-from-saturday
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Old Dec 2, 21, 3:08 pm
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Ugh, when is this madness going to end?
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Old Dec 2, 21, 3:09 pm
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It’s confusing that the story states PCR or antigen .

But on https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...try-nationals/
Moreover, it has been noted that only PCR tests will be accepted, meaning that those who hold a negative rapid antigen test or any other test will be denied entry to France.

“The only antigenic tests which can be carried out are those allowing the detection of the N protein of SARS-CoV-2,” the decree emphasised.
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Old Dec 2, 21, 3:21 pm
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Originally Posted by TravisMT81
It’s confusing that the story states PCR or antigen .

But on https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...try-nationals/
I think that whoever wrote the article is confused. PCR tests don't detect the N protein of SARS-CoV-2, they detect viral RNA (which isn't a protein). Further down the article it also states that French nationals returning from areas most affected by the omicron variant can take a rapid antigen test (i.e. lateral flow).

It's just bad reporting from someone who doesn't seem to understand the differences between the types of tests.

I have a rapid antigen test booked for entry to France next week. I'm not expecting any trouble - except perhaps from les douaniers attempting to disrupt my mince pie and teabag smuggling racket.
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Last edited by SarahWest; Dec 2, 21 at 3:30 pm
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Old Dec 2, 21, 3:43 pm
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I would like to see something official from the French government on this to hopefully help clarify if the 48 hours is from departure or arrival and to clear up the type of test confusion.

Even the below article states 48 hours before arrival and then quotes 48 hours before the trip.

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...try-nationals/
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Old Dec 2, 21, 4:58 pm
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Originally Posted by MaxFlyer
I would like to see something official from the French government on this to hopefully help clarify if the 48 hours is from departure or arrival and to clear up the type of test confusion.

Even the below article states 48 hours before arrival and then quotes 48 hours before the trip.
Ignore the article. Take a look at Dcret n 2021-1555 du 1er dcembre 2021 modifiant le dcret n 2021-699 du 1er juin 2021 prescrivant les mesures gnrales ncessaires la gestion de la sortie de crise sanitaire from the French government's Journel Officiel which states that timings are before the trip;
Toute personne de douze ans ou plus souhaitant se dplacer destination du territoire national en provenance d'un pays tranger autre que ceux mentionns aux 1 et 2 doit tre munie du rsultat d'un test ou examen de dpistage mentionn au 1 de l'article 2-2 ralis moins de 48 heures avant le dplacement
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Old Dec 2, 21, 6:47 pm
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how about US citizens flying into France from another EU country. IE: fly from US to Madrid for 3 days then on to Paris. Is it just based on if person is coming from a EU country and no consideration from where they were before?
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Old Dec 2, 21, 7:22 pm
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Does is it say anything about transiting France?
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Old Dec 2, 21, 9:41 pm
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Originally Posted by SarahWest
Ignore the article. Take a look at Dcret n 2021-1555 du 1er dcembre 2021 modifiant le dcret n 2021-699 du 1er juin 2021 prescrivant les mesures gnrales ncessaires la gestion de la sortie de crise sanitaire from the French government's Journel Officiel which states that timings are before the trip;
I don't see where it specifies the type of test. Getting a PCR within 48hrs is tough. Evening intl departure are usually after labs close so you really have to get a result in like 24hrs depending. It also does not clarify if it's from the first flight on the itinerary or the flight to France. I have a long domestic connection leaving on Wednesday morning.

Last edited by eng3; Dec 2, 21 at 10:06 pm
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Old Dec 3, 21, 12:03 am
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Other countries stipulate the test time is from the last direct flight to the country. Typical ill thought-out rushed government rules not providing the details which have a real world impact on passengers.

I hope transiting passengers are exempt but I have a feeling that they wont be as you could still spread the virus.
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Old Dec 3, 21, 2:10 am
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Originally Posted by eng3
I don't see where it specifies the type of test.
PCR tests are certainly acceptable and the last line of Article 1 specifies which rapid antigen tests are acceptable;
Pour l'application du prsent IV, les seuls tests antigniques pouvant tre raliss sont ceux permettant la dtection de la protine N du SARS-CoV-2.
The NHS Test and Trace free lateral flow test kits work by detecting this N protein as do many others. NHS Test and Trace tests can't be used for travel purposes even though they meet the diagnostic criteria for France.

Last edited by SarahWest; Dec 3, 21 at 2:21 am
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Old Dec 3, 21, 4:32 am
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So you could then book a LFT via one of the private providers eg Randox which are cheaper than a PCR so long as they also provide a certificate.

I would expect that most LFTs detect the N protein but dont know how best to check.
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Old Dec 3, 21, 4:51 am
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Originally Posted by flashware
Thanks all, lines up with what I thought. Will have a think. Meant to be flying to France tomorrow but it looks like a change in regs is about to drop, so might be academic in the end.
And looks like I now have to cancel the trip.

1. Travelling from the UK to France

LAST MINUTE :
From 4 December, fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), and whatever their nationality, have to provide the result of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 48h hours prior to departure. Self-administred tests (NHS test for example) are not considered valid for travel.

The NHS indicates that it will not carry out tests for travel purposes. Private entities offering the same service must therefore be used.

https://uk.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-r...d-the-UK-28918


No way I'll get that done before 7am tomorrow.
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Old Dec 3, 21, 5:10 am
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Originally Posted by flashware
And looks like I now have to cancel the trip.

1. Travelling from the UK to France

LAST MINUTE :
From 4 December, fully vaccinated travellers (12 years old or more), and whatever their nationality, have to provide the result of a negative PCR or antigen test (in paper or digital format) carried out less than 48h hours prior to departure. Self-administred tests (NHS test for example) are not considered valid for travel.

The NHS indicates that it will not carry out tests for travel purposes. Private entities offering the same service must therefore be used.

https://uk.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-r...d-the-UK-28918


No way I'll get that done before 7am tomorrow.
Antigen is OK and gives results within an hour. Can't you find somewhere to do it today? Incidentally, that was announcement by the government spokesperson on Wednesday.
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Old Dec 3, 21, 5:18 am
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Originally Posted by NickB
Antigen is OK and gives results within an hour. Can't you find somewhere to do it today? Incidentally, that was announcement by the government spokesperson on Wednesday.
Interesting it was announced on Wednesday but nothing on either their government site about it, or AmbaFrance (UK consulate). I've hunted around but haven't been able to find anywhere to do an antigen test today.

Update: from what I can see, earlier announcement was for non-EU arrivals (which UK technically is.....) but said UK still OK to just show vaccination status. Look like this morning they changed their mind on that one.

Last edited by flashware; Dec 3, 21 at 5:25 am
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