France - Entry Requirements
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2005
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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
https://www.euronews.com/travel/2021...-from-saturday

#3
Join Date: Feb 2004
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It’s confusing that the story states PCR or antigen .
But on https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...try-nationals/
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.
“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.

#4
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
It’s confusing that the story states PCR or antigen .
But on https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...try-nationals/
But on https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...try-nationals/
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.
Last edited by SarahWest; Dec 2, 21 at 3:30 pm

#5
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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/
Even the below article states 48 hours before arrival and then quotes 48 hours before the trip.
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...try-nationals/

#6
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
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.
Even the below article states 48 hours before arrival and then quotes 48 hours 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

#7
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 835
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?

#8
Join Date: Feb 2016
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Does is it say anything about transiting France?

#9
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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;
Last edited by eng3; Dec 2, 21 at 10:06 pm

#10
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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.
I hope transiting passengers are exempt but I have a feeling that they wont be as you could still spread the virus.

#11
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
PCR tests are certainly acceptable and the last line of Article 1 specifies which rapid antigen tests are acceptable;
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.
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.
Last edited by SarahWest; Dec 3, 21 at 2:21 am

#12
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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.
I would expect that most LFTs detect the N protein but dont know how best to check.

#13
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,624
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.

#14
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Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,150
And looks like I now have to cancel the trip.
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.
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.

#15
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,624
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
