It’s been over a week since I’ve come to Paris. I flew nonstop from Boston to CDG, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. There’s been conflicting stories on what the rules are. It also appears that airline personnel and custom agents aren’t all informed. (The rules are listed at the end.)
The US was moved from ‘orange’ status to ‘green’ status on June 17, 2021. What does that mean for Americans who are itching to go to Paris???
If you are fully vaccinated, you will not need to present a COVID test of any sort. You will need to have an approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson) and you need to be 2 weeks past the 2nd dose of the dose vaccines or 4 weeks past the dose of the one dose vaccine.
If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding the plane. Please keep in mind this is not a rapid test. You will need to take the test somewhere that guarantees the results are back to you in time…which is easier to find these days.
However, and this is a big BUT, if you are vaccinated, you should probably go ahead and get the PCR test. I’ve already heard of 3 cases where vaccinated passengers were asked for their PCR test results. Two of these occasions were at check-in and one was in Paris at border control. The first one, an elderly couple, was denied boarding because their PCR test was not within the 72 hours of ‘arrival’. Remember above, it’s supposed to be within 72 hours of boarding the plane. They were turned away and only received an apology and a $100 voucher. I surely do hope someone went to bat for them. The 2nd couple who was asked at check-in, had their PCR results and presented them, so they had no issues. The 3rd couple, who did not have a PCR test on the information I provided, checked-in and boarded their flight without any problems. It wasn’t until they reached border check at CDG, that they were asked for their PCR results. They did not have any, but fortunately for them, they had a representative of the Ritz Paris who met them at their gate with them. The gentleman argued in French with the customs agent for ten minutes.
Seeing as we all don’t have a Ritz Paris representative and we don’t want the heartbreak or headache of being turned away, I highly recommend you get you PCR test even if you are vaccinated. I flew to Paris on the 24th. I had already scheduled my PCR test when I read that it was required if you were fully vaccinated. I had just read about the 1st couple and decided I didn’t want or need the hassle. Truth be told, I would have dropped right on the spot if I were turned away. I’d been looking forward to going to Paris for so long. Anyway, I went ahead and got my PCR test (which I did advice couple #3 to get as well). I also printed out a copy of Air France policies stating that it wasn’t required, because I felt like proving someone wrong if they asked me for it. However, no one asked for it. I only needed to show my passport, my vaccine card and a sworn statement (statement of honor)…that they barely looked at. https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel#from1
By the way, you will need a PCR test to return to the US….taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight. If you are staying at a hotel, the concierge or reception can help you schedule one. You may even call before arriving in France to have it scheduled. Generally, a nurse will come to your hotel room and the cost can be about €80. If you are staying in an Airbnb or other vacation rental, check-in with the closest pharmacy or you can go to this link https://www.sante.fr/cf/centres-depistage-covid.html and under département, click on 75 Paris, then select ‘Tests, RT-PCR’ and the click on ‘ouverts à tout public’. You will then see a list of pharmacies that offer the PCR test. You can look for one closest to you….based on the arrondisemnent you are staying in. For example, if you are in the 5th arrondisement, look for one with postal code 75005. Be sure to then click on the drop-down menu and it’ll tell you (in French) their hours and if you will need a reservation.
Bon Voyage et Bonne Chance
- As of June 17, fully vaccinated travelers coming from the United States (as well as minor children under 17 accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian) can enter France with proof of vaccination and a sworn statement they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 nor contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Currently only the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are accepted. Full vaccination occurs two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca vaccine, and four weeks after the single dose of Johnson & Johnson. No pre-departure COVID test or quarantine is required. NOTE: At this time, we do not have official information from the French government, but the French Consulate General in Washington, D.C. said in a tweet that the CDC card is acceptable evidence of vaccination for entry into France.
- Travelers coming from the United States who are not fully vaccinated may also enter France and will need to present a negative COVID-19 test, either the PCR test or the antigen (rapid) test conducted within the 72 hours prior to departure and a sworn statement they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 nor contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Children under 11 are exempt from testing.
Below you can find some links confirming this information.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/#vaccination
https://fr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
France: Travellers From US & Canada Can Now Enter Completely Restriction-Free
