"Do Not Travel" Level 4 Travel Alert for France

If it makes you feel better the US would be in the same "Level 4" due to covid....

As far as COVID goes, you'll be at least as safe in Paris as in most of the US. If you test positive before departure, however, you will be spending a few extra days there. Be smart about it and have a great time.

I was just there in late January/ early February and we were quite comfortable. I will say that we passed up some restaurants because they were packed, and often ate at more "off" times to avoid more crowded restaurants. But overall, we were quite comfortable. At the time, we had to be tested to enter France (I think I read that has been or will be lifted?), obtaining the health pass was very easy and it was scanned at all museums and nearly every restaurant we entered. Masks were required in museums and shops. We were slightly apprehensive about the test prior to leaving but had a plan in place in case we were to test positive (I had a short list of accommodations we could move to if we were unable to stay in the apartment we were in).

Go to this State Department generated map.

https://travelmaps.state.gov/TSGMap/

If you look carefully, you will see just about every European country is at Level 4: Do Not Travel

And it's been like that for awhile.

Well, I live in Idaho. If the State Department rated states the way they do countries we'd be a 10 and I think the top level is really only 5. Idaho has denied the existence of Covid and of course everyone is carrying concealed.

In the Fall I felt very good with covid precautions in France. EVERY hotel, restaurant, museum, shop had sanitizing gel at the entrance. I see NONE of that here locally! In fact a couple of times they squirted our hands before they would give us menus!

I try not to worry about terrorism. That includes home grown varieties where someone walks into a grocery store and starts mowing people down. I occasionally think about that and have my exits pinpointed in big stores like Fred Meyer but it doesnt' keep me from grocery shopping so it shouldn't keep me from traveling.

I would take the State Department guidelines for Ukraine and Russia seriously right now but I'm sure everyone who has a TV would know not to travel there at present.

Go, have a wonderful time and enjoy yourself!

I am leaving next week for France with my family (kids are 3 and 10). We've been to a few different countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, and Portugal) since 2021 and we're just smart about it. We spend as much time as possible outdoors. We wear our masks inside. Honestly, my state (Texas) is probably a higher risk than France, who at least requires people to be vaccinated to participate in public life.

I say go and enjoy yourself! Countries need tourism and seeing how different countries have handled the pandemic firsthand has really changed my worldview! Portugal, especially, showed us the right way to handle the vaccine rollout! People have been so lovely everywhere we've been. I am expecting the same in France.

All of Europe has basically been at that level all the past year. Had nothing to do with terrorism, although that may not be added to this list.

Not sure what it's like where you live, I'm in LA and being in Paris in December was just the same, in fact better. The Parisians were very diligent about wearing masks all the time (partly to keep their faces warm) and every restaurant checks your health pass. So you get to make your own decision about your comfort level, I had no problem.

Thanks to everyone who responded with "live your life" or words to that effect.

here's some back story

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cdc-very-high-risk-destinations-february-28/index.html

"Other tourist favorites stalled on Level 4 for a month or more include Mexico, Canada, France, Peru, Singapore and Spain. The United Kingdom has been there since July 2021"

We are going in April, and feel very comfortable in doing so. If you think you will worry too much, you won't enjoy it. COVID was inevitable here in Texas. As cautious as we were, it still found its way into our household, triple vaxxed and all. I think the State Department always has alerts for just about everywhere, and I know other countries have them about us. Paris is a wonderful city, and I think once you are there, all your fears will cool down. Stay alert, read about the scams in popular tourist spots, and read Rick's travel tips regarding safety. You will be fine. And we understand completely how you feel.

Those CDC guidelines are ridiculous. Do they really want me to believe that the US and Western Europe are all riskier than China, India and most of Africa? No way!!! I always say, do what you are comfortable with for your circumstances. But for me, I'm healthy and vaxed, so I am traveling as much as I can.

Like others have mentioned, the US should be rated as level 4, so I don’t see how it matters. Plus, I believe there is generally better compliance with health protocols in Europe than many places here in the US.