France Finally Makes its Announcement Regarding American Tourists as of June 9

Thanks Kim. I hope there is clarification soon. The initial announcement that Americans can enter France only included proof of vaccination, but now a PCR test is required. I’ll keep watch for changes as my reservation is in early July.

What’s the atmosphere like for you in Paris?

Thank you for sharing this! Very exciting!

I am going to assume the CDC vaccination card will suffice considering there is no international standard of proof and that is what Americans have as proof of vaccination. All the reports I’ve read of Americans who have traveled using vaccination to enter a country has used the CDC card without issue. As far as I’m aware, no other country spells out what exactly what qualifies as proof of vaccination in their guidelines (except to say what information must be included). I feel it would be quite cumbersome considering every country probably has something a little different.

All EU countries are adopting common criteria for proof of vaccination. The earlier US proposed vaccination passport would have made verification easy, but it was ultimately rejected on privacy grounds, not sure why it was not adopted for those who voluntarily submitted proof of vaccination.

Some states did issue QR codes for proof of vaccination and the EU may eventually add these codes to their pass sanitaire. However, the paper CDC forms are easy to duplicate and potentially a big source for fraudulent copies. The French may accept the CDC form but nothing yet confirms this.

Here is the press release that explains more.
1-If someone is not vaccinated, that person can enter only for a compelling reason. The specific compelling reasons are listed.
2-The four vaccines approved by the EU are listed with no other information. Note that neither the Russian, nor Chinese vaccines are listed. Kim has listed them below.
3-Finally, if you are vaccinated (with proof) you still need either a PCR test within 72 hours or an Antigen test within 48 hours of boarding. You do not have to isolate upon arrival.

https://www.gouvernement.fr/sites/default/files/contenu/piece-jointe/2021/06/210603_dp-covid_frontieres_20h40.pdf

I erased my original post because this press release is more detailed.

Yes, Bets -- that's a key point.

France will only accept vaccines that the European Medicines Agency has approved, i.e.:

Pfizer
Moderna
AstraZeneca
Johnson & Johnson

Dissapointing. That does it for me. I am fully vaccinated, but no trip to France for us unless they drop the 72 hour PCR requirement. I cannot predicate tens of thousands of dollars for a trip on a PCR test getting turned around in time. Guess they don't want tourists badly enough. A la prochaine fois....

Greece seems the most organized destination right now. So that is where I will be spending my dollars.

Thank you Kim and Bets, very helpful info. As I’ve mentioned, my son & his girlfriend fly to Paris on 6/17. We’ve been biting our nails. I always felt strongly entry would be possible starting on 6/9 and am relieved it is. Thank you both for all your efforts keeping us informed.

Susan - and that reminds me -- my boss is flying Delta, not that French Bee company . . . I finally got a chance to ask

Many thanks Kim.

Possumracing, CVS offers same day PCR tests.

Alexander, not mine. CVS here is offering same day rapid antigen test, but PCR takes 1-2 days, more if demand is high. Anything that has to be sent out to a lab will take longer. But if France is accepting, the rapid test, OK. But I think possumracing has a valid point - if you are within a couple of days of travel, having committed big money, and you test positive (or don't get your result back) you in trouble.

Thank you Kim, Bets and Susan for keeping a lookout for us folks heading to France this summer. It's been stressful, to say the least so your help has been much appreciated. As someone who is fully vaccinated, I'm a bit disappointed about still having to arrange for a PCR test in NYC but then again I'm happy to be able to begin booking tour and train reservations for our July trip. Many thanks!

I cannot predicate tens of thousands of dollars for a trip on a PCR test getting turned around in time.

That's a very reasonable position. We might follow that advice and put off our trip another year.

Antigen folks, antigen.
It's written above and on the French government page I posted. The PCR going to France was difficult and expensive when I did it in September. But now you are good with a 48-hour antigen if fully vaccinated within the timeframe.
It's soooo much easier. And an antigen to fly back to the States, which is available at the CDG airport.

However, this flying around with a pandemic raging elsewhere is not for everyone. I certainly understand. If I weren't at home in both countries, I'd probably hold off. But that's due to my age, not a 15-minute test.

-The four vaccines approved by the EU are listed with no other information. Note that neither the Russian, nor Chinese vaccines are listed. Kim has listed them below

Not that this directly affects me, or likely the majority of us on this Forum, but I have to wonder whether there will be many Russians or Chinese entering France any time soon. Same for countries where the Russian and Chinese vaccines were provided/sold by the Russians/Chinese.

Happy about this and have no concerns about getting either test. France is our fallback if we can’t do Switzerland and Austria this Fall.

cchapin100

Do you know the most recent status for us to be able to enter Switzerland? I’m assuming too that if I go into Switzerland and come back to France I’ll need another test??

Maybe unrelated but there was a men's tennis event in Basel for this October that was just cancelled today.

Nothing new yet on Switzerland it hopefully we will hear something around Biden’s trip.

We know that this all changes daily, which is why we haven't gone ahead and booked something for the fall yet. Our desire is to go to Paris for sure, south of France, would like to go to Italy, and perhaps include Ireland and UK as well. British Airlines (non-stop from IAH) obviously connects through LHR for us, or we could go United/Lufthansa non-stop which would most likely take us directly to Frankfurt, and from there connect to one of the above places either by train or plane. Otherwise, it would be connections in New York or Dulles which then makes getting to Europe with a stopover. So the question is, if we are vaccinated, take our PCR test and fly into any of the above, do we have the freedom to go country to country (assuming they are open) or is this trip going to be more difficult than it's worth? Should we then just focus on one country and that be it for this year? Hope this makes sense. We had planned to spend several weeks, but are like everyone else in trying to decide what to take a chance on. We have been to Paris, Italy and London several times, but wanted to see Ireland and south of France as well.

Our desire is to go to Paris for sure, south of France, would like to go to Italy, and perhaps include Ireland and UK as well. British Airlines (non-stop from IAH) obviously connects through LHR for us, or we could go United/Lufthansa non-stop which would most likely take us directly to Frankfurt, and from there connect to one of the above places either by train or plane. Otherwise, it would be connections in New York or Dulles which then makes getting to Europe with a stopover. So the question is, if we are vaccinated, take our PCR test and fly into any of the above, do we have the freedom to go country to country (assuming they are open)

It will depend on the day's situation and exactly when each segment would be.

If it were next week London would be off as both France and USA are on the UK AMBER List. Each segment will depend on the current risk levels both in the country you are leaving and the one you are entering, as well as where you have been recently. In many countries the levels and restrictions are imposed on a regional level, so some cities or regions in Italy for example.

Yeah, I think this year is really the year to pick ONE COUNTRY and not be bopping around crossing borders.

At least if you pick one country, you can focus on the requirements just for that place and be sure you're meeting them — and be aware if they change — rather than trying to keep track for a few different countries' rules for coming from different countries. It gives me a headache just thinking about it.

Very good advice Kim.

Nigel, Kim,

Makes total sense. We think it will be mind-boggling to try and keep up with it all. So it appears it will either be France or Italy. Guess that depends on which will be more receptive toward the fall. Airfare from here is crazy right now as well. Still thinking Paris which we love and south of France as we have not been there.

I think it is also important for anyone who is going to travel to those countries that will be open to a greater degree to vaccinated Americans to make sure you don’t need a test to transition with a layover. We were in Athens for two weeks, Dubrovnik for two weeks, and are currently in Split and will be flying to Paris on the 11th. Our biggest issue was not getting into those countries, it was getting out of LAX. Their info system was not current with what was accepted and we have to show them the US Embassy page online to make our flight. We also had to have a negative test just to change planes in London. They simply looked at the printed page and our vaccination card. No problems. Same thing in Istanbul, Athens, Croatia. If we have to get a test for Paris, so be it. We can get an antigen test and get the results in an hour. Our biggest question, and this applied to going to Ireland last September, is status of the traveler? If we have been in Europe for six weeks and are flying in to Paris from Croatia, are we not a “traveler” from an EU country? We went from Ireland to Italy in September-November simply because we were traveling from and to EU countries. They were looking at the passport but where we were coming from. I believe this may be in play right now fo us, but not sure. Thoughts?

Hi. I am fully vaccinated. I am planning to travel to Greece for a month...and then enter France from Greece. This leaves me wondering about the need for a covid test. It's not required to enter Greece from the US...and I don't believe an EU resident is required to be tested when traveling from Greece to France...but as a US citizen do I still need to be tested (in Greece I guess) before flying to France for the last leg of the trip?

Thanks!

.but as a US citizen do I still need to be tested (in Greece I guess) before flying to France for the last leg of the trip?

France officially is currently closed to USA citizens.
It depends on when you are planning to go. The rules are still not set.

pvan, Did you read Bets post above?
I do believe a US citizen can enter France starting 6/9 with an antigen test and a CDC vaccination card. Hopefully getting an antigen test in Greece won’t be difficult. You can get them at airports from what I understand. In France, at pharmacies for free. Maybe pharmacies in Greece offer it as well.

*EDIT: * with time, all of us have learned that the French will accept the CDC card as proof of vaccination.

Original post:
Just to underline that so far as I can tell — and I have been looking everywhere — the French government has still not said what it will accept as proof of vaccination from Americans.

Someone over on James’s General Europe thread posted a link to what the U.S. Embassy posted today explaining the changes — they wrote this in bold:

** NOTE: At this time, we do not yet know what France will consider as sufficient proof of vaccination. **

Hopefully the French will accept the CDC card, but it doesn’t look like we know that for sure yet.

Here’s the link:

https://fr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The only proof US residents have is a CDC card. Either the French accept it or they don’t. I believe they will. We’ll find out soon enough.

The only proof US residents have is a CDC card. Either the French accept it or they don’t.

Indeed!! That's why I find it so strange not to be able to find the answer anywhere official.

I guess if they haven't specified they won't accept it, surely they will, but couldn't they just ease people's mind by confirming?

It doesn’t really matter to me, my only American family member this year with a European trip planned is going to Iceland, and he knows what he needs for that. But I find it fascinating that it's not addressed/confirmed anywhere (for France).

Well I am scheduled to leave Atlanta on the 13th and return July 1st with my time spent between Lille and Paris. The crazy thing is that I bought these things over a year ago and am using the hotel vouchers I have been impatiently waiting to use since March of 2020.

It will be a different trip. That’s for sure. But for me it’s worth being back. I have missed France so much.

It is curious that the French gov’t doesn’t just come right out and say a CDC card since that’s all we have.

Susan, just speculation but perhaps they've been hoping that the US gov't would decide and declare that those cards were official and acceptable proof, rather than taking on that inherently national government responsibility themselves.

This is what is on the French Consulate in NY's website:

If you plan to travel to France from the United States (classified in “orange” on the basis of health indicators on June 2, 2021), you must follow the following instructions:

If you are fully vaccinated
- Present proof of your vaccination,
- Present results of a negative PCR or antigen test of less than 72 hours upon boarding,
In this case, you will not have to quarantine on arrival.

No mention of what kind of proof. Process of elimination is probably the CDC card.

stan, that’s certainly a possibility.

Yikes. Having booked my trip for a Sunday, it’s a chore finding a place that gives antigen testing on Saturdays and I question if PCR tests would be turned around with enough time to spare. This will be interesting!

We are hoping to make a trip to France in early September, but are waiting until after 6/9 to book anything. I want to see how the first wave of American tourists goes :)

I was disappointed to see that France is still requiring testing for vaccinated individuals, but given that the US is incapable of generating a standardized vaccination card (which is mind-blowing to me, but that's a different discussion for a different time), I understand why France is being cautious. From what I've read on other sites, testing is only required for children over 11 (if they are accompanied by their vaccinated parents), and France is accepting the antigen test, which is available by appointment or walkup at our departure airport (MCO). That seems more than a reasonable compromise to me, given that they're getting virtually no cooperation/support from the US.

I'm thankful for the community here that can keep me informed of all of these rapidly changing requirements!

Airports should have a place to have an antigen test done. Kudos to the ones that do. It is disappointing that ATL doesn’t when they are such a major airport.

What about re-entry back into the USA? I believe we will need a negative PCR test within 72 hours of return flight. How easy can we get in France? Available at phamacies at airport pre-boarding?

Depending on where you are in France, there seem to be a lot more places to get tests and more easily accessible as well. Especially in Paris. At CDG they have a place set up in terminal 2 for testing. I’m researching this as well. I think I will build in some time my second to last day in France to go to a labo to get my test.

Lynn, the US will accept PCR or antigen test for entry. Antigen tests are easy to come by here.

Alexander — you don't have to go to a labo. About every third pharmacy has a tent set up outside to offer antigen tests with results in 15 minutes.

Merci mille fois, Kim!

I’m curious I was messing around with Air France website and entry requirements page they have and what’s needed. And We have a US Passport but will be in Italy for the first part of our trip. And than flying from Naples Italy to Paris in October 2020. And from what I read the only requirement is to be vaccinated and we don’t need a swab test. Is anyone planning a visit to more than one country this summer/ fall from the US. And know anything different about visiting different countries when your already there in Europe.

I live in Wilmington, NC and the airport here doesn't offer rapid test prior to flights. I called my local Walgreens Pharmacy and they will give the rapid test free of charge. My flight is on a Monday and I was concerned about having to get a test over the weekend. We don't fly until October. Maybe by then, testing wont even be required. If your airport doesnt offer the rapid test, call your local pharmacies.

I'm kind of curious how they are doing them for free. In my area, they are charging $100 or so if they are for travel

I dont know. I told them we need it to travel to France.

One alternative option is to buy the eMed at-home test kit (CDC approved antigen test). You can either use it before entering France or coming back to US. All you need is an Internet access to have a video call on the app to perform the test, less than 30 min, with someone online at eMed. The result will show up on the app. TPG (The Point Guy) has a demo using the kit. The down side is the cost of $150 to trade the convenience.

The problem with that test kit is that it has to retain a rather low temperature. Living in GA. Ine would be doomed upon arrival and lord knows July in Paris isn’t as forgiving either.

En tout cas, tomorrow is Jour-J... surely we will know more then.

Hello -- I am wondering, since to re-enter the US from France we would need a test, if anyone is concerned about testing positive (even though vaccinated) and therefore not being able to return home as planned, as well as any financial and health insurance issues that might result. Thank you for your thoughts.

A false positive is beyond rare. I'm sure they would run a 2nd test and you would clear it. If you are really positive for Covid (a break through are despite the vaccine well, you shouldn't be on a plane with hundreds of others so your stay ing a wee bit longer). The false test results are false negatives, you have the virus but the test didn't pick it up.

Finally! The article I have been waiting for ! It has greatly soothed my stresses heart!

https://thepointsguy.com/news/travel-to-reopened-france-covid/

France, j'arrive bientôt! I hope she remembers me!😍

Thank you for replying OneFastBob. We have a Paris hotel voucher that will expire this year after our cancelled trip in 2020, so are considering re-booking for summer. That's good to know about false-positives being rare. I think also I am nervous of any variants. But, haven't our vaccines (Pfizer in my case) proved to be pretty resilient against variants? Also: are folks getting any special travel insurance for traveling during the pandemic? Thanks again so much, OneFastBob and all.

Alexander, your linked article is extremely helpful, thank you. My son and his girlfriend fly to Paris in 8 days.

Thanks for the link to points guy. So if I’m reading the first part of the article right. If you are in a green country a vaccine is acceptable to go into France without needing a test right? So if I’m visiting Italy from the USA I’m ok to fly to France from Italy and only need the vaccine. Right??

@ edryer4356, I'm not so sure about whether you could go into France from Italy without a COVID test, unless you have an EU passport. I'm following embassy websites and this forum to get an answer to that kind of situation, myself. I will be going to France and after a short time, driving to Spain and back to France again.

Alexander - thanks for posting that article from The Points Guy site.

As I understand it, no you would not be OK with just being in Italy and then going to France. It would depend on the requirements for how long you need to stay in Italy before you went to France to determine whether we need to provide Covid test results. . My personal assumption for the next few months is that if you go anywhere just assume as you cross any border you’re going to need some kind of testing

edryer, I interpreted it as you have to have a passport from a green country. But you’re right, it says “coming from a green country.” It’s either badly written or it means exactly what it says.

I know thing are new and thing are gonna change pretty fast hopefully with the rules come October. Just trying to get an early start for our October trip and what me might need and have to do. We are staying in Positano and since it’s a smaller town, they don’t offer a PCR test only an antigen at the pharmacies there. So trying to game plan 72hrs before we leave from Naples to Paris if we need a PCR test and where the closet city that offers it. Our trip is 16 days in Italy. We are both vaccinated so I’m hoping by mid October when we leave that will be good enough! Just be nice if there was some clarification.

I believe it will all be very clear by Oct.
My son will be in France on 6/18 and Italy on 6/24. Because openings are new, and each country’s requirements vary a little bit for vaccinated Americans, it’s of interest for people going now.

October is a ways off. Things could change so much. I wouldn’t worry till September. In the mean time I will stew until my plane takes off on Sunday.

My stew of choice is a soupe aux poissons

So right Alexander. No point in worrying about Sept or Oct. Unless one enjoys worrying - lol.

Alexander, thanks for the Points Guy article. Our trip to England which was scheduled for this Sunday fell through (obviously) so we’re aiming for France at the end of July. We’re stockpiling airline vouchers and can’t wait to use one for a nice drive around Brittany.

My flight for Paris is tomorrow just before 6pm. It is starting to feel real.
I went to CVS for a PCR test yesterday when they opened. I just got my results 10 min ago...so it took about 36 hours. Not every CVS offers antigen testing so make sure you search for one that does. Since my flight in on a Sunday, that made managing the timing more difficult to manage. But it all worked out. I also went yesterday for an antigen test (a little less than 48 hrs before my flight) in case the PCR test wouldn’t arrive. Overkill? Totally. But I feel better.

That’s great Alexander!! Have so much fun!! My son will be there on Friday.

Maybe this is clearly stated somewhere, but I am having a hard time finding information on entering France with unvaccinated children under the age of 12. My husband and I are fully vaccinated, as are our two children who over the age of 12. As we know, no vaccine has been approved for children under the age of 12, therefore our younger two will not be vaccinated when we plan to travel to France this August. Can we together, with six negative PCR test results in hand and proof of vaccination for the four of us, still enter the country this August? Many thanks in advance for any information on this!

Bit of a hiccup at the start of my trip. I arrived to ATL and the Delta agent that was checking me in informed me that I couldn't go to France without special permission. I kindly told him to check the requirements. He read them out loud. Turns out his comprehension was the problem. He then informed me what children needed. I responded "I have no children with me" and read it back to him. He finally understood, checked me in, and I am waiting at my gate. He really expected me yo say "oh, ok" and leave? Je crois pas. So be insistent. Clearly the airlines don't brief their employees on what is going on.

Edit: the do check your documents about 2 hrs before the flight at the gate. You need to make sure you check in with them before you board.

Alexander, . I want suggest you send Delta a message. If their comprehension skills are that bad they’re in the wrong job. I’m a huge Delta fan but that doesn’t mean everybody they hired was a genius. Plus they need to be called out on the failure to train

What an interesting time to travel. There's a family within ear shot of me where the mother left her vaccine card in another state and they are scrambling to find out what to do. They will not accept a photo.

I'm on the other end and neurotically check every ten minutes to see that I have mine.

Thank goodness you were prepared with the right info, Alex.

I hope you've arrived safely by the time you read this!

Oy Alexander, couldn’t just be uneventful could it? Bonne chance et bon voyage!

Made it! It was a zoo at CDG but went through the line relatively quickly. The only thing they ended up looking at was my passport. Watch the signs for vaccinated and non vaccinated.

Now I am waiting at the Gare TGV2 for my train to Lille! Can't wait to shower!

Great news Alexander!!

So glad. Hope you are enjoying a chilled beverage on a terrace in Lille now.

Kim, actually just ordered a tagine. Couldn't wait for la cuisine maghrébine!

There is a joyous feeling in the air and the Lillois and Lilloises are out and about.

We have a round trip flight scheduled from Los Angeles to London in late July. Since the UK has us on its Amber list, we decided to go on to France instead.

Yes, Lille is SO vibrant. I miss going there.

By the way, they avoided saying so, but obviously the French are accepting the CDC cards as proof of vaccination.

We’ve seen evidence from some of our own travelers (Alexander), the article on the Points Guy, and I finally have seen a couple of French consulates confirming that such is the case.

The idea that they are accepting them isn’t news to most people, but I was very wary (and obviously wrongly so).

To piggyback on what Kim said, here is some things I encountered:

STATES SIDE in ATL: I had to show my vaccination CDC card and my Covid test twice: first when I checked into my flight and second at the gate there was an announcement that everyone taking the flight needed to check in at the gate with the proper documents.

Things in Atlanta seemed very odd. Since these rules are new, it was clear that the people didn’t even know how to read the Covid tests.

ON THE PLANE: You’re given a contract tracing form that you fill out on the plane and return to the flight attendants on the plane. You no longer have to write and fill out the attestation form.

AT CDG: everything went as normal. Everyone is required to wear a blue mask: these were given to people on the plane that did not have any: and when you get in line to go through the police there are two poorly marked signs. One points towards travelers that are vaccinated and one points towards Travelers who are not vaccinated. The agents only asked for my passport.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your CDC card MUST be present. They will not accept a photo. There was one Family that encountered Where the mother left her CDC card at home in Michigan. When I saw the family on the plane the mother was not with them.

Today in France kids aged 12-17 are now able to get the Pfizer vaccine. This is a good sign.

“I refrain from impugning a younger generation.”

It is people of all ages that do this. I experience it all the time with every age. People, in general, often, just do not listen well.

That has not been my experience. It is wrong to generalize. It is all ages.

Generalizations are dangerous, but if forced to generalize, I would say the younger folk are more open minded, earnest and more committed to making a difference in their world. Sometimes deficiencies in customer service in ALL age groups relates to poor training. Also, in terms of COVID, it would seem that people on this forum and elsewhere, including myself, are having a very hard time keeping up with COVID rules, I would imagine that this applies those in the tourism field, as well..

Indeed — can you imagine if at 2 pm you’re working the gate checking in people for a France-bound flight, then 3:30 pm checking in people for an Amsterdam-bound flight, then 5 pm checking in people on an Italy flight . . . Repeat with variations.

How in the world would you be able to keep up with one country’s rules, much less several countries’, and then day by day as things change a little bit for each one !!! What a nightmare to try to assimilate all that information.

And if the person has been off for a few days when the changes went into effect....

Indeed . . .

In today's environment, the airlines need to have country-specific information available online to their employees and have personnel whose primary job is to check information from foreign governments and keep the website updated every day. Of course, that's probably too much to ask given the problems airlines are having staffing their other positions. We almost missed our connection this week at Charlotte when our first flight was delayed getting to the gate because they didn't have enough ground crew to clear the area so that our plane could get to the gate. Our original flight was also late taking off because of some traffic problem. There were no weather issues that day. Bottom line: assume that your journey will encounter glitches. The airlines and airports are understandably, experiencing difficulty going from empty to full in such a short period of time.

The airline employees don't have to keep up with all the regulations. All the airlines are provided that information and provide it in real time format to their employees.

And the truth is in Atlanta you will be checking in passenger one to Mexico, passenger 2 to Paris, passenger 3 to China etc..

What you have to know how to do is READ the information on the screen in front of you. No one expects the agents to have the system memorized, but they should have the skills to read and understand. And you want that.... otherwise you get the clueless agent I had a few years ago who tried to send my bags to Panama City, Panama instead of Panama City, FL. (Luckily for her I know airport codes LOL!)

Alexander's agent obviously had the right data

The airline employees don't have to keep up with all the regulations. All the airlines are provided that information and provide it in real time format to their employees.

Apparently some of them are not reading it