Is any antigen test from a health care provider acceptable to enter France?

Posted by Cary (Pacific Northwest) on 12/13/21 03:48 AM

Last week, it seemed like you had to have an antigen that specifically said it tested for the N protein in order to enter France. Now looking at this page, it seems like any antigen test is acceptable:

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/

Does anyone know for sure? We are planning to get an appointment for a PCR test at a local testing site - they only guarantee a 72 hour turnaround, but they usually deliver at 24 hours (our appointment will be within the 48 hour window). We also have appointments for the $250 rapid PCR test at the airport just in case. However, if we are able to get an antigen test, that makes it much more doable.

Any insight?

Posted by Kim

Paris

12/13/21 11:43 AM

10201 posts

Cary - I wish I could help, but I am just as confused as you are.

1) the implementing decree definitely says that the only acceptable antigen test is one that detects for the N protein;
2) the Interior Ministry website, to which you have correctly linked, and is the gold standard for knowing what the requirements are for France , clearly makes no reference to any “qualifying”
requirement for the antigen test.

I don’t know what the right answer is.

Posted by TexasTravelMom

TX, USA

12/13/21 02:24 PM

4825 posts

I suspect only a scientist knows for sure what some of the answers are. I do think it is clear, as Kim said, that an antigen test that tests for the N protein (nucleocapsid protein) is acceptable for entry into France. I was able to enter on Dec 4 with my antigen test result that clearly stated it tested for the nucleocapsid protein. I would be asking questions of your testing site first, to make sure it does. And I would also look at the airport site again - they are specifically set up for travel testing and it is most likely (but you would want confirmation) that their antigen test would test for the N protein. (And personally I hate last minute testing.)

It’s another question of risk tolerance, but I chose to believe the government site that said entry with an antigen test that tested for the N protein was acceptable. Then I read the confirmation on my antigen test result that stated that it tested for the nucleocapsid protein and decided to trust that, as well. The difference for me and you is that I didn’t have time for the PCR option with the implementation of the new testing requirement. All I can say is it worked for me - you have to decide what to do in your own case.

Posted by Cary OP

Pacific Northwest

12/13/21 03:55 PM

347 posts

@Travelmom - to clarify, the test we have scheduled at the airport is a rapid PCR test. Since it is PCR, it will cost $250/ea. It is our back up test just in case we don't get our results from the free PCR test in time (since they only guarantee 72 hours and we need it within 48).

But with this official French government website clearly leaving out the N protein requirement, I thought I'd ask the hive mind whether anyone else has had experience with this or has seen/heard other official French government reports that roll back the N protein requirement.

Posted by TexasTravelMom

TX, USA

12/13/21 05:48 PM

4825 posts

Yes, $250/e at the airport is high - especially if you can get your free PCR results back in time. I guess what I meant was that you could look at an antigen test at the airport as your back up (instead of a rapid PCR) if your free test results aren’t back in time. If you have confirmed the airport antigen tests for the N protein, your back up wouldn’t cost as much, should you have to use it.