Am I correct in my understanding that kids under 12 do not have to be tested before flying out to France? And has anyone who has flown out recently from the US had trouble with the airlines understanding that rule? I don't want to have any trouble at the airport over my daughter not being tested.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11880 posts
Just hope your airline staff know what the rules are.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2703 posts
I believe that all US air carriers subscribe to the Timatic advisory network and, for purposes of boarding international passengers, use criteria as specified by Timatic which constantly screens foreign entry requirements.
France publishes their requirements, in English, referencing them should avoid any problem which might arise at check in. This is what France publishes concerning the unvaccinated arriving from the US (an amber country) and what must be presented for entry:
For persons aged 11 years or more, a virological screening test (PCR) of less than 48 hours prior to boarding showing no COVID-19 infection or an antigenic test taken less than 48 hours before boarding, showing no COVID-19 infection;
Boarding time is when you depart for your trip.
Posted by
Southeast US
4045 posts
Why not get her tested to remove all doubt at the airport ticket counter?
Posted by
OP
Frederick, CO
35 posts
I would have her tested as a precaution, but it's so expensive.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2703 posts
Expenses associated with presenting a one time, negative Covid test for entry into France for someone unvaccinated will likely be minor in relation to the costs of daily Antigen testing for individuals 12 to 17 years old to maintain a valid pass sanitaire.
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A15179?lang=en
Posted by
OP
Frederick, CO
35 posts
She's 10. My 14yo is getting tested.
Posted by
Maryland
907 posts
$30 for two Binax at home Antigen tests... Or $75 (with insurance) for a PCR test (in the DC area) to provide reassurance compared to the cost of a trip to France for the family?. Not worrying is as valuable to me..
Posted by
OP
Frederick, CO
35 posts
Oooh. Have they determined if at home tests are acceptable?
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8971 posts
Un-proctored, at home self-tests aren't accepted anywhere for anything. They produce no piece of paper or any evidence that can show you've actually taken a test. What they are good for, is peace of mind in having some assurance of status before a qualifying test, or for your daily life.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
347 posts
Both of our kids are well under the age limit (9 and 7) but we are getting them tested all the same. The peace of mind and not having any hassles outweighs the cost - at least for a rapid antigen test. We have backup appointments for rapid PCR tests at the airport that are $250 each. If we somehow need to use those, we will not be testing the kids.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
347 posts
Also - from what I can tell, Walgreens does a free rapid antigen test. That is what we are doing.
Posted by
Florida
276 posts
We recently (on Nov 18, 2021) flew from the US to France with our 4yo. No one ever questioned us or asked for his results. American airlines actually uses an app (VeriFly), where we uploaded all our docs prior to travel in order to receive our boarding pass. We never even went to the counter.
Although, to be fair, that now seems a lifetime away in terms of covid restrictions. I have not kept up with current rules or restrictions since everything changed with omicron.
It is also worth noting that the US required him to be tested in order for us to return home. Our pharmacist in Paris was amazingly kind and gentle, and he had no problems whatsoever with the test.