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Best of Eastern France May 8 tour

Updates on vaccination card status? Is the Pass Sanitaire still a requirement to get prior to travel to France? Very much looking forward to the trip.
Ann

Posted by
9460 posts

You can not get a pass vaccinale until you are in France. You take your CDC proof of vaccination, plus an i.d., to almost any pharmacy, where for 36€, the pharmacist will convert your info into a French QR code, which serves as your pass vaccinale. This gains you entry to restaurants, cafes, Museums, etc etc.

Do note that there is some talk that the passe vaccinale may be done away with before your trip, so I would check again closer to time.

Please note that both for entry to France, and for a passe vaccinale, you must be vaccinated AND boosted, and the booster shot MUST be an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna).

Posted by
2 posts

I checked the French ministry website which now states "End of the vaccination pass : From March 14 , the application of the vaccination pass will be suspended in all places where it was required (leisure and cultural places, commercial catering activities, fairs and trade shows, etc.). After this date, the health pass will however remain in force in health establishments, retirement homes, establishments welcoming people with disabilities".

Posted by
583 posts

We got an email today titled "COVID-19 requirements for your Best of Eastern France in 14 Days Tour". There was no mention of pre-tour testing. We are on the May 8th tour, also.

Posted by
14 posts

I understand this is a time of change and uncertainty. It will be curious to see what the tour rules are by May 8th. Masking in particular.
Fingers crossed that there is some resolution in Ukraine by then.

Posted by
583 posts

The roster and the hotel details have now been added to our tour documents! Our guide is Chris Coleman from Minnesota:)

Posted by
2252 posts

Hello fellow 8May EF tour members. I appreciate all the info and am happy to meet you. I’m traveling with my sister to France from Colorado and two friends from Washington. I am looking forward to meeting all of you on this great tour.

Posted by
14 posts

So nice to see notes from others on the May 8th tour. We are arriving Paris May 6th. I'm thinking we need a test 48 hours prior to the start of the tour, per Rick Steves info. Is that also still the case? Can we bring our own test kit and administer it in front of the guide? Otherwise the pharmacies in Paris are the option.

Posted by
13800 posts

Anna, this is from the RSE FAQs on tours.

"Will I need a negative COVID-19 test prior to joining a tour?

Beginning with our May 2022 tours, we're no longer requiring pre-tour testing, but for departures through April 30, 2022, you need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR, antigen, or at home telehealth tests are accepted) taken within 48 hours of the first day of your tour. We may reinstate testing requirements at any time and will notify you by email 30 days prior to your tour departure if you need to provide a negative test."

https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/coronavirus-faq

So, for your tour, unless things change in the next few days you will not need a pre-tour test.

Posted by
2252 posts

Thanks, Pam, I saw that posted in a different place earlier and am pleased to see this change will affect us! Thank you for adding it to this discussion! Your input is always valuable!

Posted by
13800 posts

Andi....no chance you're going to be in Paris a couple of weeks ahead of this tour is there?

Posted by
583 posts

Ann and Andi, I look forward to meeting both of you. We leave home in 26 days!

Posted by
177 posts

Hello, tour mates! By now you have seen the updates in our tour docs re vaccination card - so sharing this instead: my husband has put our puffy coats in vacuum seal bags, for our day in the mountains. What a great way to save space. We are looking forward to meeting everyone.

Posted by
583 posts

Great tip about the coat! I haven't quit wearing it yet for the season, though (we have had a very long, windy, snowy, cold winter.)

I look forward to warmer weather and meeting you!

Posted by
373 posts

Did this tour several years ago and really enjoyed it! One tip I'd add is that if you have a small lightweight pair of binoculars they're worth bringing. Makes it easier to see the detail on the Cathedral windows in Reims and also the views in Chamonix.

Posted by
14 posts

Good morning everyone. We are pretty excited to get this journey started! We depart home next Wednesday for CDG. Safe travels and good health everyone. Flying Delta non-stop SEA to CDG. Anyone else on that flight?