Faced with the fifth wave of Covid-19, new rules for entering French territory have been applied since Saturday, December 4. A new “scarlet red” category, which brings together ten southern African countries, hit by the Omicron variant, has also been created, we can read on the government website. Franceinfo takes stock of these new measures.
No obligation to present a negative result for vaccinated travelers from the EU
For travelers coming from part of “green” countries, such as Argentina or Australia, a negative PCR or antigen test of less than 48 hours must be presented upon boarding. This measure applies equally to all people, vaccinated or not, details the government (PDF link).
However, there are exceptions in this category of “green” country. “People with a complete vaccination schedule do not have to take a test when they arrive from a member state of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, the Holy See or Switzerland “. As for unvaccinated travelers from these territories, they will have to justify a negative PCR or antigen test of less than 24 hours.
Seven-day self-isolation for unvaccinated travelers from an “orange” country
Travelers, vaccinated or not, coming from an “orange” country, such as the United States or China, must present on boarding the result of a negative PCR or antigen test of less than 48 hours. However, there is an exception for unvaccinated travelers from the UK who will need to be tested within 24 hours.
In addition, random tests may also be carried out on arrival of travelers. Unvaccinated people coming from an “orange” country will be subjected on their arrival in France to a 7-day self-isolation, and to the realization of a new test at the end of this period.
Mandatory ten-day quarantine for unvaccinated travelers from a “red” country
For all travelers coming from a “red” country, such as Brazil and Russia, the government requires the presentation of a negative PCR or antigen test of less than 48 hours upon boarding, whether these travelers are vaccinated or no.
Systematic screening will also be carried out on arrival in France for vaccinated travelers from these countries. Unvaccinated people from a “red” country will be subject to compulsory isolation for ten days upon their arrival in France. Compliance with this quarantine will be monitored “by the security forces”.
Mandatory ten-day isolation for all travelers from a “scarlet red” country
Ten southern African countries have been placed under the new ‘scarlet red’ category:South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Mauritius, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe. From these countries, only French and EU nationals, those of third countries holding a French or European residence permit or long-stay visa, travelers in transit for less than 24 hours in the area international, diplomats and flight personnel will be able to enter French territories.
All these travelers, whether vaccinated or not, must present a PCR test of less than 48 hours or an antigen test of less than 24 hours upon boarding. Systematic screenings will be carried out on their arrival in France.
In addition, all these travelers will also be subject to compulsory isolation for ten days, “controlled by the security forces”. If the test is negative, the person will be subject to a prefectural order requiring isolation in the place of their choice. If it is positive, it will be the subject of a prefectural isolation order. “in a place chosen by the authorities, after examining his personal situation”, Matignon clarified.