France Eases Its Travel Restrictions to Some Countries

France eases its travel restrictions on countries including Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. Its foreign ministry announced that you no longer need to provide “compelling” reason/s if you’re traveling to and from the countries mentioned.

French Tourism Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne cited the improving COVID19 situation in the country for easing their travel restrictions. In his tweet, he said that “The list includes Britain, because the UK variant now also circulates widely in France”. The UK variant accounts for half of the COVID19 cases in France.

However, travelers entering France will have to show a negative COVID19 test within the last 72 hours before their travel. Also, they will have to finish their 7-day quarantine.

Travel Restrictions

By the end of January, French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced banning flights to and from countries outside the EU. Following the announcement, air travelers were cut in half. with 700 travelers turned away for failing to show legitimate reasons to travel.

French epidemiologist and biostatistician Catherine Hill commented that the measure was just“delaying the inevitable”. She ultimately believed that a lockdown is a must to keep the numbers of cases down.

Legitimate Reasons

For individuals who live in countries not mentioned on the list, you will need to have legitimate reasons to visit France. Lemoyne mentioned that France is also going to widen the motives that will allow travelers to enter France. New legitimate reasons according to Lemoyen will include family situations.

The foreign ministry mentioned that it is going to allow individuals who have a significant other to visit France. Another legitimate reason to enter France is for parents that have children studying in France.

Despite easing on travel restrictions, the ministry still recommends a limit to international travel. Those who need to travel in or out of France will need to provide documentation. Border police also require written proof before allowing travelers to go onboard.