France has moved 30 third-party countries to its green list allowing their citizens to visit for tourism without testing restrictions, French authorities announced Thursday.
Most EU and Schengen zone nations are already on France’s green list. The UK, USA and Australia will remain on the orange list for the time being.
These eased entry restrictions apply to anyone who can produce a vaccine certificate. Unvaccinated passengers from green countries are permitted to enter, but they must still undergo COVID-19 testing.
“For unvaccinated travelers, the obligation to present a negative test to travel to France remains, but the measures on arrival (test, isolation) are lifted when they come from countries on the “green” list, characterized by a moderate circulation of the virus,” a government statement reads.
Unvaccinated visitors must show proof of a PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure or a rapid antigen test taken 48 hours prior to arrival in France.
A vaccination certificate is valid as long as it demonstrates the holder completed their vaccination process within the last nine months or has received a booster shot.
The 29 new green-listed countries include South Africa, Angola, Argentina, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Botswana, Benin, Bolivia, Canada, Les Comores, Djibouti, Eswatini, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, St Kitts and Nevis, El Salvador, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“No restriction shall apply when entering metropolitan France from a green list country or territory. No compelling reason is required for travelers to France,” the Ministry notes.
Regarding travelers visiting from orange-listed countries, they must present proof of vaccination.
France accepts the CDC card as proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must provide a compelling reason to visit the country.
Starting Mar. 14, masks will only be mandatory on public transport, medical establishments and care homes.
“After a fifth wave of Covid-19 on an unprecedented scale, the health situation has been improving significantly for several weeks… allowing the lifting of emergency protocols and a gradual resumption of scheduled appointments and surgeries,” said Prime Minister Jean Castex.