Covid tests in France are very easy to access, but if you’re not a resident of the country then you may need to pay.

Here’s how to get a test in France:

Test types

There are three types of Covid test available in France

• PCR test (un test pay-say-eyre) – a nasal swab test performed in a testing centre with the swab sent off to a lab for processing and the results emailed out later (usually within 48 hours)
• Antigen test (un test antigénique) – also a nasal swab, but the results are given on the spot within 15 minutes of the test being taken. These are available in pharmacies and pop-up testing centres, most of which do not require an appointment. These tests are referred to as lateral flow tests in some countries
• Home-testing kit (un autotest) – available from pharmacies, there are also nasal swab tests that you can do at home. This is the same process as the antigen test, but you do it yourself and get the results within 15 minutes

Most countries no longer require a negative test for travel reasons, but if you do need a travel test, check carefully with the country that you are travelling to whether a PCR or antigen test is required. Most countries do not accept home test results.

READ ALSO The French vocab you need to get a Covid test

How to get one

You can get a test for any reason in France (including travel), there is no limitation of tests to only those with symptoms or contact cases – although some testing centres are reserved for priority cases – and there are quite a few different methods of booking one.

You can find antigen tests at most pharmacies in France. Look out for the sign dépistage du Covid (Covid testing) or test Covid-19 in the window and if the sign adds sans rendez-vous then you can get the test on a walk-in basis.

Most pharmacies offer testing without appointments, but some, especially the smaller ones, require appointments in advance. You can usually just walk in and make your reservation.

You will also see pop-up testing centres, especially in cities or resort towns. These are often just a small tent or gazebo on the street where you can go in and get a test, usually an antigen test but some offer PCR tests. These have been scaled back a lot since the height of the pandemic, but they do still exist – especially in big cities and tourist destinations.

If you need a PCR test you will probably have to book in advance, although some pop-up centres do offer PCR tests on the spot. You will usually go to a specialist Covid testing centre, a medical lab, health centre or doctor’s office. You can book direct by phone with most of these if you know where they are, but the easiest way to find your nearest centre is online or through a phone app.

The French public health website sante.fr has a page HERE where you enter your location and select the type of test you want, giving you a list of centres near you with details on how to book (online, by phone etc).

If you have a smartphone, the medical app Doctolib allows you to book appointments. Simply download the app and create a profile, the search dépistage Covid, choose between PCR or antigen tests and enter your town or postcode. You can book via Doctolib online as well.

The app gives you a list of centres near you that have appointments, and you can book via the app. If your booking is at a doctor’s office or medical centre the app also shows you a doctor profile which includes information on languages spoken, so if you need an English-speaking doctor you can find one.   

If you’re in a tourist area it’s likely that staff at the testing centre will speak a bit of English, but check out our handy guide to French testing vocab HERE.

How much?

There are fixed costs for tests. Residents can get these reimbursed via their carte vitale but tourists or visitors will have to pay. Pharmacies and testing centres accept either cash or debit cards.

• PCR test – €44
• Antigen test – €22

Both PCR and antigen tests give a formal certificate of results with a QR code as standard, so there is no need to request a special travel test or a fit-to-fly certificate. 

Self-testing kits are available in pharmacies and these everyone has to pay for – the price is capped at €6, although lots of pharmacies are selling them for considerably less than this. You can buy as many of these as like, there is no limit and in most places availability is no problem.

Positive

If your test is positive, you will need to self-isolate.

The self-isolation period depends on your vaccination status and subsequent negative tests – full details HERE.

France no longer requires the health pass for access to everyday venues such as cafés, tourist sites and gyms, but you may be asked to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test if you are visiting a health centre or hospital for non-emergency treatment.