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Tests and quarantine: France imposes new border restrictions for arrivals from non-EU countries

The French government announced a tightening of border restrictions with non-EU countries including the UK on Thursday as it attempts to head off a new rise in Covid-19 infections. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 14 January 2021 19:01 CET
Tests and quarantine: France imposes new border restrictions for arrivals from non-EU countries
AFP

In a press conference on Thursday French PM Jean Castex announced that a 6pm nighttime curfew would be extended throughout the country to stem rising Covid-19 rates.

The PM also announced that the rules for entering France would be tightened in a bid to prevent new more contagious variants of Covid-19 that have wreaked havoc in other countries such as the UK from spreading in France.

Castex announced that anyone arriving from a non-EU country would need to present a negative coronavirus test undertaken within the previous 72 hours to gain entry into France.

Travellers from outside the EU would then have to declare “on their honour” that they will self-isolate for seven days once they arrive in France and then undergo a second PCR test.

The self-isolation can take place at home.

“We are going to strengthen border control,” said the PM. “As of Monday (January 18th) all travellers coming to France from outside the European Union will have to take a test before leaving.

“Those concerned will then have to isolate for seven days and do a second PCR test at the end of this period.”

The UK, which left the EU at the end of the transition period on December 31st, is understood to be included by the new restrictions.

The premier minister also announced that certain countries within the EU which were suffering a steep surge in infections “such as Denmark and Ireland” would also be subject to extra border restrictions, without spelling out what these would be or when they would start.

Caste said “ministers will work on a coordination framework for the European Council on January 21st, to provide exceptions for cross-border workers and road hauliers.”

Cross-border workers and other “essential” workers entering France would be exempt from the requirement to isolate, the PM said.

France closed its border with Britain on December 20th due to the emergence of the new variant. It will remain partially closed until further notice.

At present only certain groups of people are allowed into France from the UK – French or European citizens, those who live in France or another EU country and essential workers – and everyone must present a negative Covid-19 test at the border.

Second-home owners, tourists and those visiting family remain barred.

Between 1 and 1.5 percent of new cases in France are the “variant anglais”, the French Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Thursday, which equates to around 200 to 300 cases each day.

Since April travel to France and the rest of the EU has also been heavily restricted from non-EU countries, with only essential trips allowed such as residents of France returning home.

 

 

 

Member comments

  1. I hope they allow vaccinated family members to visit soon. I haven’t seen my parents in over a year. 🙁

  2. Yes, hopefully, once we are vaccinated it should mean we are good to travel. However, in the UK its unclear whether we get a document to state we’ve had the vaccine.

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TRAVEL NEWS

Can I use my American Express card in France?

If you are travelling to France with an American Express card, there are a few things you ought to consider beforehand.

Published: 30 May 2024 11:14 CEST
Can I use my American Express card in France?

While many European establishments do accept American Express cards, outside of the US they are significantly less common and many businesses, especially smaller ones, refuse them. 

Why are American Express cards not accepted?

According to Forbes, it has to do with the fact that American Express is known for charging “higher merchant fees than other credit card networks.

“In other words: It’s more cost-efficient for many businesses (especially low-margin ones) to take Visa or Mastercard instead.”

The business magazine also noted that American Express credit card transactions made up just 4.61 percent globally. Whereas Visa and Mastercard transactions were significantly more common – making up 38 percent and 24 percent of the market share respectively.

READ MORE: Is it a good idea to rent a car in Paris?

What should I do if I have an AmEx card?

Travel blogs often recommend that AmEx holders bring along a Visa or Mastercard as well, in case they run into issues.

You can also consult American Express’ interactive map, which shows the businesses in France that definitely accept the card.

However, the map may not show every business that accepts AmEx, so feel free to ask (est-ce que vous acceptez les cartes ‘American Express’?) before sitting down for a meal or making a purchase. 

You can also look to see whether the store displays an AmEx sticker in the window. 

Generally, American Express cards are less likely to be accepted in small businesses – neighbourhood restaurants, cafés or independent shops – due to the reasons outlined above. You have a better chance of your AmEx card being accepted in larger companies and chains.

It’s also not accepted by all French apps for payment – so for example if you’re buying national rail tickets you can use AmEx for the SNCF Connect app, but it is not accepted by the Paris public transport app Ile de France Mobilities (which offers digital Metro, bus and tram tickets).

Any other things to consider?

Contactless payment (sans contact) is becoming much more common in France, albeit only for lower-value purchases.  If your AmEx card does not have the chip that allows you to tap and pay, then you may want to take cash out or bring another card along. 

If you still have an old-style card that requires swiping and signing, be aware that most smaller French businesses do not have this payment option.

ATMs should accept your AmEx card, so you should not have any issues being able to put in your pin number and take out cash, though there may be fees.

You’ll also want to look into the transaction fees associated with your card. Some AmEx cards offer the benefit of no foreign transaction fees, while others still charge them.

Finally, while AmEx no longer requires cardholders to inform them ahead of time if they will be travelling abroad, they still recommend “keeping your contact information updated in case we need to contact you while you’re away” and “downloading the Amex mobile app to conveniently manage your account on the go.”

READ MORE: Brits, Americans or Germans – who visits France the most?

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