Travel due to Covid restrictions

Travel in France and abroad is subject to health restrictions due to the resurgence of the Covid-19 epidemic and the appearance of new variants of the coronavirus, identified in the UK, South Africa and Brazil.

In France between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., you can only travel for one of the reasons specified on the exceptional travel certificate, posted online by the French government. "Journeys linked to rail or air transits for long distances" are among the valid reasons.

The prefecture of Corsica has extended the obligation to present a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours to go to the island until early February. As a reminder, wearing a mask is mandatory for all trips in public transport and in public spaces.

In French overseas territories, since January 18th, travellers to these territories must take a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours of travel and complete a sworn statement indicating that they have no symptoms. On arrival, passengers must undergo a seven-day isolation. A new test must be carried out at the end of this week, specifies the prefecture of Martinique. This rule does not apply for journeys between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Travel between Guyana and the French Antilles is limited to "compelling reasons" of a family, professional or health nature only, indicates the prefecture of Guyana.

International air and sea links to and from Mayotte were suspended from January 17th, for at least 15 days, the island's prefecture has announced. Travel between the department, mainland France and Reunion Island is only authorized for "compelling reasons". The same goes for trips to and from French Polynesia,

Travel within Europe remains possible, but is strongly discouraged, recalls the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As of Sunday January 24th, travellers coming from a country in the European area (EU Member States, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican) must present a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours to enter France. This does not apply to so-called essential travel, border workers and land transport. Most countries in the European Union require a negative test to travel to their territory. Some states also impose a period of isolation on arrival: this is the case for Germany (10 days), Italy (14 days) or Romania (14 days). Cyprus, Hungary and Denmark have also closed their borders to French nationals, except for compelling reasons or for permanent residents.

Travel to and from the United Kingdom has also been strictly regulated since the discovery of a new variant of the coronavirus in England. Entry into France is possible for so-called essential trips, subject to presentation of a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours. To go across the Channel from France, you will also have to present a negative test of less than 72 hours and isolate for 10 days upon arrival.

For the rest of the world, the external borders of the European Union remain closed until further notice, except for residents of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and China (under reciprocity reserve), specifies the Commission. Travel to the rest of the world is strongly discouraged and is subject to rules which vary from state to state. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifies these measures on its site, country by country.

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