From 9 June, 2021 France will enter Phase 3 of its easing of Covid-19 restrictions. This also includes the opening of its borders with certain conditions. Discover the new protocols and how it relates to those currently in Paris and those planning on traveling to France.

Le Vrai Paris café in Montmartre

European and International Borders Reopening

As announced in late April, France will be open to EU and other nationalities as of 9 June. This is based a colour system in which requirements for entry vary on your country of departure. This system includes three colour groups: Red, Orange, and Green. The Green group includes EU residents, who will no longer need a “compelling reason” to enter France, and only non-vaccinated visitors will have to provide a recent negative antigen or PCR test. The other countries in the Green category include Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand and Singapore.

The Orange group includes North Americans who can enter with proof of being fully vaccinated (with proof of your vaccination). Those who are not, must have a compelling reason to enter, plus undergo an obligatory quarantine of 7 days and a PCR test after arrival.

For UK nationals, those who are fully vaccinated will need to have proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure, or an antigen test within 48 hours of departure. However, you will not need to justify an essential reason for travel or to self-isolate on arrival. Those who are not fully vaccinated will only be able to enter France for compelling reasons. However, testing requirements have changed. Travelers in this category will be able to take a PCR test within 72 hours of departure, or an antigen test within 48 hours of departure. More information on current travel requirements is available on the UK government website here.

European countries are aiming to coordinate on a EU “health pass” which will hopefully be announced by 1 July.

Photo: Hotel de la Marine, opening on 12 June

Déconfinement Phase 3: 9 June Further Reopening Conditions

As of 9 June the curfew in France goes up to 11 pm. Restaurants will also be allowed to have diners indoors (with certain capacity limits and other restrictions). Museums can also accept up to 65% capacity, although advance booking is now required at many venues, like the beautiful Hotel de la Marine which will be opening to the public on 12 June.

Visitors under 26 and holders of a student card can obtain free entrance to most museums in Paris. For smaller museums you merely need to present your ID (student and national ID) upon entering or but for larger museums, like the Louvre, you need to book in advance a free student ticket in advance.

PSAC students returning to the Musée d’Orsay

Our Top Suggestions for your Cultural Outings

Gain some inspiration for your cultural outings via these articles from our blog:

• Best Historic Art House Cinemas in Paris
• Best Small Museums in Paris
• Alternative Places to See Art in Paris

You can peruse other recent articles here.