We are saying goodbye to the Year of the Ox and entering Year of the Tiger. Tuesday 1st February 2022 marks the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, as well as in Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines!

If you are looking for a way to celebrate, check out Paris’s three different Chinatowns. Expect bustling streets and busy restaurants at this time of year, which are perfect for soaking in the atmosphere and joining the celebrations! Or grab a bite to eat from your local takeaway (traiteur)!

Les Olympiades

The more active heart of the Chinese community in Paris is located in the Olympiades district of the 13th arrondissement. ~The Olympiades is Europe’s largest Chinatown in terms of size. While Recognisable thanks to its many 1970s high-rises, it’s a vibrant neighbourhood with excellent food!

The town hall of the 13th arrondissement is hosting a week of New Year’s celebrations including film screenings, round table discussions and exhibitions. Find the full programme (in French) here.

If you’re looking for something to eat in Les Olymiades, enjoy some excellent Vietnamese soup at Pho Bành Cuon 14, dig into some tasty and reasonably priced southeast Asian food at Lao Lane Xang 2, or have a traditional Chinese meal at Li Ka Fo. For something on the go, track down Thieng Heng, for an authentic Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, or some bubble tea at Bubble House..

Crowded Belleville district, Roberto

Belleville

Traditionally working class, rebellious and artistic, the neighbourhood of Belleville is a true  melting pot. Along the bustling Boulevard de Belleville one can find North African hookah lounges, Jewish delis and Asian supermarkets.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the many Chinese restaurants and tea houses lining the main streets within 2-3 blocks of métro Belleville, especially along Rue Louis Bonnet.

The area’s most famous restaurant is Le Président, a vast Cantonese restaurant. For great Vietnamese pho or bobun, grab a table at Chez Yu and vegetarians might want to track down Best Tofu, a small casual joint packed with Asian diners (best for lunch as it closes at 8pm).

Rue au Maire, Vivre le Marais.

Arts-et-Métiers

The city’s original Chinatown is found in pocket of the 3rd arrondissement. As the traditional wholesale clothing district of the city, some Chinese, particularly from Wenzhou, settled in the area. Not too much is still visible today, however, around the City Hall of the district (la Mairie du 3ème) some Chinese shops and restaurants can be found on rue au Maire, rue Volta, rue du Temple and rue des Gravilliers.

Check out Mollé Pâtisserie for some sweet treats or hidden gem Chez Shen for an authentic meal!

Header photo: Lunar New Year Sortiraparis.com

If you find yourself in need of a Covid-19 test in Paris, you have many options to choose from.

Antigen (also known as lateral flow) tests administered by a pharmacy

These are rapid tests which provide a result within 15 to 30 minutes. They are widely available and the cheaper option.

Most pharmacies across the city offer antigen tests without an appointment.

If you do not have French health insurance, the test will cost between 22 and 30 euros. If you do not have French health insurance, but you do have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), present this at the pharmacy as you may be eligible for a reduced rate.

There are also many testing tents (see above photo) in main streets which provide tests with out appointments. Often you will scan a QR code and fill in a form whilst waiting in line for the test.

Self-administered antigen (lateral flow) test

Known as an autotest in French, these types of tests are sold in pharmacies and are widely available.

Sold individually for 5 euros or in kits of 5 tests for around 20 euros, these tests are the cheapest options currently available if you do not have French health insurance.

You will not receive a certificate with this type of test and so they cannot be used if you intend to travel.

PCR tests administered by a pharmacy or laboratory

PCR tests take longer to receive a result (around 24 hours) and are more expensive but may be required for travel to certain countries and are considered more accurate.

These tests are carried out by medical professionals in laboratories, private clinics or testing centres.

PCR tests cost from €44, and up to €80. If you do not have French health insurance, but you do have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), present this at the pharmacy as you may be eligible for a reduced rate.

The French government have a website allowing you to search for testing locations near you: https://www.sante.fr/cf/centres-depistage-covid/departement-75-paris.html

Select your departement (75 for Paris), your test type (RT-PCR or Antigenique) and open to everyone (ouverts à tout public)

You will be able to see a drop down from each testing location giving details such as address, opening hours, and whether they require an appointment (uniquement avec rendez-vous) or not (sans rendez-vous).

They will likely provide a website or phone number to book an appointment, if required.

Alternatively, you can book a PCR test through the Doctolib app or on Doctolib.fr

Log in or create an account and then search for dépistage PCR or dépistage antigénique and search for test appointment slots near you. It will show a screen like the one below.

Image: Cecile D. Sortir à Paris.

This is a short guide for students joining us this January who are arriving from the UK.

If you are travelling to France from a country other than the UK, please view current guidance from the French government here: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coming-to-france-your-covid-19-questions-answered/

The below information is specific to travel to France from the United Kingdom only.

The rules for vaccinated travellers have changed as of Friday 14 January 2022:

• You do not need to present a motif impérieux (compelling reason) to enter France.
• You do not need to complete a passenger locator form.
• You do not need to isolate on arrival in France.

Vaccinated travellers must provide at border control:

Make sure you check your travel provider’s website for their own Covid requirements.

*This cannot be a NHS test. It must be a private PCR or antigen (lateral flow) test that will provide you with a “fit to fly/travel” certificate. Your travel provider will most likely be able to provide a list of test providers – but do not wait until the last minute to book!

For unvaccinated travellers see below:

Booking journey and accommodation

You will need to book your train or flight and read up on your travel provider’s own Covid requirements on their website.

If you have not yet sorted longer-term accommodation, you may wish to book accommodation for the first 10 days as the current French government restrictions require UK travellers to isolate for up to 10 days.

Pre-departure Testing

All travellers coming from the UK to France must take a PCR or antigen test within 24 hours of departure.

This cannot be an NHS test. You will need to book a test that will provide you with a “fit to fly/travel” certificate. Your travel provider will most likely be able to provide a list of test providers – but do not wait until the last minute to book!

Documents to bring with you

Prepare all the documents you will need to present at border control.

They can be found here: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel

• Form detailing your “compelling reason” or pressing grounds to enter France:
  • If you have a French visa, tick the box “Third-country citizens who hold a valid French or European residence permit or long-stay visa ………. “
  • If you did not apply for a visa, tick the box “Students enrolled in French as a foreign language (FLE) courses prior to enrolment higher education, or admitted to the orals of competitive examinations in French higher education institutions, or enrolled for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year……..”
• Proof of your “compelling reason” to enter France
  • this will be your visa or your status letter from the Kent Paris Office if you did not apply for a visa.
• Passenger Locator Form (eOS): this is a form similar to the current UK passenger locator form and requires you to provide details of your address and contact details and will then produce a form with a QR code which you will be required to present for inspection at border control.
• Sworn Statement: this form must be compeleted and signed to state that you have no symptoms of covid and have not been in contact with anyone who has tested positive.

Isolating in France

All travellers arriving from the UK must self-isolate on arrival in France, either for 48 hours following your arrival, or for a full 10 days:

• You can “test out” of isolation by taking a Covid test 2 days (48 hours) after your arrival. More information on testing can be found below!
• If you do not take a test, you must isolate for 10 days following your arrival. the day of arrival is Day 0.
• If you test positive, you must adhere to the normal rules of isolation following a positive test which are detailed here: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coming-to-france-your-covid-19-questions-answered/isolation-testing-attending-events-what-are-the-rules-in-france/

Test to Release

If you chose to take a PCR or antigen test after 48 hours of arrival in France, you have many options to choose from.

If you are not registered with French national health inusrance:

• PCR tests cost from €44
• Antigen tests cost €22 to €30

Most pharmacies across the city offer antigen tests without an appointment.

There are also many testing tents in main streets which provide tests with out appointments. Often you will scan a QR code and fill in a form whilst waiting in line for the test.

We recommend taking an antigen test as they are widely available, cheaper, and you will have your results within 30 minutes or so.

The French government is instituting new restrictions for those travelling from the UK into France from Saturday, 18 December, and for an undetermined amount of time. Here are the headlines:

• Both non-vaccinated and vaccinated people will be required to have a “compelling reason” (motif impérieux) to travel to or from the UK.
  • Anyone with a visa will normally be permitted to enter France. 
  • It is our understanding that studies constitute a “compelling reason” to enter France so long as they are able to demonstrate that they have been accepted onto a course in France. 
• On departure, vaccinated people will have to present a negative PCR or lateral flow test less than 24 hours old. This cannot be an NHS test. You will need to book a test that will provide you with a “fit to fly/travel” certificate. Your travel provider will most likely be able to provide a list of test providers.

• Before travelling, anyone coming from the UK will be required to register on a digital platform (in a similar format to the current UK passenger locator form) allowing them, among other things, to state the address for their stay in France. https://passager.serveureos.org/  
  This platform will generate prefectural orders requiring all non-vaccinated and vaccinated travellers to isolate in their chosen place. This requirement to isolate can be lifted after 48 hours, on condition of a negative test result. 
  
  • This requirement suggests that anyone entering France from the UK will be required to book accommodation prior to arrival for up to 10 days. As we are still learning more about the requirements and how they will be applied, we recommend that anyone making a booking straight away book something that is cancellable/refundable. You may also wish to wait to book something until January when the situation becomes clearer. 

• Anyone entering France will also have to complete, sign and bring with them 2 documents that can be found here: www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel 

-The first details your reason for coming to France (Travel Certificate to Metropolitan France).

-The second is a Sworn Statement (“Engagemnet sur l’honneur”) that you do not have Covid symptoms, have not been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, you will take a lateral flow test on arrival to France, and you will quarantine on arrival. The French government have stated that checks will be organized to ensure these measures are properly implemented.

Despite these stricter measures, we would like to reassure you that a similar situation took place at this time last year. All students registered on our programmes with a term in Paris were suddenly faced with the same requirement of demonstrating a compelling reason to be in France, and each of them was able to safely cross the border upon presentation of the requisite documents. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and update you when we return from the Christmas break. By that point, we are likely to have more information on requirements and also how the various requirements will be applied. 

Students who have not applied for a visa for the upcoming semester should expect to receive a status letter from the Kent Paris office on Monday, 10 January attesting to their future studies with us in Paris. In these instances, the more recent the status letter, the better. For that reason, we will not be issuing status letters prior to the 10th. With that said, Kent staff will be back in the office on Tuesday, 4th January, and you are welcome to get in touch with any questions.

Photograph: Getty Images

All information up to date as of 4 January 2022:

You do not have to be registered in the French healthcare system to receive a Covid-19 vaccine but you must prove that you legally reside in France e.g. a Visa, a Carte de Séjour, or proof of address (electricity bill etc.).

This guide is about how to access an additional Covid-19 vaccination injection (a booster shot) after the completion of your original vaccination scheme. In France, you must meet official vaccination requirements to be provided with a Covid health pass called a Pass Sanitaire, allowing you to enter restaurants, museums, cinemas etc. Read our guide to the Pass Sanitaire here.

This booster vaccination guide is relevant if you completed your original vaccination scheme with a vaccine authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna, AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), or AstraZeneca (Covishield).

If you compelted your original vaccination scheme with a vaccine not authorized by the EMA, you must isolate for 7 days on arrival in France and get a booster shot of an EMA authorised vaccine as soon as possible to be considered “fully vaccinated” in France and receive a Pass Sanitaire.

What the government currently says:

Booster shot/ 3^rd vaccine dose

The booster shot is open to everyone aged 18 and over, 3 months after their last injection (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or AstraZeneca), or 4 weeks after their last injection (Johnson & Johnson), or 3 months after their last positive test.

“Pass Sanitaire”

• People aged 65 and over and people vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson are eligible to receive a booster shot from 27 November 2021 and must have proof of a booster shot by 15 December 2021 in order to keep their pass sanitaire activated.
• People aged 18 to 64, who had their 2^nd vaccine injection before 17 June 2021 are eligible to receive their booster shot from 27 November 2021 and must have received it by 15 January 2022 in order to keep their pass sanitaire activated.
• People aged 18 to 64, who received their 2^nd vaccine injection after 17 June 2021, are eligible to receive their vaccine 3 months after the date of the 2^nd injection, and must receive the boost shot within 7 months of the 2^nd injection in order to keep their pass sanitaire activated.
• After your booster shot, you will receive a new QR code which will become valid 7 days after the injection. This QR code will renew your Pass Sanitaire.
• From 29 November 2021, PCR tests and lateral flow tests must be dated within the last 24 hours to be used as a valid Pass Sanitaire.
• At this time, we do not know what will happen if your Pass Sanitaire is disactivated, or how to reactivate it.

What to do:

• If you can receive a booster shot in your home country before you come to France, that may be the easiest path. Otherwise:
• Check the date of your last injection and calculate the date from which you are eligible to receive your booster.
• Book your vaccination appointment on Doctolib.fr or on the Doctolib app:
  • There is a step-by-step guide at the end of this post.
  • Don’t be discouraged if you are scrolling through pages saying they don’t have appointments available, there may be a slot on a later page.
  • Each day new appointments are added. If you don’t get one straight away, don’t panic.
• At your appointment you will be given a new QR code. Scan this code on the TousAntiCovid app to update your Pass Sanitaire

Doctolib Guide:

1. Go to fr or the Doctolib app
2. Select “me faire vacciner”

3. Add your location (you may have to travel to receive a vaccine on your desired date)

4. Select “reserver une dose de rappel” = reserve a booster shot

5. Select the vaccine you need

6. Select the date you are eligible to have your booster (See section “Pass Sanitaire” in this document)

7. Choose your appointment time and place

8. You will be asked a series of questions to check your eligibility e.g. aged over 12, completed an original Covid Vaccination scheme, no current Covid symptoms etc. If you meet these requirements, click “J’ai lu et j’accepte les consignes”

9. Now login or create an account to confirm the appointment

Image Sortir à Paris. Information from Service-Public.fr

Since 9 August 2021, a pass sanitaire (health pass) is required in France to enter many public places. The French government has made this easier to obtain for foreigners coming to the country. Below are instructions on how you can get your pass either in advance or after you arrive.

Where the Health Pass is Required

A health pass is required to enter the University of Kent’s Paris study centre (based at Reid Hall). You will also be asked to show your health pass at the following places (non-exhaustive list):

• Restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs
• Retirement homes, hospitals and medical providers (except in case of emergency)
• Long-distance transport (planes, trains, boats and buses)
• Cultural events and sites (museums, monuments, cinemas, and theatres)
• Sporting facilities (gyms and swimming pools)
• Festivals, amusement parks, zoos
• Most libraries

A health pass is NOT required for:

• Grocery stores and other food shops
• Small shops under 20,000 m2
• Outdoor free access parks and gardens
• Not required for religious services, but is required for cultural events held at churches
• To visit an internist or family doctor

Obtaining your Health Pass

If you have been vaccinated in the EU, you will already have the QR code proving your vaccination record. This acts as your “health pass” and you will not need to apply via the instructions included here. You can simply show the code in electronic (on your phone) or paper form at the sites which require a health pass.

UK nationals who have been vaccinated in the UK under the normal vaccination scheme should request their digital “NHS Covid pass”, which is accepted in France in the same fashion as an EU Health Pass. This is available through the NHS app.

For non-EU citizens or non-vaccinated EU citizens. The French pass is issued to people who have proof of a negative covid test or those who have been fully vaccinated with a vaccine recognized by the European Medicines Agency or one of the equivalents to these vaccines.

Here are the current conditions of being fully vaccinated – though please see the note below as these will change:

• 4 weeks after a one-dose injection (Johnson & Johnson)
• 7 days after the second injection for two-dose vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca)
• 7 days after the injection if you have recovered from COVID-19 (only one dose is necessary)

As of 27 November, France is rolling out its booster vaccination scheme. The booster shot is open to everyone aged 18 and over, 5 months after their second injection (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or AstraZeneca), or 4 weeks after their single injection (Johnson & Johnson), or 5 months after their last positive test. The booster shot will become a requirement for the Health Pass in the next few months. Read more about it in our Booster Vaccination Guide.

You can get a Health Pass from a health professional in France, including pharmacies and vaccine centres (for free). Some pharmacies are now charging a 5-10 euro fee to create a health pass for foreigners. Find the government list and map of pharmacies providing this service here: https://www.sante.fr/recherche/trouver/health%20pass 

If you are currently abroad, you can also apply for one via a new online system in advance.  https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/passe-sanitaire-etudiants

We recommend applying for your Health Pass as soon as possible. Prepare the following documents, in electronic format (jpg/pdf):

1. Your vaccination certificate, stating the type of vaccine used
2. A scan/image of your passport
3. Your travel ticket (return ticket)
4. Your student visa 
5. Your University of Kent status letter

Once you log in, please follow the prompts.

Image from Europe 1. Information sourced from www.diplomatie.gouv.fr