Some of the most complicated rules regarding visiting France are still in place. The last travel restrictions were lifted in August, making it much easier for all.
All Covid-19 travel restrictions on French travellers have been lifted. The previously-established rules for travellers arriving in France under Covid-19 are no longer applicable.
France and its overseas territories will no longer require travellers to show proof of vaccination or complete forms. They will not be required to show proof of a negative antigen or PCR test.
All travellers are required to enter France regardless of their vaccination status.
You won’t need to show proof of vaccination to travel between France and its overseas territories (Guadeloupe, French Polynesia).
British citizens and British tourists must meet specific entry requirements. The UK has been defined since it left the EU in 2020.
You must have your passport valid for at least three months from the date you intend to leave the country.
The post-Brexit passport validity rules apply to UK citizens who travel to any EU or Schengen Area country (except Ireland). Passport holders are advised to apply at least ten weeks before their departure date.
UK holidaymakers can stay for up to 90 days in Europe’s Schengen Area, Europe’s passport-free travel area. This is within a 180-day time frame. You can either stay in France for up to 90 days or visit France and other Schengen countries simultaneously – provided you don’t exceed 90 consecutive days.
British travellers will pay EUR7 (roughly PS6) for travel to Schengen Zone countries, including France starting November 2023. UK passport holders must apply for an online authorisation through ETIAS and pay the fee before travelling. Although initially scheduled to go into effect in 2021, the new EU visa waiver system has been delayed three times.
Travelling from England to France
It is much easier to travel to France now than during COVID, whether you visit France for a weekend or a day trip. Because France and England are both on the green list, they have lower coronavirus infection rates. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t regulations to prevent infection. Here are some regulations that apply to flying. These regulations will be followed by those for shuttles, trains, and ferries.
Flying
You may need to meet specific airline requirements if you fly to Spain from English-based airports. There are many rules to flying, regardless of whether you are a guest of the London West End Stay Package and are looking to travel to Europe or if you are a UK resident.
French-English travel to France is subject to similar restrictions for English citizens. French authorities will accept both English and EU-issued vaccination certificates. Vaccines are covered by both the EU and English NHS. They include vaccines given two weeks before vaccination with AstraZeneca or Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and 28 days after the second dose.
Quarantine Rules In the UK
Quarantine guidelines in the UK state that adults who test positive for COVID-19 must be kept in quarantine for ten days. After five days, you can leave your quarantine if you test negative for COVID-19. These laws no longer apply, so the infected person must follow the guidelines. Consider whether you need to quarantine before deciding whether or not you should.
Terrorism
Terrorism is a real threat in Europe. Terrorists have attacked many European cities.
France has had many premeditated and opportunistic attacks over the last few years. Many people have been injured and killed as a result. More attacks are possible.
Vigipirate Plan
The Vigipirate Plan is a series of measures the French government has established to protect and prepare the French population, institutions and infrastructure in case of attack. It also aims to rapidly deploy emergency intervention measures if needed.
The government has established a public alert system of 3 levels for terrorist threats as part of the plan. Information about changes in the threat level is communicated via online, local and national media.
Operation sentinelle
Operation Sentinelle allows for the deployment of military brigades to public areas to deter and patrol terrorist acts. In strategic locations, enhanced security measures were implemented, including:
Transport hubs
Public places
Paris is a popular tourist destination.
You can expect an increase in the presence of police and military personnel in public places, especially in Paris.
Attacks can happen anywhere. Terrorists could target:
Government buildings and local authorities
schools/universities
Places of worship
Cultural spaces include museums, galleries, concert halls, theatres, and other venues dedicated to culture.
Airports, railway stations, and other transport hubs and networks
Foreigners often frequented public areas like tourist attractions, monuments and bars, cafes, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, and hotels.
When in France:
When you are in public places, be mindful of your surroundings.
Be especially vigilant when attending large gatherings, such as sporting events, religious celebrations, or other public celebrations.
Identity checks
During your stay in France, you may need to submit identity checks
Always have valid identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or photocopy.
In case of loss or seizing, keep photocopies of these documents or digital copies.
The identification page of your passport
Your birth certificate
your Canadian citizenship card
Your driver’s license
Keep copies and originals in safe places.
Money
The French currency is the euro (EUR).
When entering or exiting the European Union, you must declare to customs that you have EUR10,000 or more or equivalent in another currency. It also includes sums in:
Banknotes and coins
Bearer negotiable instruments like cheques and travellers’ cheques and promissory notes, money orders, and promissory notes are all examples.
Shares vs bonds
Gold coins with at least 90 per cent gold content
Gold bars, nuggets, or clumps containing at least 99.5 per cent gold must be labelled.
Any other convertible asset