Good morning! Happy Tuesday!
Today I answer all of your biggest questions about traveling to France! I have received a lot of questions from you plan a trip more (congratulations! I’m so happy for you) and many people want to know about my experience traveling to Europe for the first time since COVID. I’ve decided the easiest place to compile all of your questions would be in a blog post! So here we are. Let’s jump in!
Things You Need To Know About Traveling To France Right Now
How do I stay up to date with the latest travel rules and restrictions?
First, know that rules and requirements can change from time to time. Always check and double check. Your airline must update you with any new requirements or restrictions. I have flown United and always try to fly United whenever possible as they rarely let me down – I think they did a great job making sure I was fully prepared and I checked all necessary box before flying.
Who is allowed to enter France?
Vaccinated US travelers are allowed, unvaccinated travelers are not allowed to travel non-essentially.
What do I need to do to prove vaccination?
You need to bring your vaccination card
You must have a vaccination card (the card you were given to show that you have had both shots) as proof of vaccination. It is just as important as your passport and you must present it for entry. As a precaution, just like when making a passport, make sure you have a photo saved in your phone as a backup.
How do I get a French Health Card? What happens if I don’t get approval on time?
To enter any facility in France, they will ask to scan your health card, which is a government-issued QR code that shows proof of vaccinations. (Well, not every restaurant enforces it, but it usually does! And they are rigorously tested at museums!) You will have to apply for a health card here. Chances are you won’t be approved before your trip. Do not panic! We were all really worried about it and some got it when they arrived and some didn’t.
Mine didn’t pass until about half way through. But your CDC vaccine card will be absolutely enough to get you anywhere in France! It’s either/or. We never had any problems. In my opinion, you should still apply for a medical card, because then you won’t have to carry your physical CDC card around all the time once you get it! (They’ll let you know and email you a “pass” QR code via email once you’re approved!)
Be sure to print and sign the sworn statement form:
There is a government form that France requires tourists to sign, which is basically a statement that swears you are not experiencing symptoms. Your airline must notify you of this and provide you with a direct link to sign any necessary forms. I was given a link to print the form through my United app, but This website must have the most up-to-date information. We all printed the form and brought our own, but United were awesome and had blank copies available for those who didn’t come to the bench!
Do you need a COVID test to enter France?
You do Not need a COVID test to enter France as Vaccinated tourists. However, most of us take one just as a courtesy to other travelers and to make sure we travel safely and without endangering others. Not vaccinated yet Children under 12 years of age required to be tested for COVID. (But also, with vaccine approval for ages 5+ that could soon change!)
Do you need a COVID test to re-enter the US? Where do I get one in France?
Yes you do! The great thing is that every few blocks in Paris there are experimental tents outside pharmacies. It is very easy. You just walk in and ask to check in. They will scan for you and you will come back in 30 minutes to see the results and they will give you a printed form verifying your negative result. No appointment required – just walk in. Only 25 Euros! We did this the morning of our last day and it was so easy.
Your airline may also have an option to order a self-checkout. As some of the girls on the United flight went this route! You will have to log in to the dashboard while someone watches you take the test. And then they will bounce back to see/verify the results and give you an official “pass” form, but I believe that is more expensive. (Not to mention, there’s one more thing to pack in your suitcase. 😆)
As a precaution, take a photo of your test results just in case you lose the printed results!
How safe does Paris feel for COVID?
I feel 1000 times safer in Paris than at home in the US due to their enforcement of health cards and the fact that they don’t allow unvaccinated travelers from countries on the amber list (The United States is a country on the amber list as of now). So I felt very safe on the plane and any time we were indoors during the trip.
I would say, Versailles was CUT OUT as always, so I flew through all the rooms to get out. 😂 But I always hated crowds even before COVID. Just a word of warning, though, if you don’t like crowds, stay away from the palace and spend more time in the grounds and in the gardens.
I didn’t go to any of the museums during this trip of Paris so I can’t comment on how crowded those were, but since they require vaccinations it feels like everything is working out. capacity and not much social distance.
Would you recommend traveling to France now after your experience?
I’m so worried because I’ve been so busy traveling and I’m worried something weird will happen with the COVID restrictions – that I’ll forget to fill out some kind of document, that the rules will change when I’m in the air… you know how your mind can spin. 😂 But I had no problems the whole time. Overall, I was impressed with how the city handled things and had a really good experience. Like I said above, I feel safer in Paris than now in Chicago. I say if you’ve been vaccinated, low risk and comfortable – go ahead! (Note that I cannot comment on other places in France as I am only in Paris.)
Any tips for planning a trip early?
Correct! First, make time for everything. Arrive at the airport early! There are more checkpoints and documents to test, so plan accordingly. Again, I flew United for both flights and had a seamless experience. I also have Global Entry so getting through security in Chicago and getting back to customs was easy. But my flight friend didn’t have Global Entry and she also had a very fast shipment back to Chicago. We also flew through security at CDG leaving Paris, but our friends who were flying Delta at the same time as ours had HUGE delays at their terminal at CDG and nearly missed their flights due to queue at various checkpoints – so leave more time than you think you need! (And maybe consider flying United? 😆)
Also, for planning, I highly recommend working with Whitney to help you plan your trip. Having a travel agent is also a great way to make sure you stay up to date with the latest travel requirements. Plus, she can score you discounts, perks, etc and help you find the best restaurants, things to do, and help you plan a non-tourist trip Great calendar!
Also, for more reccos in Paris, visit Rebecca’s blog Daily Parisians! She has TONS of great recommendations in Paris!
FULL Atlas Adventures Paris summary and guide coming soon! Travel recap always takes a lot of time, so thank you very much for your patience and I hope this post will be helpful if you are planning a trip to France soon!
More questions? Comfortable to Message me on Instagram!
