France is introducing mandatory COVID-19 testing on-the-spot for people arriving from 16 high-risk countries, including the United States.
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France has decided to make COVID-19 testing mandatory for people coming from 16 countries where cases are surging. Of course, this includes the United States.
Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that France is tightening up border controls in order to prevent a new wave of infections.
Consequently, France will introduce free testing at major airports by August 1st, at the latest.
The countries on the “red” list for coronavirus circulation are: the U.S., United Arab Emirates, Bahrein, Panama, South Africa, Kuwait, Qatar, Israel, Brazil, Peru, Serbia, Algeria, Turkey, Madagascar, India and Oman.
Morocco may be added at a later date, however.
Travelers arriving from these countries must provide a negative COVID test upon boarding. France will conduct widespread screening upon arrival, although access to tests is difficult.
People can also get tested in their home nations, and then present a certificate before boarding.
The government expects to conduct about 3,000 tests at Paris Charles de Gaulle, Europe’s second largest airport. However, some French airports are offering voluntary testing for passengers arriving in France.
Therefore, visitors must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival – at their own expense – in a government facility.
They will also have to take a real time COVID-19 laboratory test at the end of their isolation. The press release listed no reason for the decision.
Castex also “strongly” recommended that French travelers avoid traveling to Catalonia, since the “health situation has deteriorated markedly in recent days” in that region of Spain.
In conclusion, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has encouraged international students who need to travel to France for study to do so.
Consequently, foreign consulates have started processing residence permit applications as a priority, since July 1st.
Foreign Nationals in France
For those foreign nationals already in France, here is a page with advice about the coronavirus.
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