International travel in time COVID-19 (13/12/2021)

COVID-19 complicates international travel, whether you’re traveling, returning to France to see your family, or returning to your country of expatriation. Since December 4, 2021, the borders between France and foreign countries have been open, with certain conditions that vary according to the health situation in the countries you wish to visit, and also the vaccination status of travelers. Anyone wishing to re-enter French territory must present a negative PCR or antigenic test less than 24 or 48 hours old, depending on the country of origin. With a few exceptions, people with a complete vaccination schedule do not need to present a test when arriving :

• from a European Union country
• Andorra
• Iceland
• Monaco
• Liechtenstein,
• Norway
• Saint-Martin,
• the Holy See
• Switzerland

Health indicators have been set up to create a map of the world, classifying countries according to their risks and restrictions. This map evolves according to the situation in each country. Since the appearance of the Omicron variant, countries and territories have been classified as green, orange or scarlet red.Countries and territories classified as green: no active circulation of the virus at present, and no variants of concern.Countries and territories classified as orange: active circulation of the virus in controlled proportions, but no variants of concern. Countries and territories listed in red: active circulation of the virus with the presence of variants of concern.Countries and territories listed in scarlet: particularly active circulation of the virus and/or discovery of a variant likely to present a risk of increased transmissibility or immune escape.

To enter France:

Green countries and territories	Orange countries and territories	Red countries and territories	Scarlet countries and territories
From a country or territory in a “green zone” you are not subject to restrictionsIf vaccinated: you must present proof of vaccination and a sworn statement of absence of COVID-19 and of contact with a confirmed carrier. PCR or antigenic test less than 48 hours old.*If not vaccinated: for all persons over 11 years of age, you must present a negative PCR or antigenic test less than 48 hours old** before departure. You must complete this test with a sworn declaration of absence of COVID-19 and of contact with a confirmed carrier. You must present the documents usually required. For people vaccinated or not, on arrival in France you may be randomly subjected to a PCR or antigenic test.	If you have been vaccinated: there are no restrictions, but you will still need to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigenic test less than 48 hours old* (valid for all persons over 11 years of age), as well as a sworn declaration of absence of COVID-19 and of contact with a confirmed carrier. Finally, you’ll need to provide proof of your vaccination status.If not vaccinated: you’ll need to provide a compelling reason. You’ll need to provide proof of a negative PCR test or antigen test less than 48 hours old** (valid for all persons over 11 years of age), as well as a sworn declaration of absence of COVID-19 and contact with a confirmed carrier. Finally, you must undertake to stay in isolation for 7 days, with a PCR test at the end of your isolation period. Foreign travellers must be in possession of a document attesting to the legality of their stay. If you have been vaccinated or not, you may be subjected to a random PCR or antigenic test on arrival in France.	If you have been vaccinated : there are no restrictions, but you will still need to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigenic test less than 48 hours old (valid for all persons over 11 years of age), as well as a sworn declaration of absence of COVID-19 and confirmed contact with a carrier. Finally, you’ll need to provide proof of your vaccination status: antigenic test or random PCR upon arrival in France.If not vaccinated: you’ll need to provide a compelling reason. You must provide proof of a negative PCR test or antigenic test less than 48 hours old (valid for all persons over 11 years of age), as well as a sworn declaration of absence of COVID-19 and confirmed contact with a carrier. You will be subject to quarantine or isolation (10 days) controlled by the competent security forces. Foreign travellers must be in possession of a document attesting to the legality of their stay. You will need to present the documents usually required. Antigenic or PCR testing is systematic and compulsory on arrival in France.	Whether or not you are in possession of a complete vaccination schedule, you must provide proof of a compelling reason to return to France. You must provide proof of a negative PCR test less than 48 hours old, or a negative antigen test less than 24 hours old. Systematic and compulsory antigen or PCR test on arrival in France. You will be subject to quarantine or isolation (10 days) controlled by the competent security forces. Foreign travelers must be in possession of a document attesting to the legality of their stay. You will need to present the documents usually required.

*Except for arrivals from a member state of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, the Holy See or Switzerland** (2) Negative PCR or antigen test < 24h for arrivals from a member state of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, the Holy See or SwitzerlandTo leave France:

Green countries and territories	Orange countries and territories	Red countries and territories	Scarlet countries and territories
To travel to a country/territory in a “green zone”, you need to find out about the entry conditions for your destination.	If vaccinated: you are not subject to restrictions.If not vaccinated: you must justify a compelling reason. If you wish to return to your country of residence or origin, you may leave France. There is no guarantee that you will be able to return to France without a compelling reason. Travelers wishing to visit a country in the orange zone should find out in advance about entry conditions at their destination.	You must justify a compelling reason. If you wish to return to your country of residence or origin, you may leave France. There is no guarantee that you will be able to return to France without a compelling reason. Travelers wishing to visit a country in the orange zone should find out in advance about entry conditions at their destination.	You must justify a compelling reason. If you wish to return to your country of residence or origin, you may leave France. There is no guarantee that you will be able to return to France without a compelling reason. Travelers wishing to visit a country in the orange zone should find out in advance about entry conditions at their destination.

We advise you to regularly check the classification of countries (green, orange or red zone) to adapt your travel plans. For any questions relating to your health reimbursements, PCR tests or vaccinations against COVID-19, please do not hesitate to contact one of our international health experts.

Green countries and territories	Orange countries and territories	Red countries and territories	Scarletcountries and territories
– European Area – Andorra – Iceland – Monaco – Liechtenstein – Norway – Saint-Martin – Holy See – Switzerland – Vatican City – Saudi Arabia – Australia– Argentina – Bahrain – Canada– South Korea – UAE – Hong Kong – Japan – Jordan – Kuwait – Lebanon – New Zealand – Qatar – Rwanda – Senegal – Taiwan – Union of Comoros – Uruguay – Vanuatu	All countries not included in the “green”, “red” and “scarlet red” lists	– Afghanistan – Belarus – Brazil – Costa Rica – Cuba – Georgia – Mauritius – Moldova – Montenegro – Pakistan – Russia – Serbia – Suriname – Turkey – Ukraine	– South Africa – Botswana – Eswatini – Lesotho – Malawi – Mozambique – Namibia – Zimbabwe

More and more countries are introducing country-specific restrictions. This article gives you an idea of the legal requirements as of 12/13/2021, but these are subject to change. Containment periods or PCR/antigen tests may be imposed, depending on the country. Some countries also require you to have health insurance covering COVID-19 to enter the country. This is the case in Costa Rica and Mauritius, for example. Don’t hesitate to contact a santexpat.fr expert for your insurance contract abroad