paris travel guide covid

Paris France travel requirements 2024: What American travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Paris France travel in 2024 with official Paris travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Paris is a destination close to our hearts, as Michelle has relatives in the city and studied in Paris in college.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on those affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: January 2024. Originally published: May 2021.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

January 2024 – Agnes Groonwald of Travel on the Reg , expats in France: “Tourism in Paris has seemed light since our move just outside of the city, but we also haven’t experienced the peak summer season yet. It’s still expected to book the big attractions (e.g. Louvre Museum) a few weeks ahead of travel, and dinner reservations remain a must at popular eateries.

Some locals and tourists are still voluntarily masking on crowded public transit and popular tourist destinations. Otherwise, it appears to be business as usual. There are no COVID protocols outside of doctors’ offices where masking is compulsory. Paris attractions, restaurants, and public transit are all operating without COVID-era restrictions. You can travel to/from the city without vaccine cards. That said, the city continues to struggle with regular disruptions to transit/worker shortages that require patience from travelers, but this has more to do with local politics vs. COVID. It’ll be interesting to see what happens during the Olympics.

The general tips for Paris travel apply. Leave plenty of time to get to/from attractions around the city and pre-book the big ticket items as soon as you know when you’re visiting.”

*At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to the Paris so you can get a true sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Can US citizens travel to Paris, France? Can I travel to Paris right now? 

Yes, France is open to American travelers, regardless of vaccination status.

As of August 2022 , France removed all COVID entry requirements for any traveler from any country.

Testing, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, proof of a compelling reason for travel, and sworn declaration about Covid contact and symptoms are no longer required .

Visitors from over 60  visa-exempt countries , including the U.S., will soon be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization to enter Italy and other European countries . The start date has been delayed from 2024 to 2025. 

See details about ETIAS here

Paris, France travel restrictions currently allow traveling between regions. However, as of May 2023 , short-haul domestic flights that can be taken by train in less than two-and-a-half hours are not allowed. 

Effective March 2022, masks are no longer required in indoor spaces and public transport but still highly recommended in enclosed and small spaces, in hospitals, and other medical centers.

Quarantine rules in Paris, France: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in France unless presenting symptoms of Covid.

Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 while in France are no longer required to self-isolate but are asked to observe the following guidelines:

• Wear mask, observe physical distancing, practice hand hygiene
• Avoid contact with people who are immunocompromised
• Notify others (family, friends, colleagues) you came in contact with within 48 hours before the onset of symptoms, or within 7 days before testing positive, if no symptoms are present
• Contact a doctor and monitor your health

See details here .

Paris Health Pass/Pass Sanitaire Requirements for Dining, Attractions, and Travel

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants, public transit, accommodations, and attractions in Paris?

Since March 2022, a vaccine pass is no longer required to enter most establishments.

As of August 2022, Health Pass or passe sanitaire , obtained with a proof of either vaccination or a recent negative Covid test, is no longer required.

Can Americans travel to Paris France in 2024?

Travel to Paris in April is open for US citizens without restrictions. Please read on for details and check back for updates, as protocols may change.

What is it like to fly to Paris, France CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport right now? As of March 2022, wearing a mask is no longer required in French airports. Check with your individual airline about mask requirements on board the flight.

Temperature checks or other screenings may be done at the airport. Hand sanitizers are readily available. 

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Paris, France? No. Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in France. 

Does France check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health screening procedures, including temperature checks, may be in place at airports and other ports of entry in France. 

Does France require a negative Covid 19 test for American travelers?  As of August 2022, a negative Covid 19 test is no longer required for entry. 

Does France require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? As of August 2022, a proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required for entry.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. Quarantine or proof of a negative Covid test are no longer required, regardless of vaccination status.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Paris, France? As of August 2022, booster shots are no longer required for purposes of entry to France. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Paris, France? U.S. Citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test at laboratories and testing centers in Paris. Covid-19 testing centers are also available for certain situations in Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris-Orly by appointment .

PCR tests generally cost between 50 and 100 euros, payable in advance. Results for the PCR test are available within 48 hours. Antigen tests cost 29 euros for those not covered by French social security; results are usually available within half an hour.

Testing centers in France can be found on this map.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Paris, France who get the virus? Paris, France hospitals and clinics are open. Testing in labs and pharmacies is available to foreign visitors at their own expense.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Paris, France?  Restaurants, bars, cafes, museums, parks, clubs, attractions (including the Eiffel Tower), and tours have reopened. Stadiums, arenas and other large-capacity venues are allowed to operate at full capacity. 

Are face masks required in Paris, France? Masks are no longer required in France but may still be required in medical facilities. Private businesses may make masks a condition of entry at their discretion, but this is rare. 

Are buses running in Paris, France? Public transportation is available in Paris. A health pass is not required.

Will France impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Paris, France?

France has been one of the hardest hit countries in Europe and went into a series of national lockdowns. Case numbers spiked in Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 with the Delta variant.

More than 130,000 people in the tourism sector lost jobs in France.

In June 2021, France reopened its borders to more countries outside of Europe with a color-coded system for entry requirements.

France State of Emergency ended in August 2022; France removed all Covid related restrictions for all travelers from any country. 

Over 90% of the population have been fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Paris France, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in France; and COVID-19 testing in France, please see the French Department of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Paris France?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in crowded places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Paris, France locals and recent travelers say about visiting Paris, France now?

What is it like to visit Paris, France right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

January 2024 – Agnes Groonwald of Travel on the Reg, resident of France:  “Tourism in Paris has seemed light since our move just outside of the city, but we also haven’t experienced the peak summer season yet. It’s still expected to book the big attractions (e.g. Louvre Museum) a few weeks ahead of travel, and dinner reservations remain a must at popular eateries.

September 2023 – Lauren of Pack and Paint, UK traveler:  “I caught the Eurostar from London to Paris for five days of sightseeing. Tourism in Paris is in full-swing post covid with adventurers from across the globe hitting up the French capital in their millions. Top tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were busy which indicated a large tourism boom. 

In Paris, it felt like everyone had gone back to pre-covid times. Hardly anyone wore masks or followed social distancing. With large crowds at most tourist attractions, it would have been tough to follow covid related advice.”

June 2023 – Jori of The Tejana Abroad , expat:  “Summer in Europe is back and with it, all the usual summer crowds! Most attractions in Paris have opened up and are welcoming international visitors. If you’re still a bit wary of crowds after Covid though, maybe try to visit France during the lower seasons, such as fall and spring.

The majority of French citizens are vaccinated with booster shots, but the government is no longer testing international visitors. Healthcare in France is easy to access and if you fear you are infected, you are able to get tested at any nearby pharmacy. Local tourist attractions and restaurants are very crowded in the high season, but a nice alternative is ordering food to go and enjoying it in a picnic in the park.”

February 2023 – Laura Bronner of Eternal Expat , American traveler:  “I visited Paris for 4 days as part of a 10-day trip around France in February 2023. Paris feels completely back to normal. All museums and tourist attractions are back open with normal opening hours. The metro is clean and operating at normal and frequent times.

It was very busy when I visited in Feb 2023, especially at the biggest tourist sites like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and view points for these places. If you plan to visit in 2023, I highly recommend pre-booking tickets for the museums you want to go to with time slots and make sure to make reservations for restaurants you don’t want to miss, especially if you are traveling as a group of more than 2 people. If you don’t make a reservation, arrive at the time the restaurant opens for the best chance of getting a table for lunch or dinner service.

There is still easy access to testing at most pharmacies around Paris. You can definitely get the at-home tests at every pharmacy and many have testing centers outside the pharmacies which are conducted by pharmacists. There are no other restrictions on public transportation (no masks required, but they are “recommended” for public transport). There are lots of lines at museums and restaurants near the main attractions were incredibly busy.”

January 2023 – Amber Everywhere , American traveler: “Tourism seems to be back to normal in Paris, with large crowds in many of the most popular parts of the city. You’ll see masks and social distancing in some spaces, but most places are crowded and maskless. 

Testing appears to be widely available in Paris, with some visible testing tents throughout the city. There does not appear to be contact tracing in place, at least for crowded public spaces; locals did not mention any trouble accessing healthcare. Most local attractions appeared to be open, same with restaurants and other amenities. I didn’t notice any COVID-related restrictions, though many people chose to wear masks when in public areas (like the metro).”

September 2022 – Alyssa, American traveler: “We arrived in Paris with our two little kids, getting ready to caravan with some friends here in France. So far, I would say Paris is medium to low in terms of crowdedness. Public transit hasn’t been too packed. Everything is open and mask free for the most part.”

June 28, 2022 – Gretchen of Chasing Advntr , U.S. traveler : “We flew to Paris for several days as part of a month long European trip and to celebrate my twins birthday. We walked to all the major sites and while it was crowded, we had no trouble enjoying the attractions. We were glad we booked a river cruise and tickets to Musee D’Orsay in advance as tickets sold out for the river cruise and the museum line was at least an hour wait.

There were very few people wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Lines were long at the major attractions, but we never waited long for a table to eat. We also experienced a partial train strike which added to the difficulty of getting to the airport on already busy trains. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get to the airport.”

May 2022 – Mike C., American traveler: “Travel in Paris was pretty relaxed. There’s no more green pass or need to show vaccine card. Technically there were some rules on public transit to wear a mask. But it felt more like a choice as it was 50/50 on who did and didn’t. Transit was literally the only place with masking in Paris. Crowds felt like Paris is back to normal.”

March 9, 2022 – Erica of Nice French Things, French resident: “It’s the perfect time to visit Paris. Lines are short (or nonexistent) and monuments and tourist attractions are under capacity. Asian tourists have not returned yet and other Europeans are visiting their own countries they haven’t seen in the past 2 years.

Testing and tracing has been perfected here. Our vaccine pass will stop being required on Monday so we will be free to go to museums, theaters, restaurants without showing pass and we will not be required to wear masks. Pharmacies are the go-to for everything. Easy, fast, cheap tests done there. Paris area just reduced price permanently on regional rail tickets. Very advantageous for visitors.”

February 15, 2022 – Ingrid of Second Half Travels , U.S. traveler: “I’m spending 5 weeks in Paris and Montpellier currently studying French. COVID case numbers are dropping steeply in France. However, tourism numbers in February are still very low, so it’s a great time to visit to enjoy uncrowded museums and other sights.

My flight from Dallas to Paris in February was almost empty. I had a whole row of 9 seats to myself. Rapid and PCR tests are readily available at French pharmacies. It was easy and quick to get my Pass Vaccinal at an airport pharmacy when I arrived for 36 euros; I just showed my CDC vaccination proof of my vaccines and booster.

The Pass Vaccinal is supposed to be checked at all restaurants, museums, and long-distance trains. In practice, restaurants and trains sometimes fail to check. The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay in Paris were uncrowded: no large tour groups, only individual tourists from neighboring European countries like Spain. A Parisian friend told me, ‘You will never see Paris uncrowded like this again.’ I have actually extended my trip to add on more days in Paris to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

October 23, 2021 – Jennifer A., American tourist: “ We had a fantastic time. We were very careful the entire week we were in Paris. Wore our masks everywhere and washed our hands a lot.  Instead of doing two or three things in a day, we just did one major tourist thing each day. To be honest, that made the trip more enjoyable. We used the Paris Museum Pass and that was great. I ordered the five day passes and they mailed them to me last month. A couple of the museums required us to book a time slot to get in. I was of course concerned about passing a COVID test 72 hours prior to returning to the U.S. My sister and I walked about 500 feet from our hotel to a pharmacy to take the COVID test. The cost was 25 Euros for each one of us. The gentleman in the pharmacy was so professional. We also received our results via email in about 30 minutes. Unbelievable. We were able to upload the COVID results to a VERIFLY app that American Airlines wanted us to use. It made things a lot easier to go home.  The French residents were all so nice to us. I am so glad we went.”

October 6, 2021 – Nick Winder, Illness To Ultra , American digital nomad: “I flew to Paris in order to transit to the south of France to visit family. Although there are still people visiting Paris, it’s obvious the tourist rates are reduced. Locals are more than welcoming, but the requirement of a health pass, even for foreign visitors proves challenge for both tourists, and local business owners. Nearly every local was compliant with city regulations, which is a must, especially considering public transport can still be busy. Access to testing and healthcare is abundant among pharmacies, although Sundays many pharmacies are closed. Most local attractions still remain open, although at a reduced capacity, but the reduced tourist level lines are not much of a problem. Just be aware that many attractions are ticketed.”

September 13, 2021 – Susan, US traveler: “ We’ve been in Paris almost 2 weeks finding it somewhat changed in several ways. We read that you can get the Passe Sanitiaire at pharmacies, yet, we’ve gone to more than I can count always being told that pharmacies are not providing them. At one yesterday, the owner said he believes that people were getting antigen tests at the pharmacy which gives a 72-hour Passe Sanitiaire. Tourists are few especially Americans. Some stores are permanently closed in touristy areas while nothing has changed in our neighborhood that is more residents of Paris.”

November 2021 – Roobens, French citizen in Paris, Been Around the Globe : “Everything reopened in May (bars, restaurants, gyms, clubs, etc.) in France. Meaning life is more or less back to normal. You just need to have a health pass to prove you’re fully vaccinated. And you have to wear a mask indoors (at the supermarket, when taking the metro, etc.). People are more than ready to travel in Europe only right now. Outside Europe it’s a different story since many borders are still closed. It’s very easy to get tested and to get vaccinated. There’s also an app for contact tracing, most people use it (it’s called “AntiCovid”). Everything is open (museums, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc.).”

September 2021 – Susan, traveling to Paris from US: “My husband and I flew to Paris in August-September 2021 for a 3 week visit with my daughter who lives there as a digital nomad. Tourists are very welcome if fully vaccinated. Major tourist attractions were uncrowded, though online ticket purchases are still recommended. Restaurants were full, especially the venues with large outdoor seating areas. (Travelers should be aware that diners frequently smoke in the outdoor areas.) Nevertheless, this may have been the best time in recent years to be in Paris, due to small crowd size.  Paris was very ready to serve customers in the time of Covid. The French population is >70% vaccinated and the digital vaccine passport works well for French residents (but not visitors). Visitors should bring their original vaccine card to get on the airplane, but a laminated photocopy worked well at every location.

A vaccine card (or proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours) was required at every.single.sit-down eating establishment, hotel, museum, or major tourist destination. Proof was not required to ride public transportation.

Surgical (not cloth) masks are required in every indoor space. Indoor mask-wearing was being strictly followed, with an occasional scofflaw in the subways. Compliance was certainly better than most places in the US. Almost all restaurants had outdoor patio seating available, though the desirability of this may change as the weather cools. Take-out businesses and park-bench dining were thriving. I did not see evidence that contact tracing (in restaurants) was happening. There are Covid testing tents in most busy squares, but many are not accessible to non-residents because they don’t have the ability to charge the required fee there. Covid testing (required for return to the US, and elsewhere) can be done in pharmacies and labs. Your hotel desk may help you find a location. Caution – our results did not arrive via text, as promised, probably because we didn’t have a French phone number. We ended up waiting in a very slow line at the lab to get the results.”

August 30, 2021 – Melissa Suzuno , U.S. visitor: “I’m spending a week in Paris in late August/early September 2021 and my trip is just for fun but as a freelance writer, I’m also doing some work here.  I’m not sure if I’d really describe Parisians as “welcoming,” (haha) but tourism is alive and well in Paris. I did an Airbnb Experience and about half of the participants were French and half were American. The guide said that the number of Americans had decreased for a while but seems to be bouncing back. There are restrictions in place and they seem to be followed quite consistently. For example, you need to show your health pass (or recent negative COVID test) to eat in a restaurant (even outside) or enter a museum. Everywhere I’ve gone has enforced this. Local attractions like museums are open, but they recommend (and sometimes require) you to reserve your time in advance. I’ve gotten a few tests since I’ve been here (to get the temporary health pass). Tests are available in nearly any pharmacy and cost around 30 euros.”

June 2021 – Leyla, Offbeat France , French resident:  “I took a walking tour in the Marais a few days ago and we had one American tourist – the guide said it was her first of the season. Most tourists are French or European in Paris, but with the lockdown now lifted, a few Americans are beginning to arrive. In Paris, I’d say about 90% of people are following the rules. There is the occasional person who doesn’t cover their face in the subway or bus but they do get sideways looks from others. Everyone is masked in shops, because the owners will get fined otherwise. There’s usually plenty of gel at the door or at the cash register. In the streets, quite a few people still wear masks, considering that they are no longer mandatory. As the hot weather moves in, there will probably be fewer masks in the streets. The attached photo shows people do occasionally wear masks outdoors.”

June 2021 – Lena, Salut from Paris , French resident: “ Paris experienced a collective sigh in relief during the past weeks and enjoys the pure presence of normality – and travelers clearly belong to this normality.  Just a couple of weeks ago, the obligation to wear masks outdoors got lifted. Indoors, it is still mandatory and the vast majority is complying. Food services and attractions are open again. However, while the online booking service of attractions assures that the number of visitors is not exceeded, I observe often that bars and restaurants are way fuller than they should be. It is recommended in France that everyone, locals and travelers, are downloading the app #tousanticovid for tracing and alerts. If a visitor requires a covid test, they can easily get tested in pharmacies.”

May 2021 – Audrey, French Resident in Lyon: “Since May 19, the curfew is now starting at 9:00 pm. Restaurants (only outdoor dining), boutiques, movie theatres, museums… have re-opened, only accepting half of the possible guests (which means you need to book everything or wait long lines on the sidewalk). Travel between regions is fully allowed before curfew and after if you’re filing an exemption form (if your train or flight arrives at 9:30 pm for example). All French people over 50 are being vaccinated. Our next milestones are the following: – May 31: opening of vaccination to everyone – June 9: opening of indoor dining and more people allowed in boutiques and such. Of course, wearing a mask is still mandatory everywhere public, inside and out.”

Planning a trip to Paris France?

Check out our other Paris, France travel resources: – Preparing for a Budget Trip to France   – Where to Stay in Paris France: Best Neighborhoods Hotels Airbnbs – Travel Seasons: The Best Time to Visit Europe

If you have questions or updates about travel to Paris, France during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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38 Comments

https://www.euronews.com/2022/03/03/covid-in-europe-france-to-scrap-face-masks-and-vaccine-passes-on-14-march

Looks like things may be loosening up by March 14th hopefully

Michelle, I have seen articles with Forbes, euro news & Reuters on the vaccine pass getting scrapped by March 14th in Paris except for in hospitals and on public transportation. Do you have any knowledge of this? Thanks Wendy

Hi Wendy! Thank you for visiting our blog. That information is correct. The French Government has recently announced that effective March 14, the vaccine pass will not be required to enter most businesses such as restaurants, bars, cafes, ski lifts, museums, cinemas and other cultural venues and theme parks. However, proof of vaccination will still be required in hospitals, retirement homes, and health centers.

I am a fully vaccinated/boosted American who will be arriving in Brest, France for one day, May 10, on a cruise ship followed with a one day stop in LeHavre, France on May 12. I’m aware of the French Vaccine Pass but can’t find anything about what is needed for a cruise ship arrival. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Susan. The French government does not specify restrictions for cruise ship passengers, therefore, the current entry rules for air travelers may also apply to travelers who want to go ashore in French ports. I understand that you are fully vaccinated/boosted, which is already compliant to France’s entry rules (you can find the details in our blog). Your cruise ship operator may also have information regarding entry rules to France. We will update our blog if the French government releases information regarding cruise ship arrivals. I hope this helps.

I just received this from Eurostar “You are considered fully vaccinated for travel purposes if you are aged 18 and over and: *you received a COVID-19 vaccine booster*

*you received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine at least a week ago, but no more than nine months ago*

So the important word here is “OR”. Sounds like it’s just what you said Michelle…thank you so much!!!

Thanks for following up, Debbi!

The new booster requirement is very confusing to me. I’ve read other articles where it says, if you don’t get a booster “within 9 months of original vaccine” then you’re considered unvaccinated.

I’m hoping you or someone you know can confirm this. My vaccination dates are as follows: Moderna – 4/5/2021 Moderna – 5/3/2021 Moderna Booster – 2/12/2022

Traveling at the end of March 2022 – As of now, will I be considered fully vaccinated and allowed to enter France? Or did I get the booster too late?

Thank you. Your article is very helpful!

Hi Katherine. We acknowledge that this requirement has been confusing. The way the official rule was translated in English makes it sound like the booster must be done *within* a certain timeframe. However, an expiration like this would be highly impractical and, in fact, most reporting on the requirement say more clearly: “Travelers aged 18 and over who had their full vaccine course over 9 months ago and have not since received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France.” We have been researching this closely and have not seen any evidence of travelers being denied for a “late” booster, nor does France ever mention needing a second booster. We are keeping a close eye on this and will share any updates as they become available.

Thank you so much for your reply! I will keep a close eye on your page for any other updates.

Hello Michelle,

I am confused about the new protocol in France re: vaccinations and boosters. If I had my 2 vaccinations last Feb and March 2021 and then my booster 6 months later, am I considered “fully vaccinated”? Also, my adult son had his 2 vaccinations, the second being May 6th. He has not yet had his booster. I am reading that there is a 9 month expiration of his initial vaccinations so as of Feb 6 (3 days ago) he can no longer be considered “fully vaccinated” even if he gets his booster immediately?

Debbi, I hear you. This particular requirement can certainly be confusing, not to mention constantly changing. The way France has written the booster rule (“no later than nine months following the injection of the last required dose”) makes it sound like the booster must be done *within* 9 months of the second dose to enter France (or soon to be 4 months for the vaccine pass to enter restaurants). However, an expiration like this seems highly impractical and, in fact, most reporting on the requirement say more clearly: “Travelers aged 18 and over who had their full vaccine course over 9 months ago and have not since received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France.” This would indicate that your son can be considered fully vaccinated once he gets a booster, even if the booster is done after 9 months. I’m assuming it’s just a translation/wording problem because I have not seen anywhere that travelers with “late” booster doses would lose any chance of being considered fully vaccinated. We are keeping a close eye on this and will share any updates as they become available.

Boosters every 4 months??! Wow

Yes, it seems to be the case. Like so many protocols, though, it could very well change.

I have a trip planned to Paris March 18,2022. I am reading that everyone needs to have the booster shot after being vaccinated for 4 months or you will not get the Vaccine Pass. Do you know if this rule is also mandatory for people going to France from the US? Some articles I have read say it is mandatory and others say it is not. Do you happen to know?

Thanks for your question Susie. I think part of the confusion is that the rules have changed recently. The following update is directly from the French government website in regards to foreigners vaccinated outside of France: “Since the 15th of January 2022, people aged 18 years and 1 month or more and who completed their initial vaccination scheme more than 7 months ago will need to present a proof of a booster dose to be eligible to receive a vaccine equivalency health pass.” I’m not sure why this site does not list the change to a 4 month rule that reportedly goes into effect in February. Perhaps confirmation is still forthcoming.

I am fully vaccinated. I had my booster in Dec. of 2021. I am going to France in June 2022, 6 months after my booster. Do I need a second booster in order to get in the country, or the receive the Health Certificate to allow me into restaurants and museums?

Hi Rebecca. We acknowledge that this requirement has been confusing. The way the official rule was translated in English makes it sound like the booster must be done *within* a certain timeframe. However, an expiration like this would be highly impractical and, in fact, most reporting on the requirement say more clearly: “Travelers aged 18 and over who had their full vaccine course over 9 months ago and have not since received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France.” We have been researching this closely and have not seen any evidence of travelers being denied for a “late” booster, nor does France ever mention needing a second booster at this time. If you are boosted, you meet the current requirements to enter France and to receive the vaccine certificate. We are keeping a close eye on this and will share any updates as they become available.

I am wanting to plan a trip to take my 14 yr old daughter to Paris the last week of March 2022 on her spring break. I am fully vaccinated, but she is not. She has lab proof of antibodies – also sadly I’m being treated for a blood clot from my Covid vaccine which leads to my hesitation to vaccinate her. All of that aside- I see the paragraph that says travelers ages 11-17 are considered vaccinated if traveling with a fully vaccinated parent (I understand we would both need negative Covid test as well) I have read multiple other sites and I’ve seen this same info but have also seen on other sites everyone 12 & older must be vaccinated unless they’re going to quarantine for 10 days. Do you know what the policy is on this as we do not have 10 days to quarantine. IF she is able to come & not quarantine what would we do to get her a health pass or QR code to enter tourist sites? These are questions I cannot seem to clear up & I want to be sure before I would plan this. I am willing to email or call to France if I had the appropriate number and email contact. I’ve already sent an email a week ago through a government site and still do not have a response. Thank you in advance for any help/info you may have.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Current France travel rules states that “The measures applicable to fully vaccinated adults will be extended under the same conditions to minors accompanying them, regardless of vaccination status.” Since you are vaccinated, your 14-year-old daughter will be treated as vaccinated as well and will not need to quarantine. A negative test is however required for all travelers aged 12 and over. You can check the U.S. Embassy in France or the France Diplomacy websites for more information.

Regarding the health pass, persons age 12-15 require a health pass everywhere a vaccine pass is required. You can obtain a vaccine pass (or a health pass for your daughter) from designated pharmacies in France for a fee of up to 36 Euros (approximately 41.18 USD). You can check here for the map of designated pharmacies in France. You can check our blog for more information about the health pass and regular updates about France’s travel requirements. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your reply. As far as the health pass goes for my 14 yr old daughter, since she is not vaccinated am I understanding that in order for her to obtain one from the French pharmacies she will have to pass a Covid test every 24 hrs. for a fee of 36 euros each time to keep it active in order to be admitted into restaurants, museums, etc.? I have clicked on the map of pharmacies to actually check with one but everything on that page is in French. I am just making sure I understand this. Thank you

Wendy, an unvaccinated 14 year old would need a test within 24 hours in order to enter restaurants, attractions, and long-distance travel. She would not need to test daily unless you are visiting places where the pass is required each day. Antigen tests are 25 euros (36 was for the vaccine equivalent, sorry for the confusion). Here is a more direct link to pharmacy testing location map, you just have to keep clicking to zoom in on Paris: https://www.sante.fr/cf/carte-depistage-covid.html

Excellent information! Merci! It is January in the US right now and we are planning our trip to Paris for mid April 20 22 very excited but also so concerned because of the omicron variant now. I will follow your blog and see if any new postings are out as January comes to an end I am getting ready to book our trip now. Thanks again so much.

Great blog! Thanks for sharing paris travel restrictions, really helpful content.

I am planning a trip to Paris September 22 through 29th with a one day bus trip to Normandy. I understand that since I have a CDC proof of vaccination I do not need a test to enter France. However I do need a Travel Pass which would be obtained at a Pharmacy. I had read that the French government was paying for tests in order for tourists to return to their country of origin but not sure that is correct. My main question, does this process of receiving the Travel Pass work “smooth” or could there be snags. Same question for the required Covid-19 test upon returning, are there ample Pharmacy and testing sites for tourists? Has anyone taken a survey of recent travelers? Thank you

Thanks for visiting our blog. The French health pass for non-EU citizens is still relatively new and the protocols for visitors in September don’t seem to be fully established yet. Official guidance can be found here . At the moment, visitors coming before August 18 are able to submit their proof of vaccination by email before arrival to get the pass (a QR code). In case it’s not processed in time, getting tested in France is a temporary “back-up” method, valid for 72 hours. I’ve also seen that some travelers have been able to show their CDC vaccine card at a pharmacy in Paris to receive a QR code within 15 minutes, but I’m not sure how common that is yet. We will continue to seek out on-the-ground reports from recent travelers to find out how it’s going, and we’ll regularly update this post as we learn more.

We are scheduled to arrive Paris September 7, cruise to Normandy from the 9th through 16th, spend two more days in Paris, returning to U.S. on the 18th. The CDC and State Department alerts say “do not travel” and also warn about demonstrations and violence in tourist areas of major cities. We are in our 70s, fully vaccinated, but also cancer survivors. Should we cancel our trip?

I understand your concern. It’s a question I’ve been getting a lot lately with all the uncertainty around Europe travel so I wrote an article about it here: https://intentionaltravelers.com/should-i-reschedule-my-trip/ There is no right answer, as it depends on your values and risk tolerance, so I can’t really make that call for you. Demonstrations in Paris are certainly an additional factor to consider. But just to give some perspective… I’ve never been to Paris when there *wasn’t* a demonstration going by on my Uncle’s street, although they can vary in intensity. Usually protest locations are known so they can be avoided. However, if potentially dealing with that sounds too stressful, it may be a reason to cancel. Being fully vaccinated makes a huge difference but even so, cruising and travel in France during the pandemic is not without risk. Does the benefit of this trip outweigh that risk? Will worry get in the way of your enjoyment? That’s up to you.

Is there an app to use to show proof of vaccine status for visitors from outside the EU?

Thanks for your question. The E.U. vaccine app is only available to citizens and residents of the EU so far. Whether this will eventually be made available for non-EU tourists to facilitate travel in Europe is not yet clear, but we’ll be sure to update our blog posts here if that changes.

I am a US citizen planning a trip from USA to London and then to Paris. Is there any rules for US citizen traveling to Paris, via London by train?

Good question. Traveling through some countries to France can complicate the requirements. Whereas the U.S. is on the “green list”, the U.K. is on the “amber list” for France and the rules for the UK would apply since that’s where you’ll be departing from to enter France. Fully vaccinated travelers can enter France without an essential reason and would need to present a recent negative Covid test and proof of vaccination status. More details can be found here: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/#sommaire_1

Hi Michelle,

It looks like France is no longer requiring a negative PCR test for vaccinated travelers from “Green” countries (the US included).

Or is it? Later on that page it states “(if you are aged 11 years or older) you agree to submit to a virological RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival in France.”

What are your thoughts?

Hi Ben. Thank you for visiting our blog. It is correct that France is no longer requiring a negative PCR test for fully vaccinated travelers from the United States and other Green countries. If a traveler (aged 11 years or older) from Green countries is not fully vaccinated, then a negative PCR or antigen test is required. A negative PCR or antigen test is also required for allowed travelers coming from “Orange” and “Red” countries.

A quick update from France: Since May 19, the curfew is now starting at 9:00 pm. Restaurants (only outdoor dining), boutiques, movie theatres, museums… have re-opened, only accepting half of the possible guests (which means you need to book everything or wait long lines on the sidewalk). Travel between regions is fully allowed before curfew and after if you’re filing an exemption form (if your train or flight arrives at 9:30 pm for example). All French people over 50 are being vaccinated. Our next milestones are the following: – May 31: opening of vaccination to everyone – June 9: opening of indoor dining and more people allowed in boutiques and such. Of course, wearing a mask is still mandatory everywhere public, inside and out.

Hi! Thanks so much for sharing these updates from France!

I have friends in Paris and I’m thinking about going next month…. Will the restrictions ease by then?

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog. I understand your concern about your trip next month, though we don’t have any special insight as to when protocols might change, beyond what we’ve already shared in the article. We will do our best to keep updating this post as the situation progresses.

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Here are the latest rules for US visitors to Paris, France, plus tips on the best time of year to visit

• I f you're planning a trip to Paris, be aware of COVID-19 restrictions and local advisories.
• Keep reading for important details to know before you arrive in Paris.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

Paris is easily one of the most popular destinations in the world. As of publishing, traveling to Paris and France from the US is possible, but knowing how to make your entry smooth and seamless before you arrive is essential.

I've made the trip myself and compiled the answers to common traveler questions below that you should consider before arriving in Paris, as well as tips regarding local weather and the best time of year to visit.

What are currently COVID-19 restrictions in Paris?

While COVID-19 travel protocols have shifted slightly over the past few months, one thing remains consistent: Vaccinated travel is the easiest option.

As of February 2022 , France has made it even easier for vaccinated travelers to visit the country by eliminating the need for a pre-arrival COVID-19 test. Instead, vaccinated travelers can simply arrive at the border with a valid passport and vaccination card.

Visitors are also required to fill out a sworn declaration that they are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 prior to leaving for Paris.

Related stories

Non-vaccinated travelers are still required to present a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test, either a PCR test within 72 hours of departure or an antigen (rapid) test within the 48 hours prior to departure, as well as the aforementioned sworn statement. Quarantines are not necessary for vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers unless they test positive within seven days of arrival.

Regardless, make sure you dot the i's and cross the t's ahead of any travels because the website for the US Embassy in France says it requires individuals 18 years and older to have a booster shot of an mRNA vaccine if it's been 9 months or more since your second dose (or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) in order to be considered "fully vaccinated." If you're still within the 9 months, you may still qualify under the two-shot window as long as you were vaccinated at least seven days prior to your departure with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency. Children over 12 must also be vaccinated with at least two doses, while children under 12 are currently exempt from being vaccinated.

Keep in mind that if you're arriving from a country other than the US, your entry requirements might differ. And as new variants continue, the French government may update these requirements. Read more here .

Masks are currently only mandatory on public transportation in France.

When is the best time to visit Paris?

Although the peak tourist season officially ends after summer, the fall is one of the most pleasant times to visit Paris. During the autumn season, temperatures range in the 60s, 70s, and sometimes 80s. Nights are consistently cooler, so you'll want to pack a light jacket to offset that transitional summer or early fall wardrobe.

You can also shop for one: Head to the Louvre and Tuileries district for luxe labels or to Marais for more low-key, vintage trends.

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Paris.

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clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Everything you need to know about traveling to France

This story has been updated.

Every 30 minutes, Le Petit Train de Montmartre departs for a guided tour of Paris ’s 18th arrondissement. Cars full of passengers taking photos of the passing sights — the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Moulin Rouge, the neighborhood’s other famous windmill, Moulin de la Galette — are a sign of tourism’s return to France.

Ever since American visitors were allowed entry to France again in early June 2021, demand has increased accordingly, bringing back customers the travel industry sorely missed.

“We’re so grateful, it’s a huge relief,” says Meg Zimbeck, the founder and editor in chief of the restaurant-review website and food tour company Paris by Mouth. After resuming tours in summer 2021, Zimbeck had to hire more tour guides to keep up with record-breaking bookings.

With the influx of travelers come busy museums and long lines, so “be prepared for high season,” Zimbeck says.

If you are planning a trip to France, here’s more advice from travel experts on what you need to know before you go.

9 questions about traveling to Europe, answered

What restrictions remain for travelers

On Aug. 1, France ended its pandemic-era entry requirements . Visitors no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test, according to the U.S. Embassy in France.

France ended its vaccine pass requirement in March and no longer requires proof of testing or vaccination in establishments such as bars, restaurants, museums and event spaces.

Mask mandates have also ended, including for trains, planes, airports and subways. Masks are still recommended in small enclosed spaces, for vulnerable groups at large gatherings and in hospitals.

If you feel more comfortable with a face covering, “nobody bats an eye if you choose to wear a mask,” Zimbeck says. “There’s no anti-mask sentiment.”

The country does recommend that travelers download the TousAntiCovid , a contact-tracing app, for their visit.

Europe travel is complicated. Take these 7 tips from travelers who just went.

How to dine and explore

If you have your heart set on visiting particular restaurants, museums, transportation and live events, or staying in certain hotels, “start making those reservations as soon as possible,” says Kate Schwab, a spokesperson for the French tourism authority, Atout France.

Catherine Hodoul-Baudry, head of sales and marketing for the hotel Le Bristol Paris , says the property is seeing a “big, big comeback” of American guests, with even more booking interest than in 2019. The hotel’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Épicure, is booked solid for the next two months.

Zimbeck says that while it has always been helpful to make restaurant reservations at popular places ahead of time, that is particularly true now.

“The restaurants are very small, and the ones that are in demand are booked up weeks in advance,” she says.

A local’s guide to Paris

Zimbeck says many restaurants launched online reservation systems during the pandemic, making it easier than ever for foreigners to snag reservations ahead of their trip.

For transportation within France, Victoire Spoerry, travel adviser at the Virtuoso agency Wellness by LMSV , urges travelers to make reservations for their rental car or high-speed train tickets as soon as they secure their flight. The earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket or rate, plus you will have more options.

Where to get a coronavirus test before returning home

While the testing requirement to return to the United States has been dropped, you may still want to test as your trip to France comes to a close.

Schwab says you can expect to pay between 25 and 44 euros depending on the kind of test you get. If you would rather get tested at the airport before your flight, you may need to make an appointment , and the fee may be more expensive.

“You can go to the pharmacy and get them there,” Schwab says. “It’s pretty easy. … With the antigen [test], I got the results in 15 minutes.”

The U.S. Embassy in France also offers advice on finding a coronavirus test abroad.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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How I Rekindled My Love Affair With Paris, COVID Health Pass in Hand — and What to Know Before You Go

After three lockdowns shuttered the city and restricted all movement, Paris is regaining its sense of momentum — here’s what it felt like to be there this summer, and what to know if you’re going this fall or winter.

It's been over a month since I left Paris, and I still wake up each day to a profound sense of jet lag. My body doesn't want to readjust to my life in New York; in the seven weeks I was away, I'd gotten used to the momentum of life in France.

Most mornings I'd wake up and jog along the Seine, trying to get my bearings in a city I used to know. Upon arrival in July, Paris seemed intimately familiar to me — the bustling café terraces, the pitch of the sirens, the way the light hit the limestone — but it'd been two years since my last visit, and the pandemic had reshaped us both. I began running a new route every day to reacquaint myself with as much of the city as possible.

I regained my own sense of momentum there, in my ville d'adoption (adopted city). In Brooklyn, where I live, I took up running early in the pandemic as a way to keep moving when the world stopped. Here, the point is the productivity of being in motion, the act of moving toward a destination; in Paris, it was a more aimless exploration, a scaled-up version of flânerie (wandering) where I could catalogue the pavement particulars of the city to see what had changed and what hadn't.

Above all else, I observed that Paris is still Paris. The city was hyperbolic in its self-performance, perhaps more than ever after over a year without an audience. In the weeks I spent running through its streets — slanted alleyways and busy boulevards studded with jazz bands and dog droppings and women smoking cigarettes on electric scooters — I found that on the whole, little had changed. The architecture remained, the restaurants had largely been kept afloat by the government throughout the pandemic, and everything still closed too early for someone used to New York City.

But moving around felt different; there were fewer tourists — though that is changing by the day — and there are new regulations in place to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you're planning a trip in the coming weeks.

For Americans, traveling to France is currently restricted to fully vaccinated travelers . As of Sept. 12, unvaccinated Americans need a "compelling reason" in addition to a negative PCR or antigen test (taken 72 or 48 hours before their flight, respectively) in order to enter the country, where they will then need to self-isolate for seven days before taking another PCR test in order to end their isolation period.

On the return end, all travelers (vaccinated and unvaccinated) age two and up are required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test — taken 72 or 48 hours before their flight, respectively — before heading back to the U.S. Walk-ins are available at most pharmacies across Paris, while others require appointments for testing. Proof from a licensed healthcare provider of having recovered from COVID-19 within the 90 days prior to departure is also accepted.

While the CDC vaccine card is accepted as proof to enter the country, all travelers need a digital health pass — the pass sanitaire — to move around within France. The pass is a QR code — although physical copies are also accepted with photo ID — that stores your proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19 (at least two weeks ago and no more than six months ago), or a negative PCR test taken in the past 72 hours. It's required for entry to effectively everything you'd like to see in France: museums, restaurants (including outdoor seating), music venues and nightclubs, cinemas, long-distance trains, and more.

Now, you can apply for the pass online ahead of your trip, directly through the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France. It should arrive via email within three business days — although the French bureaucratic system being what it is, you may not receive any updates or confirmation until the pass arrives in your inbox.

Ne vous inquiétez pas (don't worry)! If, like I did, you arrive before you can procure one online, most pharmacies should be able to issue you one — ah, la France — although several friends of mine had to try their luck at one or two locations first. A rapid antigen test (which should cost you about 29 euro) will also be a valid substitute for the pass for 72 hours, according to the embassy. As of Sept. 30, those age 12 and older need the pass.

Once I finally received mine — which took 10 minutes at the third pharmacy I tried, after showing my American vaccine card and passport — the city opened up to me. My days off were composed of morning espressos and tartines en terrasse , afternoons spent at newly reopened and soon-to-close museums (the Musée Carnavalet and the Centre Pompidou , respectively — and yes, masks are required indoors) and lazy evenings sipped away at natural wine bars across the city; there's no better routine for a trip to Paris .

Just as I began reacclimating to the pace of Parisian life, the streets stilled and everyone flocked south. In mid-August, void of tourists and locals alike, the city pantomimed a cinematic version of itself, all black-and-white streets and Édith Piaf.

I hopped a train to the south as well, to spend a week bathed in sunscreen and salt along the Mediterranean. The train changed at the Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles, where all of France seemed to have disappeared to. A face mask, train ticket, and the health pass are required for domestic travel.

Back in Paris, on my final run, I headed to the Eiffel Tower, because pourquoi pas (why not)? The streets were busier along the route, and upon arrival I found a once-familiar sight: a large concentration of tourists. Visitors and locals alike had come back for la rentrée , literally "the return" from August vacation to real life.

The city was in the midst of its own rentrée after a summer spent reveling in the freedom of movement that followed three lockdowns in France, the first two of which restricted people from leaving their houses for more than one hour and farther than one kilometer (just over half a mile) per day. The renewed momentum was palpable.

Despite my efforts to cover as much ground as possible during my stay, it was a challenge to keep pace with the reopenings and restrictions lifting. The city never seems to change, but the way we move through the world has, and travel is more fraught as a result. It can take a moment to find your footing amidst the flux of it all — but Paris is still the loveliest place to stumble around.

Sophie Dodd is a Brooklyn-based writer who has been plotting her move to Paris for a decade. Follow her adventures on Instagram @sickofsuburbia.

Travel and Covid-19: Answers to your questions

The entry, exit, and transit requirements for each country may differ greatly. We invite you to check all travel requirements (Covid-19 test, vaccines,...) for the countries through which you are due to transit directly on TravelDoc .

Check the type of test to be performed and its validity period

Check the approved vaccines and their validity requirements

What are the travel requirements for domestic flights within France and for flights to/from Corsica?

For all other destinations, please review the travel requirements for your flight on  TravelDoc .

I have a connection in Metropolitan France. Do I need to be tested or vaccinated?

If you are traveling to or from an international destination and have a connection in Metropolitan France, you must meet the conditions imposed by your destination country.

Please check  TravelDoc for the latest information regarding your travel requirements.

Where can I find real-time information on the latest travel requirements?

The TravelDoc website provides the latest information on travel requirements around the world. Visit TravelDoc

I am not vaccinated. Can I still travel?

If you are not vaccinated, please make sure to check the travel documents required for your trip on TravelDoc , as rules of entry and exit vary from country to country.  For flight to/from France, no test or vaccine is required.

What is "Ready to Fly"?

The free and time-saving "Ready to Fly" service allows you to upload all the required health documents for your travel before you arrive at the airport. If your booking is eligible for this service, you will receive an e-mail prompting you to upload your documents to our online platform a few days before your scheduled flight. You can download or print your boarding pass with “Ready to Fly” printed on it after your documents have been checked and approved. You will receive a notification with instructions if you are missing a document or if a document is incomplete.  Learn more .

Can I reschedule my flight if I test positive for Covid-19?

You can reschedule your flight if you test positive for Covid-19 in the days leading up to your trip if you get in touch with our customer service team before your scheduled departure date.

Covid-19 tests

When do i need to be tested to travel.

The validity period for Covid-19 tests is short: usually a few days before departure or arrival depending on the country. Visit TravelDoc to find out when to get tested before you travel. For more information on all domestic flights within France and flights to/from Corsica, please visit our FAQ on the health pass in France. Visit TravelDoc

How long is my test valid?

In most cases, the validity of a Covid-19 test is calculated based on: 

• The time and date of collection
• The time and date of departure of the first flight of your trip.

 However, exceptions are possible. Some countries calculate validity in days, not hours, or flight arrival rather than departure. Please visit TravelDoc to view the latest validity requirements for your trip.

  Traveling on a connecting flight?

Please refer to the above information to calculate your test’s validity period. If different validity periods are required for each flight in your booking, the shortest validity period applies from the start of your trip. Visit  TravelDoc

What type of Covid-19 test do I need for travel?

The type of Covid-19 test required varies by country. Visit TravelDoc to find out which test you will need to take before you travel. For more information on all domestic flights within France and flights to/from Corsica, please visit our FAQ on the health pass in France. Visit TravelDoc

Does my child need a Covid-19 test in order to travel? What are the age requirements?

Testing requirements for children depend on the destination country. Please consult TravelDoc to find out if your child needs to be tested for your trip. Visit TravelDoc

I've received my test result. What document do I need to show at the airport?

Some countries require a test certificate in digital or printed format, which may include a QR code. This certificate may be different from the result sent by your lab. Visit TravelDoc to verify which document to show at the airport. Visit TravelDoc

Does my test certificate need to be in a specific language?

Some countries accept a test certificate in English, others require it to be translated into the official language. See TravelDoc for more information. Visit TravelDoc

Vaccines against Covid-19

I have been vaccinated against covid-19. do i still need to get tested before i leave.

Some countries exempt vaccinated travelers from having to show a negative Covid-19 test. Check with TravelDoc to see if this applies to you. Remember to check the validity requirements, the type of vaccine allowed and the minimum time required between the last injection and entry into the country. Visit TravelDoc

I have been vaccinated against Covid-19. Do I still need to observe a quarantine upon arrival?

Some countries exempt vaccinated travelers from quarantine upon arrival. Check with TravelDoc to see if this applies to you. Be sure to check the validity requirements, the type of vaccine allowed and the minimum time required between the last injection and entry. Visit TravelDoc

What vaccines are authorized for travel?

Authorized vaccines vary from country to country, as do their validity conditions and the minimum time required between the last injection and entry into the country. In addition, some countries require all travelers, even those who have been vaccinated, to take a Covid-19 test or to observe a quarantine upon arrival. See TravelDoc for more information. Visit TravelDoc

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France Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for France.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to France. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to France.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

France is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Avoid bug bites.

Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in France, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although France is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in France include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call France’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in France, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for France for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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France is open to Americans; Here's what it's like now and when to go

France reopened to international tourists , including vaccinated Americans, on Jun. 9, 2021. I covered the entry process last week and have been in France ever since, staying mostly in Paris.

I've gotten countless emails since publishing the entry article, most with one common theme: Is it worth visiting Paris right now? And the question makes sense since France has many coronavirus restrictions in place through the end of the month.

While I wish I could say that your Paris trip will look the same as in years past, that simply isn't the case. In fact, Paris isn't as open as many American cities like New York or Chicago . But, plenty of the city's charm is still there, and many of its strict lockdown measures have been eased.

Here, I'll discuss what you can do in Paris during the current phase of coronavirus restrictions.

Let's take a look!

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Current COVID-19 restrictions in Paris

Let's start with the bad news: There are still some strict COVID-19 restrictions in effect in Paris (and France as a whole). Here's a closer look at what these restrictions are and how they can affect your Paris vacation.

There's an 11 p.m. curfew throughout France

One of the biggest drawbacks to visiting Paris (or France) right now is the 11 p.m. curfew. Everyone — including tourists — are required to be in their home or hotel room between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. every day. There is a 135 euro fine for evading this curfew that's strictly enforced throughout Paris.

That said, don't fret if you have an early flight or train to catch. There are plenty of exceptions to the curfew and you can get an electronic exemption slip online.

Many restaurants in Paris are operating past 11 p.m. but without seating. You can order delivery from popular apps like Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Likewise, many hotels continue room service past the curfew, so you won't go hungry if you need dinner or want a midnight snack.

This curfew is expected to be lifted on June 20 if case counts continue to trend downward. So with that in mind, you might want to postpone your trip until next month if you're a night-owl.

Related: The 11 hotel breakfasts we'd order for every meal if we could

Most things operate at a reduced capacity

Now for the good news: Pretty much everything is open in Paris. That said, everything is open at a limited capacity, so you'll want to make reservations for restaurants and museums. Most museums have online reservations while restaurants usually require you to call in for a reservation, but I've had no issue walking into most cafes and bistros.

Related: 15 things to see and do on your first trip to Paris

You'll need a health pass for large events

The French government notes that a digital Health Pass is required for all large events in France. Generally, this is for events with more than 1,000 people. This includes open-air venues, theaters and stadiums, so you'll likely need this for concerts and sporting events when they restart.

You can download the TousAntiCOVID app from the App Store or Google Play to set up your pass. This pass shows vaccination status or a recent negative COVID test, but I haven't had any luck adding my CDC-issued vaccine card to the app yet. Thankfully I haven't needed a Health Pass thus far on the trip. If you need it for an event, you may need to get a negative COVID-19 test in France.

Related: Your guide to vaccine passports

Yes, masks are still required

Masks are still required in France. You must wear a mask at all indoor venues, including shops, cafes and restaurants. That said, you can take your mask off when eating or drinking. In practice, most locals aren't wearing masks once seated at any type of dining establishment.

Related: Masks still required during air travel as CDC loosens indoor mask guidelines for fully vaccinated people

Getting around Paris (and France)

Transportation in and around Paris (and France as a whole) is largely operating as normal. Here's my experience getting around the city.

The Paris Metro is running as normal

I've used the Paris Metro for the majority of my trips around town. It's operating as normal and on time. You'll find that many Metro cars are packed during peak times, so avoid rush hour if you're not into crowds. You can still purchase Metro tickets at all stations and take the RER train from Paris (CDG) to the city center.

Related: 10 things no one tells you about… Paris

National trains are still available

Headed to Nice, Bordeaux or another part of France after Paris? Don't fret — the SNCF is running trains all over the country. I took the train from Paris to Nice earlier this week and it was on time with zero issues. Just note that there are no blocked middle seats or other precautions taken, so you may want to rent a car or purchase a first-class ticket to avoid crowds.

Related: Tips for train travel and transportation in France

There's an Uber shortage, so download Bolt too

Like in many U.S. cities , there's an Uber shortage in Paris. Prices are high and it often takes 10+ minutes to find a ride if you're in the city center. I highly recommend downloading a European rideshare app like FreeNow or Bolt to use if you can't find an Uber. I've had good luck with Bolt and used it a couple of times during my trip.

Related: An Uber driver talks how to get the VIP treatment and be a better traveler in 2021

What you can do in Paris right now

Despite the restrictions, there is plenty to do in Paris. Here's a look at what you can do, see and eat in the French capital.

Restaurants, cafes, bars and bistros are open

Pretty much all dining establishments are open across Paris. They're allowed to be open at full capacity outdoors and half capacity indoors. Currently, bar seating is prohibited and there is a maximum of six guests per table.

I've noticed that all of these rules are under very limited enforcement, so your experience may vary depending on where you eat and drink. You'll find particularly large crowds at outdoor cafes on Friday nights after work. Midday crowds are about what they were pre-pandemic on cafe patios.

Related: 11 of the most Instagrammable cafés in Paris

Most museums are open, but you'll need a reservation

Museums are open, but with a capacity limit of one visitor per 4 square meters. You need to make a reservation for most museums on their website. I had no issue getting a ticket to the Louvre the weekend before my trip. That said, the Louvre had large crowds around premier exhibits like the Mona Lisa, but mask compliance was strictly enforced.

Unfortunately, some famous landmarks like Eiffel Tower remain closed until next month. You can still see them from the outside, but interior tours are still suspended. I'm hopeful that these will reopen on schedule so long as COVID-19 cases continue to trend downward in France.

Related: How to avoid soul-crushing crowds at the Louvre

Shops are operating as normal

Shops are operating as normal until the 11 p.m. curfew. This includes everything from designer clothes stores to the neighborhood grocery store. You'll have no problem getting your shopping fix in Paris.

Related: 8 hot shopping destinations in the world's most fashionable cities

The hotel experience is largely unchanged

One thing that hasn't changed is the hotel experience in Paris. I stayed at three different hotels during my time in the city and each had open dining facilities, housekeeping and everything you'd expect from a pre-pandemic hotel experience. Just make sure to wear a mask in common areas.

Unlike Iceland , French hotels aren't requiring proof of vaccination at check-in. All you need to do is show your passport and credit card, as usual. This means check-in is quick and easy and you don't have to rustle through your bag to find other paperwork.

Don't worry — you'll hear more about my Paris hotel experiences in two upcoming reviews .

Related: 10 of the best points hotels in France

COVID-19 testing in Paris

Another thing readers have asked me is where they can get a COVID-19 test in Paris in order to return to the U.S. Truthfully, I'm writing this while still in France, so I haven't been tested for my return yet. But I've done a bit of research and have a good understanding of how to get a test in Paris.

Either a PCR or rapid antigen test are acceptable types of tests for return to the U.S. In my experience, these tests are checked at flight check-in and not at the U.S. border. Your test must be less than 72 hours old to be considered valid.

Antigen tests are relatively easy to come by in Paris. I saw a testing booth set up outside of the Operá Metro stop last week, so you may want to check if you're staying at a nearby hotel (like the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme ).

You can also find antigen testing at most pharmacies around Paris and other French cities. Pricing varies, but shouldn't be more than roughly 30 euros for foreigners not covered by French health insurance.

Further, there are testing centers at both Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly (ORY) airports. These offer both PCR and antigen tests, with one- to two-hour turnarounds for antigen tests. You may consider getting to the airport early and getting a test before your flight if you can't find a test in town. Check the Paris airport website for more info. An antigen test at the airport costs 20 euros.

Related: Traveling soon? Here's where you can quickly get a COVID-19 PCR test for travel

Bottom line

Traveling to Paris right now gives you a unique opportunity to see the French capital with few tourists. At the same time, the curfew makes it limiting for night-owls. Personally, I'd wait a week and go once some of the remaining restrictions have been lifted.

At the same time, those who decide to make the trip now will have no shortage of things to do and see both in Paris and outside of the city. The Louvre and other famous museums are open and Paris' famous cafes and bistros are waiting to serve you an espresso (or a glass of wine).

Regardless of current restrictions, it's great to see life in the streets of Paris after months of lockdown. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the city and am excited to return later this year as a part of a larger European itinerary.

Bon voyage!

Feature photo by Andrew Kunesh / The Points Guy

The Latest Covid Updates for France: Testing, Vaccines, and Traveler Requirements

As of June 30th, 2023, the French Government has put the Tous Anti Covid app on “pause” and — although people are still catching and dying from Covid — it’s not currently considered a serious public health risk. There are no travel restrictions, passes, or vaccinations required for travelers into France. This page is just for informational purposes and has not been updated since 2022.

Table of contents

Current restrictions, travel to france, eligibility, getting the pass, can this pass be used anywhere in the eu, where to get covid tests, what happens if you test positive for covid in france, where to get vaccinated if you’re a resident.

• As of February 12th, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers from any country in the world can enter France without needing a negative Covid test before departure (however, everyone needs to be boosted).
• Non-vaccinated travelers coming from a “green country” (including EU, UK, United States, Canada) can enter France with a negative result of a PCR test less than 72 hours or an antigen test less than 48 hours before departure (departure of the first flight in the event of a connection).
• As of March 14th, the Pass Vaccinal is only required for visitors to hospitals and nursing homes (not for patients).
• As rates of Covid are currently still high in France as of June 27, 2022, and the French government has recommended people start wearing masks in public transport again, I highly recommend travel insurance with Covid coverage that covers the cost of the seven-day required self-isolation in case you test positive (additional hotel costs, flight changes, delivered food), in addition to the regular travel insurance that would cover hospitalization.

All fully vaccinated travelers can enter France without restrictions, no matter which country they are traveling from. Only Pfizer (Comirnaty), Moderna, AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), or AstraZeneca (Covishield) vaccines are accepted. To be considered “fully vaccinated”, anyone age 18 or over wishing to enter France must have received either two shots plus the booster, or one Janssen plus the booster (children under 18 do not need the booster shot). Ignore the “number of months between shots” going around (that’s more applicable for people who are already in the EU). There’s no plan to require a fourth shot (2nd booster) in France, so as long as you’ve received the initial vaccine plus the booster (at least 7 days) before you arrive , you should be okay, even if many months have passed since then (which is the case for many seniors over 65 who started getting boosters in the summer of 2021).

IMPORTANT : having recovered from Covid is NOT considered a substitution for a vaccine shot or booster outside of the EU (because there is no consistent way to track Covid recovery status in most countries like there is in the EU). So if you have two vaccine shots then Covid, you still need a Booster shot to be considered “fully vaccinated” .

Note from the US Embassy in France website: “French authorities accept the CDC card as evidence of vaccination for entry into France.”

As of February 12th 2022, a Covid test is NOT required to enter the country for vaccinated travelers anymore, no matter where you’re traveling from.

For those who are NOT vaccinated , the French government has specific rules , dividing travelers into two groups based on where you’re traveling from (or have been living in the past several months), regardless of nationality unless you’re French:

• If you’re traveling from a “ green ” country — including the United States , the UK, all EU countries (European Union plus Andorra, the Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland) , and Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada , Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Ivory Coast, South Korea, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, Djibouti, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Grenada, Greenland, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Faroe Islands, Mauritius, Solomon Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya , Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Lebanon, Liberia, North Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Morocco, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, New Zealand, Oman, Uganda, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint- Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, El Salvador, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sudan, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, East Timor, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe — each traveler over age 12 needs a negative result of a PCR test less than 72 hours or an antigen test less than 48 hours before departure (departure of the first flight in the event of a connection) .
• The rest of the countries not listed above are “ orange ”, including Australia , Travelers from these countries who are not vaccinated can only travel to France if you have a reason (ie work, family emergency, etc) from the official list here . Anyone over age 12 must have a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure or a negative antigenic test taken less than 48 hours before departure. You may be subject to a screening on arrival, and will have to self-isolate if you test positive.

Health Pass (or “Pass Sanitaire”) becomes the Pass Vaccinal

UPDATE: The Pass Vaccinal was suspended on March 14th.

In France, the Health Pass ( Pass Sanitaire ) was required to access places where there are typically large crowds, such as stadiums, festivals, fairs, exhibitions, and airports for anyone 11 years old and up. It was required at all cultural centers and events with more than 50 people, as well as bars, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, trains, planes and tour buses (long distances). From January 24th, 2022 until its suspension on March 14th, anyone over the age of 16 also needed the Pass Vaccinal, which was only valid with an up-to-date vaccine, not a negative Covid test.

If You’re in France or the EU

If you’re in France or the EU, you will need to be fully vaccinated to obtain the Pass Vaccinal. That means two shots (or one Janssen) plus the booster shot starting at three months after your last shot (or documented recovery from Covid). If you already have a Pass Vaccinal, it will no longer be valid once four months have passed until you get the booster (or one month with the Janssen vaccine). If you’ve gone past the four months, you only need the booster to get the Pass Vaccinal back again, you do NOT need to start over and get all three shots.

Still confused? The French healthcare service Améli has created this calculator to tell you when you’re eligible for another shot, and what date your Pass Vaccinal will expire: https://monrappelvaccincovid.ameli.fr/ It’s in French, but here’s what you need to know to fill it out: – the first screen asks your birthdate, in the day/month/year format – then it’s asking if you’ve tested positive for Covid since your last vaccine shot (“oui/non” is yes/no) – the next window asks the name of the last vaccine you received – and the next question asks the date of the last vaccine shot (also in day/month/year format) The final screen then shows you two dates: the first one in black is the date when you are eligible for a booster, and the date in the brown box is the date that your Pass Vaccinal will no longer be valid without it (you usually have a window of one month to get the booster).

Although the Pass Vaccinal is no longer required (for now) in France since March 14th, it’s still possible to get one digitally through the TousAntiCovid app with a scannable QR code that serves as proof that you have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (the printout you receive when vaccinated). If you get your vaccine in France, it automatically uploads to the app when you scan the QR code, so no need to do anything but present it when asked. You can also use a printout with QR code if you don’t have a smartphone. EU residents should be able to scan their QR code into the TousAntiCovid to use when in France.

Several European Union countries have started using an EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), previously called the Digital Green Certificate. This is now required in all 27 member states. It consists of information about an individual’s vaccination, test and/or recovery status in regards to COVID-19. Formulated as a QR code, the person traveling can choose to carry either a digital or paper-based certificate.

Tests for non-French residents/citizens and non-vaccinated French residents are €25 for the rapid-result antigen test and €49 for the PCR test . The antigen tests can be done at any pharmacy in about 15-20 minutes without an appointment (however there may be a line, try another pharmacy if there’s a long wait). PCR tests take up to 24 hours for the results (sent via email/text message), and can be done at some pharmacies as well as clinics all over Paris with an appointment.

The interactive map of some of these centers is on the  TousAntiCovid app .  You can also find them listed at  Sante.fr ( dépistage ) or by simply using the Doctolib website to find and book online (type “covid” into the search bar). Or just walk into the nearest pharmacy (look for the neon green cross) and you’ll usually see a sign for “Test Covid”.

You can purchase self-tests in pharmacies. If you have a French Carte Vitale you can get two free self-tests at the pharmacy if you’re a “cas contact”.

NOTE : Since October, the Covid test isn’t free for French residents unless you have a doctor’s prescription or are vaccinated but show symptoms.

If you test positive for Covid while in France, you are required to self-isolate for seven days at your own cost. If you took the test on your final day before leaving France, that usually means you’ll need to extend your trip, possibly switching hotels, and that you’ll need to have food delivered if someone you know can’t bring it to you (going to the pharmacy or to see a doctor or emergency room is allowed if you’re masked).

If you are fully vaccinated, you can take another test on the fifth day if you have no symptoms, and if it’s negative you are considered free to travel. If you test positive again. However, you will need to extend the self-isolation for a total of ten days (with the possibility of re-testing on the seventh day). If you are not fully vaccinated, you must self-isolate the full seven days (or ten days if you test positive on the seventh day). You can purchase home tests at the pharmacy to check yourself (these are free if you have French health coverage), but will need an antigen or PCR test at the pharmacy or doctor’s office to be considered clear to travel.

The French State doesn’t cover any of these costs, so it’s HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you purchase travel insurance with Covid coverage that includes not only medical costs (hospitalization, medications, etc) but also any additional lodging and fees to change your travel dates (trains, flights, etc). It’s wise to have a Plan B ready just in case one or more people in your party test positive.

If you’re in the French healthcare system (ie give your carte vitale number when testing), your Covid status may automatically be shared with your designated generalist, and you will receive an email or text message asking you to notify them of anyone you may have infected so they can be notified. You will also receive a letter to get two free Covid home tests that you can pick up at any pharmacy.

If you think you should see a doctor, you can either ask a pharmacist for a list of the nearest generalists (they usually have this information), ask your hotel to call a doctor to come to your room (you can also call to have one come to your apartment 24/7, SOS Médecins , dial 3624 from anywhere in France, or 01 47 07 77 77 in Paris), or go online to Doctolib.fr to make an appointment with a generalist (you can see a map of the closest ones to you).

If you need urgent medical attention and cannot easily get yourself to the nearest emergency room ( “urgences” ), call 112, the European-wide emergency service number (they speak English).

All adults residing in France with a Carte Vitale can be vaccinated free of charge. You can get vaccinated by your generalist, at the temporary vaccination centers (in certain stadiums, town halls, community centers, etc), and at pharmacies. Make an appointment at the Covid Vaccination Center closest to you on the same platforms:  www.sante.fr or Doctolib , or on the Vite Ma Dose! app. You can also register to let them contact YOU as soon as an opening is available at CovidListe . Vaccinations are free for anyone in the French healthcare system.

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After 3 Covid free years and 5 vacc and boosters I’ve tested positive for Covid. If I try to get Paxlovid will I be formally reported and required to retest at 7 days? My symptoms are mild. I’m wondering if I should just self isolate and lave as scheduled on the 6th day? To have insurance cover a delayed trip I must have proof of Covid from a doc which could trigger a much longer stay. Thanks

Hello, my wife got her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine almost 8 months ago. But she has not gotten a booster. She is a Mexican citizen, and we will be passing through CDG on our way to Greece in late September 2022. We would like to get her a booster shot in the CDG airport during our layover? Is this possible there, for a non-French citizen?

My husband is unvaccinated due to medical reasons. He will need a pcr test in England before driving to France by car I think this is 72 hours before? Once in France he will need to do another test to enter Spain. Do you know of any chemists that we can book in Perpignan in advance and should it be a pcr or antigen test? thank you for your help.

Love this page! Now for my question … my husband & I are unvaccinated & soon traveling. We’ve both had/recovered from Covid, have tested for very high antibody levels & have been doctor-advised to wait before getting any jabs. We’re happy to take a pre-flight antigen test to ensure we’re negative before heading to France, of course. MY Question is: with those negative tests in hand, can we go to a Paris pharmacy to then obtain an EU Covid digital certificate? This is important to us ..

The antigen tests are only valid for 24 hours, so you wouldn’t be able to get the EU Covid digital certificate unless you get a new antigen test within Paris (and, again, it’s only valid for 24 hours). You don’t mention which country you’re traveling from, but if it’s the US then normally they wouldn’t accept that you’ve already had Covid recently because you would have needed proof of that issued from an EU country (US doesn’t have the same QR code system that’s compatible), so only vaccines or covid tests are accepted.

If getting the EU Covid Digital Certificate is important because you want to travel to other EU countries, you will still need to get tested within 24 hours before crossing the border depending on your mode of travel and which country you’re traveling to. You’ll find more detailed info here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_en

Bonjour et bon voyage to those with impending travel to la belle France. Does anybody know if NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) are accepted by the French authorities? Merci!

I plan to travel to Paris between 10 and 20 July 2022 Holding Indian passport and valid Schengen visa . Traveling from India to Paris for business trip. I have completed my 2 covishield vaccine Is it necessary to take a booster dose or RTPCR when entering Paris?

Our son intends to visit us here in France in early July,, he seems to think that he needs an attestation d’accueil before he leaves the UK is this correct/

Never heard of this, sorry.

Susan, I am not sure about the UK but I need an attestation d’accueil for my visitors from South Africa. The attestation is done at your local mairie where forms are available. Once you have filled in the form you submit it at your local mairie and wait for the mayor to sign it. It costs 30 Euros per person visiting.

Thanks Leon! 🙂

Despite being vaccinated and boosted, a family member got Covid, has quarantined, no symptoms for many days but tests still pop up positive which can happen. Is there a health care professional in Paris who can provide a declaration of recovery stating that this person is cleared to travel? US, CDC, allows this. Thank you.

I have no idea, but I assume any generalists in Paris would be able to answer that question, try booking through Doctolib.fr (or ask your hotel if they have a local doctor they can call in).

Hello, my question is: I will be traveling from the USA to London on May 27. Then 3 days later I will be going to France on May 30. Do I need to do the Covid Test still? Im not Vaccinated. Thanks

I had read that as of March 14th they lifted the health pass needed to enter attractions and ride trains. My husband, son and I are heading to France tomorrow and we have all had the initial Johnson & Johnson vaccination, but no booster, and I just wanted to double check to see if we are able to ride trains and enter the attractions if we just get a negative Covid test done tomorrow at the airport?

We will be travelling to France July 2022 for 3 weeks. Our family of 5 (2 adults plus a 16yr, 13yr, 11yr) have all received 2 doses of the covid vaccine. Is the booster required for all of us? Or just the adults? Or even at all?

We are US citizens traveling to Paris on May 30, then taking a train to Barcelona on June 2 to board the Disney Cruise Line on June 4. Spain requires a EU certificate or equivalent. They offer an app SPTH if you are flying from the U.S. to Barcelona. The SPTH gives you a QR code that is checked upon entry. We/U.S. doesn’t have an agreement with the EU so our cards do not have a QR code.

My question is two fold. Can I go to a Paris Pharmacy and request an EU certificate/pass sanitare. And, will that pass sanitare work when we arrive in Barcelona?

Thank you so much if you can help

If you can find a pharmacy still doing the pass sanitaire in Paris, you should be able to use that in Spain, yes.

Hi Heather, We are coming to France from UK on 28th May 2022. My wife and I have had both 1st and 2nd jabs plus boosters. We have 3 children age 12, 12 and 14. They have had their 1st and 2nd jabs. UK government don’t have plans to give the children a booster as of yet. Will the children being OK to travel or would they need PCS tests prior to going? Many thanks and great work.

Hi Eric, according to the French Minister of the Interior website, “Since 1 February 2022, in order for their vaccination schedule to continue to be recognised as complete, persons aged 18 years or older wishing to enter French territory must have received a booster dose of messenger RNA vaccine no later than nine months after receiving the last mandatory dose” So your kids should be fine. (https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/covid-19-international-travel)

Hi- As of today- May 8- what are we required to present regarding proof of vaccination from the USA to Paris? In what form should it be?

You should check with your airline about the form of proof of vaccination needed. Usually it’s just whatever original documentation you received from your doctor or vaccination provider.

Bon jour! My husband and I are traveling to France in a few weeks. We both have the vaccine certificate for both vaccines and booster. My cdc card does not have a QR code and his card was laminated and the qr code faded and almost not legible. We did however get a printed confirmation of the vaccine from the health department stating the type of vaccine lot number and location. Will this be enough to travel to France? We also have the CLEAR health pass. Please advise. Merci!

Please check your airline’s requirements.

Thank you for the useful information! I just have a question (maybe you can answer). Yesterday I received my first dose of the vaccine. I have a trip planned within one month to Paris. I was wondering if I can enter France having taken the second dose a week before departure? Or, would I be able to enter with just one dose as its been recent? Thanks again! Amazing work on this site.

You’ll need a negative Covid test 24 hours before your departure because you won’t be fully vaccinated/bossted.

Hello, and thank you for the helpful information. My husband and I will be returning from the US from France on May 9th, flight at 15:45. We will need to leave Beaune, France early that same morning to travel to Paris (Gare de Lyon) and from there to CDG airport. Because the US requires a negative covid test within a day of travel we are encountering difficulties. I have not been able to find a pharmacie in Beaune that is open on Sundays. Do you happen to have any advice/insight as to how we might get the necessary covid testing done? It appears covid testing is done at CDG airport but also seems there is some risk that the results take longer there to process. Should we try and go to a pharmacie between Gare de Lyon and CDG airport, and if so do you have recommendations you can share? Thank you so very much for any guidance you can lend and for your time and assistance! Merci.

You could indeed go to a pharmacy in or around Gare de Lyon (there’s always at least one open on Sundays, use Google maps to find it), or just go to the one at the airport, as then at least you’ll be able to wait there for the results.

I am going to France as well from the US. We purchased at home tests that are proctored and approved for travel we will use to return to the US since we didn’t want to go to the airport many hours before departure. You open the test in front of your camera and the medical professional instructs you to take the test in front of them. It takes about 15 minutes. I ordered 3 tests for $100 online and shipping was quick. I bought from the optumstore.com. The package says it’s approved for travel to the US and it’s helpful to download the app ahead of time (instructions on the box). Hope that helps.

I did see the comment about ignoring the months between 2nd shot and the booster if traveling to France. Is their an official French website that states this? The French ministry website indicates it as a requirement.

Traveling to Italy, Greece & France in May. I understand Italy & France require a Passenger Locator form be submitted. Form asks what is your final destination. Traveling from the United States we’re visiting Italy first & France last, do we put Italy or France? Or do we need to fill out a form for each country?

Your airline can answer those questions.

We are traveling to Italy and then returning to the US this summer. If we are returning from Italy with a 19 hour layover at CDG in Paris,can we stay overnight at a hotel, and visit Paris and then the next day go to our flight which returns us to the US?

My husband & I (U.S. citizens) are traveling to Paris end May from Greece. We are both vaccinated & boosted. Are there are forms we need to fill out to enter France?

There’s nothing you need to fill out when traveling between EU countries.

Your website is very very informative and helpful Thank you. My wife and I will be traveling to France from May 3-18. We are vaccinated and (double) boosted. Even though it is no longer required to have a Pass Vaccinal, I thought I would obtain one anyway. I downloaded the TousAntiCovid app to my smartphone, but it would not recognize the QR code on my State of California vaccination certificate. Is the app not available to US persons? Also, do you know if it is acceptable to bring Covid test kits with us and self-test the day of departure back to US or do we need to be tested at a Paris pharmacy?

To obtain a Pass Vaccinal you need a European QR code; in France you can get the equivalent code using your US vaccination card, it will cost €35/person; most pharmacies will do it. Self tests are not considered official Covid tests; you should follow the instructions/guidelines given to you by your airline, as they are the ones who will decide whether you get on the airplane or not. 😉

In May I will be in France and will need to take two Flights, the first from Paris to Bordeau, the second from Bordeau to Barcelona. Will I need the Pass Vaccinal for either of these flights?

As the article mentions, the Pass Vaccinal has been suspended since March 14th. For information about what your airline requires, you’ll want to consult the airline directly.

My son will be traveling to France mid May and has the Janssen vaccine and it has been longer than nine months since the vaccine. Is he considered unvaccinated and PCR or Antigen test required or can he just get the booster more that 7 days before his trip

He should get the booster, as it will also protect him from getting a serious case of Covid while in France (and there’s a lot of it going around, so highly recommended). The nine months shouldn’t matter, but just in case, you need to confirm with your airline,as they are the ones who ultimately decide whether he flies or not (or, just to make life easier, get the booster and also get an antigen test before flying). It doesn’t hurt to over all of the bases if you want your vacation to go smoothly!

My husband and I going to Paris on next week and will have to be back on April 18th, and US requires covid testing within 24 hours, our flight is April18th 9:45am, and April 17th is a Sunday. I tried many times to schedule a testing, and the website would not take me. Can I get my test in Paris on Sunday April 17th

Yes, just go to any pharmacy without an appointment, there are always a few open in Paris on Sunday in each neighborhood; allow about 20-30 minutes for the results.

I will need to obtain a rapid antigen test on May 26 for a return flight to the U.S. I understand that this is a national holiday in France. Will I have difficulty finding a pharmacy open on that day that can return same day results?

Ascension isn’t a huge holiday, almost everything will be open as usual including pharmacies.

Is it possible for a US citizen to get the Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID vaccine in France?

It depends. The vaccine exists in France, but you can’t enter France from the US unless you’re already fully vaccinated and boosted. If you already live in France or are coming from the EU, then you just need to find a vaccination center or doctor that has that particular vaccine and make an appointment. I’m guessing you’ll have to pay something if you’re not in the French healthcare system, but I don’t know what that is.

My daughter is 10 when we travel to Paris but has not been vaccinated, Can she provide negative covid test to get into Paris? It doesn’t say much about 12 and under. Seems like they are exempt? My sons 13 and 16 have been vaccinated but not booster are they ok to enter?

We are traveling from the US into the UK and then taking EuroStar into Paris. We are both vaccinated and boosted but I just realized my booster was administered more than 9 months after my second dose. The French government site says this “Since 1 February 2022, in order for their vaccination schedule to continue to be recognised as complete, persons aged 18 years or older wishing to enter French territory must have received a booster dose of messenger RNA vaccine no later than nine months after receiving the last mandatory dose”. Does that mean I would not be allowed to enter the country?

Thank you for your help!

Just ignore that “9 months” guideline, it was more for people in the EU who had the Pass Vaccinal (which is now suspended). As long as you have the booster, it doesn’t matter when it was administered.

Hello, We are arriving into Paris on 3/20 by plane (we are all vaccinated and boosted) and then taking a train to Bruges, Belgium. I have read the France vaccine pass is not longer required in restaurants but seeing conflicting information about long distance trains. Starting 3/14 will we still need a France vaccine pass to ride a long distance train? Thank you.

The Pass Vaccinal has been suspended. You only need to wear a mask on trains.

Hi. I’m planning to visit Paris in April. IT sounds like I do not need to make an appt to get the covid test? is that correct? I tried to set up the doctorlib app however it won’t allow me to use my US phone number.

You’ll need a Covid test to return to the US. You don’t need an appointment, just go to any pharmacy.

Hi, my family is coming to Paris. My husband and I are vaccinated and boostered. My sons, ages 16 & 12 are vaccinated, but not boostered. However, their vaccines were over 270 days ago. Will they be allowed in the country? And will they be able access to attractions?

For entry into France, boosters are only required for those 18 and older. To access attractions: “Starting March 14th, the Pass Vaccinal will be suspended”

I am coming to France Mid May 2022 from the US. My pfizer second dose was April 2021 and I have scheduled a booster shot March 2022 which is more than 9 months. Will that be acceptable by the airline and France?

Yes, it doesn’t matter when you were boosted (it only mattered for people in France already using the Pass Vaccinal, which will be suspended starting this week).

Do you know when unvaxxed US tourists will be able to enter the country?

No, not as long as you’re coming from an “orange” country. Those coming from green countries don’t need to be vaccinated.

I am going unvaccinated from the US. You just need a negative covid test.

We are going to Paris in April (18th-27th). We both have 2 Pfizer doses. I have 1 booster. She has 2. Do we still need to get the Pass Vaccinal and pay the Euro 36?

As mentioned in the article: “Starting March 14th, the Pass Vaccinal will be suspended”

Hi….my daughter & son planning to come to paris.they took both vaccination but no booster. Please tell me …if they take Rtpcr 72 hours before travelling can they enter all famous resturent & Eiffel tower like that place.

They need to have the booster before they can fly to France, let alone to get the Pass Vaccinal (negative Covid tests won’t work). And I believe it has to be at least a week before travel, but you’d better double check with your airline, because they are the ones who will confirm your vaccine status before you board. You will still need to be boosted to enter France, even if the Pass Vaccinal won’t be required after March 14th.

This is very helpful thank you. My 14-year old daughter is fully vaccinated and got a booster. Does she still require a negative test and Pass vaccinal because if her age? We will be in Paris after March 14.

“Starting March 14th, the Pass Vaccinal will be suspended” That applies to everyone.

I have the TousAntiCovid app that I used in France this past fall, but now it needs to be updated with the booster that I have received. How do I go about updating my app?

You’ll need a new QR code to update the app, so if you got the booster outside the EU, you’ll have to return to a French pharmacy to show them your proof of booster and get a new QR code to upload to the app.

I have had 2 vaccines (1st one pfizer 2nd one moderna) I still have to get a booster shot. Are mixed vaccines accepted as fully vaccinated in France? Would like to travel from Canada to France in May 2022. Thanks

Yes, mixed vaccines are fine.

I had the J & J single shot on 5/19/21 and I am getting the J & J Booster on 3/1/22. Do I still need to get another Booster shot ?

No, you only need one booster.

These rules are so vague. My wife and I are planning to travel to Paris in mid march, just a few weeks away. We received our vaccinations early and had our boosters 5 months ago. There was a gap of 9 months between the first two shots and our third shot (booster). Would we be allowed to get a health pass as is? If we get boosted now, can we get a health pass? The wording would indicate no, even though we would be be hyperboosted with our fourth shots.

You only need to be boosted, it doesn’t matter when you were boosted, to get the pass.

can a US citizen get a Novavax vaccine in France?

Not that I’m aware of.

Thank you for this clear explanation. The Sante.fr list of pharmacies that provide vaccination passes in Paris seems to be incomplete with only 11 currently listed. Does anyone know of a participating pharmacy near the St Michel-Notre Dame metro? We will be traveling there in mid-April so the regulations may change but would like to be prepared.

Thanks for the great article! Traveling during this pandemic has been quite the mess! I have a quick question that I’ve had difficulty finding the answer to online…

My family is heading into France from Spain on BlaBlaCar bus. They require immunization proof to board. My wife, eldest daughter and I all have boosters shown on US CDC cards, but no European QR codes. We are planning to get the Pass Vaccinal in France. My two younger children (13 and 14) have vaccines without boosters (8 months ago), also shown on CDC cards. I’m assuming that my younger children will need testing before entering France, but do you know if ground transportation is accepting non QR code vaccination proof?

There is zero requirement for a QR code. It just makes it easier for the people checking it. You need the original vaccine certificate with your full name, birthdate, type of vaccine and date when it was given. Show that with your photo ID.

I am coming to Paris the end of April. I don’t have an international cellphone. When I get tested to return to the US will a pharmacy issue a paper document?

Yes, they give you a printout if you wait the 15-20 minutes until it’s ready.

Hey there, I’m struggling finding clarity on our travel plans. We are vaccinated but not boosted and have a layover in Paris. We will not leave the airport. The pass is not required if we are not leaving the airport correct?

I don’t know about transfers; you should ask your airline, as they’re the ones responsible for checking you have what’s required before you board.

Hello Heather, My wife, daughter, son-in-law, and 11-year old grandson are traveling to Paris in June. My wife and I are fully-vaxxed with Moderna and boosted. My son-in-law is fully-vaxxed with Moderna (in August, 2021) but has not been boosted. I understand that he needs to do so before we leave. My question is about my daughter. She has not gotten vaxxed. She is waiting it out to see if restrictions are lessened. If they are not lessened, and she waits to get the J&J vaxxine within a few weeks of departure (which is the one she has decided to get if she has to do so), will she be able to get the Pass Vaccinal, or must she also get a booster before departing and, if she must get boosted, can she get a second J&J jab, or must she get an mRNA booster for it to count so she can get a Pass Vaccinal?

Hi Jeff, You need to wait one month between Janssen and the booster, from what I understand, plus 7 days after the booster for the Pass Sanitaire to be valid. So I wouldn’t wait until the last minute. At the moment there’s some talk of reducing the number of places that will require the pass vaccinal, it’s not clear when this would happen nor which places would be affected. It would be a shame to come all the way to France and then not be allowed into certain places that still require it. In October 2021, there were so few cases that everyone assumed we wouldn’t need the pass by Christmas. Then Omicron. So…it’s a gamble.

Hello, I received my first Janssen in March, 2021 and was boosted with Moderna on October 25, 2021. I am supposed to fly from the US to France on February 18 and depart home to the US on February 26. From what I am seeing, it looks like my vaccine pass will expire on February 24. Will I be able to get into the country as “vaccinated” given my vaccine pass will expire 2 days before my departure date?

1. You don’t need a Pass Vaccinal to enter the country, just to enter restaurants, museums, concerts, etc. 2. The Booster doesn’t expire. Once you’ve been boosted, you’re fine indefinitely (at least if no new variants arrive and wreak havoc, lol)

The 2nd dose of the one dose Janssen vaccine is the booster. Is that not correct?

I got my first janssen in march of 2021 and my second janssen in nov 2021. do i still need to get a booster for a health pass if i’m going to france in march 2022?

Yep, everyone needs a booster, no matter when you had your last shot. 😉

Hi; do you know of a hotel list where to isolate in Paris in case of a positive Covid result?

I haven’t heard that these exist since the first wave and see nothing in the French press (I think you have to isolate in whichever hotel you’re already in). Anyone else know the answer to this?

Our father passed away in Narbonne and we are looking at flying into Paris from Canada and then taking a train. We are fully vaccinated. Can we get the vaccine equivalency at one of the pharmacies inCDG airport as we need the catch the long distance train.

That should be no problem, yes. However you may have to transfer to Gare de Lyon to get to Narbonne anyway, which would take you into central Paris. Either way, allow some buffer time just in case there’s a line. And my condolences for your father.

Hi Heather, I am unvaccinated. I did get COVID Jan. 3 and have my confirmation of testing positive. I would like to come to France in May for about 10 days. Is testing every 48 hrs. what I would be required to do to drive from Paris to Cannes?

Hi Laurel, the French don’t accept Covid recovery certificates outside the EU (because they’re not standardized like they are here), so you’ll need to get your two vaccines and the booster before you can come to Paris. You have plenty of time to do that before May. 🙂

I am 74 and my husband 83. We were both vaxed Feb/March ’21 with 2 dose Pfizer. September ’21 we were both boosted. Our plan is to spend May/June 2022 in France. We are aware of the Pas Vaccinal but as US citizens are we required to have a second booster prior to our arrival in order to qualify for the Pas? Additional boosters are not being offered where we live in the US Judith

Hi Judith, as long as you’ve had your booster you’re fine; France won’t do a second booster unless yet another variant arrives and it’s deemed necessary. You should be fine to come in summer. 🙂

Can anyone recommend a pharmacy in Bastille/Marais that issues the Attestation d’Equivalence Vaccinale? The map on the Sante website provides a different set of pharmacies every time I check it.

The one at 2 blvd Filles du Calvaire does the Pass Vaccinal, but if you’re in Paris almost every single pharmacy can do it, so check first with the one closest to where you’re staying.

Hi there, As a family we will France in february for holiday. On of the family members was vaccinated with the Janssen vaccin and had one Moderna Booster las November (2021). Is that enough to enter France and to enter restaurants, etc?

The one who is boosted is fine; the one who had the Janssen vaccine will need a booster before coming to France to get the Pass Vaccinal to enter restaurants.

Hi there, I’m planning to visit nice with my daughter. We are both fully vaccinated with boosters – my daughter had hers 3 months ago and I had mine 1 month ago. Will we be able to get the health pass? Also, I read that we could be tested by officials when we arrive at Nice airport, is this true?

Hi, Just wondering if there is a time limit on how soon you have to get the booster when traveling to Paris? I am going in March but plan to get it in February, but also had my first 2 doses back in January and February of last year. Is that ok? Also, how old do the kids have to be to be required to have the booster to go there?

As long as you’ve got your booster before you come to France you’re good. Kids 12-15 can just get a negative Covid test; kids 16 and older will need to be vaccinated.

As long as you’ve had your boosters you’re fine; if you present symptoms you could in theory be tested at the airport, but I haven’t heard of that happening.

Hi there, can you please confirm that if you are no vaccinated but have recovered in the past 4 months, you can still use the EU Covid pass sanitaire to enter restaurants, ski etc..

As long as you have proof of the date you were diagnosed with Covid, yes, I believe you have up to four months before you’d need another vaccine.

Hi, I’m going to France on the 13th of Feb. I received my 2nd dose of the Pfizer vaccine on the 31st of November. Will I be required to have had a booster jab even though it will have been within 3 months?

It’s three months since your last shot, so no.

This information is so helpful, thank you! I am curious, I am fully vaccinated and boosted. I would love to plan a visit for the spring, but read that there is a specific time limit window for when the booster has to have been administered (5-7 months after the second dose of Pfizer/Moderna). I was lucky enough to get the first doses very early on as someone who worked for a health care group, which means that it was over 7 months later that I was eligible and received my booster dose (it was close to 9 months between my second Pfizer dose and my booster dose). Will this make me ineligible for the Pass Vaccinal as it stands currently?

Hi, I am an American arriving in Paris In February I have 2 Vaccines (Last one, September 16) But I got Covid December 1st 2021, can I get a Health pass if i show my positive Covid Test from December and My Vaccine card?

Hi Wade, in theory, yes, you should be fine. 🙂

I was in Nice for two weeks in December. I had a pass sanitaire made at the airport pharmacy which worked well. My booster was included on it as I am over 65. I am returning to France later this month to spend a month in Paris. Can I just continue to use the pass sanitaire that I got in Nice?

I am an American musician playing in Paris if February…I got the Johnson and Johnson on September 28 in NYC. Can I get a the health pass in Paris by taking a test. I am hoping if I got a test I could get a QR code that would be good for 24 hours. I would rather not get a booster and it would fine to take a test so I could play my gig.

Thanks, Dave

The Pass Sanitaire becomes a Pass Vaccinale starting this week, so you will need to be fully vaccinated (with the booster).

Hi Heather, I was in Paris in September 2021, and easily got the health pass at a pharmacy. Upon return to the US, I got my booster. My Tousanticovid app is indicating I need to be boosted to keep it active. Is there any way that I can update this from the US so it will be active for a trip to Paris in April 2022? Or, will I just have to have to bite the bullet and pay the €36 and have converted again when I arrive?

Hi, I’m an American living and working in Paris. I received my booster in Slovenia and was told they would not issue me a QR code because I am not a Slovenian citizen. Now that I’m back in Paris, my local pharmacie will not provide me a QR code because Slovenia is an EU country and, to paraphrase, they should have given me a QR code. I’ve reached out to the Slovenian health ministry and they won’t budge. In short, I’m stuck. Any advice?

Hi Christopher, you don’t need a QR code if you have any medical document that proves you got a booster with your name, birthdate, date of the booster, and type of vaccine (in English or French, preferably). If I were you, I’d then take that to a few pharmacies to ask for the Pass Sanitaire equivalence (it will cost you €36, I believe) until you find someone willing to do it. If nothing else works, maybe just get another booster in France?

Your info on this website is so helpful! Thank you! I am getting my first Covid vaccine in late January and plan to get the second shot in February. I have a trip planned for Paris in early May. I am assuming that the booster shot will not be required for me since I will not have the vaccine long enough to get the booster. Is this a safe assumption? Thank you so much!

Hi Stacey, the booster is required after three months as of January 15th, so you would need it to use the Pass Sanitaire once three months has passed since your last shot in February. Of course, a lot could change between now and then, check back before your trip. 😉

Can you tell me please if the booster is required for a 30 year old with two psizer shots traveling from US? I do not have the booster, and my second dose was given in June of last year… I would like to enter France, considering a tourist visa, around February. Do you have any information?

Hi Nicholas, as of today you can still enter France, but you cannot get the Pass Sanitaire after January 15th if you don’t have the booster, which means you won’t be able to visit any museums or monuments, nor will you be able to eat in restaurants or cafés, or attend any events with over 50 people. It’s possible that France may make the booster shot required to even enter the country, so you may want to consider getting one before your trip.

Can you use a rapid Antigen (as opposed to a regular Antigen) test to enter France 24 hours before our flight? We are all vaccinated and boostered.. please let me know.

It’s up to your airline as they’ll be the ones checking, ask them. I haven’t heard of any difference between Antigen and “rapid Antigen” here in France.

Hello! I was wondering if you knew if covid19 test results from the pharmacies can be received in English? I have a layover in Russia on my way back to the United States and they require that covid19 test results be in English or Russian. Thank you so much for your help.

Yes, the results are in French and English.

Hi – We Love Secrets of Paris!! We were in Paris in September and fortunately were able to to get our pass sanitaire online before we went. I have heard that they are going to require boosters and the pass sanitaires will be disabled if you haven’t gotten one. We have gotten our booster but i can’t figure out where the info is to update the pass. Do you have any info on that? Obviously our booster was given in the states. Thanks for any help or advice on where to go to update our pass sanitaire. Linda

Hi Linda, You can now go to any participating pharmacy in France (same as where you’d get a new Pass Sanitaire) to have any non-EU vaccines added to your pass. You might be required to pay the fee as if it’s a new Pass Sanitaire.

We are supposed to fly into Paris on an overnight flight from Boston on December 21, 2021. There is so much conflicting info out there and I’m nervous to go. My daughters and I are fully vaccinated with our booster as well. We are only there for six days. I’ve heard getting the Pass Saintaire can take over a week to get, therefore making it useless to us. With the high rates of covid right now are they still allowing US citizens to just show their CDC vaccination card to get into sights, restaurants, etc? Also, when we fly back to the US do we need a PCR test or is a rapid test enough? Thank you for any insight you may have.

“I’ve heard getting the Pass Saintaire can take over a week to get” This isn’t true anymore, you just go to any of the pharmacies listed in the link in the article (they’re all over Paris), and they do it for you on the spot. They are allowing anyone with up-to-date vaccinations (so your CDC card has to show the booster if your 65 or older starting next week), so it’s about as safe as they can possibly be considering they’re not locking down. As for which kind of test is required to return to the US, your airline should give you those guidelines, as they’re the ones enforcing whether you’re allowed on the flight. Either way, there are Covid tests available in every pharmacy and rapid-result PCR tests available at the airports for same-day travel (results in 2 hours, but I’d make sure you get there earlier just in case).

Hi, Love your commentary and pictures. Thanks for all your timely info! We are scheduled to fly into Paris from Boston on December 21st. Curious if there are many tourists in town, and if so where they are from. Stores, cafes, streets, appear rather scantly populated in your photos. Is this due to rainy, drab weather or Covid fears?

Very shifting (Covid) ground in France/Europe. We will be attending the Opera, and taking the TGV to Lyon. Both will require Passe Sanitaire; trusting we can obtain this quickly upon arrival. (we are both ‘boosted’) Is this a correct assumption and Is it possible to obtain the Passe at a pharmacy at CDG airport? or is it best, and cheaper, to wait until Paris?

Paris is actually almost as crowded as “usual”, at least the shops and restaurants and museums are lively. The Pass Sanitaire is the same price (the govt set a max price indicated in the article) no matter where you go, but you might as well wait until you’re in Paris, as airports are no fun to hang out longer than normal. 😉

Like many I applied online for the pass sanitaire nearly two months before I left for France in November. I got it finally three days after I returned to the U.S., although it didn’t contain my booster shot, which I had update on their site before it went black. Fortunately, every place took my CDC vaccine card, and I had no problem.

When I flew in there was no requirement to be tested as long as I was fully vaccinated. But the language was confusing on all the various websites and even the airline (United) couldn’t help. Fortunately no problem going. But coming back was a different story. Same issue with confusing language. But this time the United gate person told me I did indeed need testing prior to boarding the flight. When I asked him where i should go to do this, he told me to go to terminal 2F near the trains (I was in 2A, so it was a 20 minute walk).

The lines were long, the information only in French and confusing. I scanned the bar code to get into the application. Filled it all out, only to drop my phone and have to start all over. The lines to pay inside were just as bad or worse. Finally got it done, and the woman told me the results would be available in 2 HOURS!

When I finally got back to United’s check in and told the woman there what had happened, she said, “Why didn’t you just get the test at the pharmacy?” which was just across the aisle from check in. Their test would only take 15 minutes and was half the price! So even the airline people don’t know what they are doing. But she got me on the next available flight through Washington DC and then I had to transfer to a plane to Newark after getting a rechecking my luggage.

Good luck to all you international travelers. The game changes daily and no one knows what our governments are doing. It’s the end of such travel, at least for now, I am afraid. Especially with all the new rules due to Omicron, or Xi or whatever.

We are USA citizens with a valid pass Sanitaire. We’ve gotten our booster. France will soon require the booster to maintain a valid pass. How can we upload the proof of our booster to our digital pass so that it remains valid after December 15?

You’ll probably need to go to a pharmacy in Paris that knows how to convert the non-EU vaccinations for the Pass Sanitaire. The link to all of those pharmacies is in the article.

I was in FR/IT from 08/27/21 to 10/05/21 – below is where we went, also annecy, antibes, etc. I received my pass a week after I applied in mid august, my partner got hers 2 weeks into the trip after pleading via email a few times. the short of it is one does not need the pass, you can get into anywhere you want w a cdc card. the phone app is a convenience and a nice one at that. nobody asked for ID to validate my partners cdc card. weather was great, france and italy felt like nothing happened, tons of smiles and energy so if you are on you way there is a lot to look forward to. be safe

Épernay Troyes Beaune Cluny Lyon Chambery La Morra Santa Margherita Ligure  Nice St Tropez Marseille Paris

Thank you for this timely update. We arrive in Paris in early December with our first night in Strasbourg. We were going to take the TGV. I’m afraid we won’t have enough time to get our pass at a pharmacy showing our CDC cards in Paris before making our train. We would then get our pass done at a pharmacy in Strasbourg. If TGV were to not allow us to board, we would be out of luck. Hopefully there will be more clarity on connections after arriving in France very soon.

4 November 2021 – The US Embassy (in France)’s website now indicates the following: “As of October 31, the French government has changed the method in which U.S. citizens and other people vaccinated outside the European Union may obtain a French Health Pass. Under the new system, the health pass will be obtained from designated pharmacies for a fee of up to 36 Euros. The list of designated pharmacies is available on this website: https://www.sante.fr/obtenir-un-passe-sanitaire-en-cas-de-vaccination-letranger.

Travelers will need to have their passport and their original paper version of their vaccination record. The vaccination record will need to show the traveler’s name, DOB, vaccination date(s), the number of doses and the country where the vaccination occurred.”

Has anyone currently traveling used any of the pharmacies in the list provided in the above link?

Regards to all.

Since that list only was just published in the past few days, no way to verify, but since that’s an official French government website, it seems like any of the addresses listed throughout the country would work.

Heather thank you. The way I read this is I can visit Norway with the Pass Santaire. Americans currently are not allowed in. That is great news.

With COVID cars back on the rise. Heard Macron will be speaking on tv on Tuesday. What are you hearing what may happen? Will there be another lock down ?

The cases are up to 65 in 100,000, higher than the 20 in early October but nowhere near the 450 in April…so far. The address by President Macron concerns the economy as well as Covid, not just a Covid announcement. Over 80% of French adults are fully vaccinated and school kids in areas with higher cases are going to be wearing masks in schools again, but there’s no point in speculating about another lockdown (which is highly unlikely at the moment), just hang on until Tuesday. 😉

I flew into Nice, and there was a pharmacy right in the airport. I had my pass sanitaire before even taking the tram into the center of the city. I thought the 36 Euro price was kind of expensive, but since I’ll be spending six weeks, it was worth getting in order to have the proper credential and not having to hope for the best with the CDC card.

What is happening to applications submitted before the site stopped accepting new requests?

They are still being processed.

Indeed. The files we submitted in October were approved some weeks later and we now have our health passes in hand.

Hello and thank you for the helpful info. I am a US citizen traveling to Paris in a couple of weeks and looking to get a QR code so I don’t have to rely on my CDC card everywhere. However, when I clicked the link for the demarches-simplifiees website it gives me the message “This procedure has been closed, it is no longer possible to submit a file.” Does anyone know if the site is just temporarily down, or is this service no longer being offered? Thanks in advance.

I found this on the US Embassy in Paris website. It appears that website has been shutdown. 😞

“On August 10, France announced the procedure for non-French citizens vaccinated outside of the European Union to obtain the French health pass.  NOTE: As of October 31, the French Government has closed the website for those in this category to request a health pass. We are awaiting additional information on how to request a health pass.  Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who are awaiting processing of their request for a French health pass can obtain a temporary, 72-hour pass with a negative COVID test (either antigen or PCR).  The test results include the necessary QR code.”

I submitted my application for a pass sanitaire on 12 September, a full month before I was to fly to France. As my departure date got closer, I sent a few requests for help. The only response was something like “ be patient.” I arrived in Paris with no QR code. Someone at the tourist office at CDG said to go to a pharmacy. The first pharmacist I spoke to said he could go to prison if he “converted” my CDC card. No luck with others. I had no trouble getting access to a restaurant for dinner. That night, jet-lagged and unable to sleep, I sent another message to the support email address that appears at the bottom of SOME pages on the France Connect website. Polite, respectful but desperate. The next day I got two messages in quick succession. The first said, “We have received your request and are investigating it.” The next, time-stamped a minute later, contained the link my QR code.

Do you happen to know the email you used? I applied over a month ago and am still waiting and we leave Wednesday.

Hi Jennifer, it seems they’ve stopped issuing the passes online, you have to go to a pharmacy once you’re in Paris if you want the Pass Sanitaire (link in the article with the map of all of the ones that definitely do them).

I am fully vaccinated. I am traveling to Paris and have applied for my health pass but have not received it yet. I plan to take a train 3 hours after I land in Paris CDG Airport to another city in France. In the event that my health pass does not arrive on time, I would need a temporary health pass to board the train. I can get tested in the US before I leave but is it possible to get a temporary health pass with this COVID test that I get in the US (within the correct span of time, of course). If not, is there a place that I can get a temporary health pass in the CDG airport?

I am in a similar predicament. However, the solution may be to get a Antigen test at the airport pharmacies that have advertised rapid antigen testing. ( there are at least 2, in Terminal 2E and 2F); not the COVID test centre, which needs an appointment. this should get you a 3 day Pass Sanitaire. Hope this helps. on the other hand, you might get the pass just before you leave.

you will have no problem boarding a train – they do not check for the pass. we did not receive our pass sanitaire for 5 days after arriving in France. All restaurants understood and told thee USA vaccination card

We are traveling in February and I am feeling confused…how early can we apply for this pass? Is what people are describing you can do at these pharmacies different? I think I understand that we will need PCR tests 72 hours before traveling but also 72 hours before we return to the US? It sounds like getting tests in France (antigen is fine for flying? or needs to be PCR?) is fairly simple? Correct? I’m getting nervous we will not do something right and have a problem!!

You can apply whenever you like, but they typically won’t send it to you until a few days before you arrive (at least when they’re not overwhelmed by requests, as they have been at the start). For flying, you need to ask your airline which test they require, as some say antigen is okay, others ask for PCR. Both are very easy to get in France without an appointment but a PCR can take 24 hours, antigen is usually 15 minutes.

I have received my Pass Sanitiare but can’t figure out how to upload it to my iPhone. Help?

You need to first download the TousAntiCovid app, then scan the barcode from your pass sanitaire with the app. You can also just use the printout of the pass sanitaire (also handy to carry around in case your phone battery dies).

take a screenshot

I have bad news: the Pharmacy Les Filles du Calvaires is no longer issuing vaccination conversions. Apparently the government told them this week (the beginning of October) that they are no longer allowed to do that for foreigners. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

I just heard this today as well from a reader, but will go tomorrow to confirm in person. Thanks for sharing!

I confirm this as well- it is actually illegal for Pharmacies to issue a sanitaire pass

My husband and I submitted applications for the Pass Sanitiare on 9/23/2021 at the same time. By 9/27/2021, he had his in hand. By today (10/04/2021), mine still had not been accepted. So I followed the suggestion of resubmitting the application using an alternate email address. It was, also, suggested that the application be submitted early on Monday morning. I did all of that and had a Pass Sanitaire in TWO HOURS! What a relief!!

I just applied for pass on October 2 and I fly October 20. I was confused re address and ended up putting my address but my son edited it and in the space for more information put his address and telephone numbers as well. I wonder how this will go?? Should I apply again with French address in residence abroad address. I will be in a village, not in Paris.

I was on business in Paris from September 22-29, 2021. and used my Croatian COVID19 application with a vaccination certificate. Nowhere no problem. From the SILMO fair to the Museum, Disnayland and shopping malls. Everything was like I was at home. As I am in the EU, we are all.

Hi Heather. Thanks for all the useful information regarding the pass sanitaire. Perhaps I have missed it, but do we know which countries outside the EU will accept the French pass sanitaire ? For example, does it assist with entry into the U.K. ?

Hi Steve, the Pass Sanitaire is simply a QR code scannable within the EU. Not sure if the UK can scan it, but regardless it will still be using the information provided by your proof of vaccination, but I would check with the UK embassy website to be sure. I don’t follow what countries outside of France require, sorry. 😉

Hi Steve – I flew from paris to bologna in Italy on oct 13 on airfrance.

One day prior, Air France asked me to upload a “european digital passenger locator form” which I did by going to the https://euplf.eu/ and filling out some hotel information for Italy. This generates a pdf which I downloaded and emailed to myself and then uploaded into the Air France app.

Air France then sent me an email saying “Your boarding pass will have a “READY2FLY” flag” and they direct you to a shorter security line at CDG airport. No one asked me for that dPLF after that when entering italy.

At the gate they asked to see a green pass.

That’s just the pdf with the qr code once you get the conversion approved email from the “demarches simplifiees” site.

Which you can either put into the “tous anti covid” app or print or email yourself or easiest for me was to directly scan into my apple wallet on my phone where it shows up as “EU digital covid certificate”.

Great article, I’m noticing you can5 book a COVID test in France online unless you have a French phone number, is there any site besides those mentioned that you can book an appointment online? If not is it pretty easy to get a COVID test in Paris as a walk in? Thank you

Hi Tara, no need to make a reservation, any pharmacy will take walk-ins (in addition to the Covid tents you see all over town).

I can confirm as of Oct 2, 2021, the Pharmacie Les Filles du Calvaire mentioned in the article is still converting foreign vaccine records into the pass sanitaire! It costs €20. Thanks for the tip in the first place—this article saved my partner and I about €150 and a lot of hassle!

Thanks for the update, Jackie! 🙂

Hello! May I ask – did you apply for your Health Pass, and did it not come through? How did you get to the pharmacy? Will a taxi take you? thank you! I applied mid-September for my trip Oct 9th but have not yet received my pass.

Thank you Jackie, we will be in Paris on the 14th. Hope to be able to access there also.

Hi, just wanted to add an update. Thanks to this post, I just received my passe after no movement since I submitted on Sept 3. I changed my address to my hotel address in Paris and got my passe in 36 hours. My “completed on” line listed my home city and the date I completed. Just in time as we leave in four days.

Thanks for posting. I submitted ours also on the 3rd and so far nothing! You give me hope.

I am still very confused about what to put as the address. Is it where I will be staying in France or is it my address in the United States? Further, what country to I fill in? can anyone definitively answer this?? THANKS!!

Hi Jan, I’ve been told by several people that they didn’t get their certificate until they changed their address in the application to the address in France where they are staying (even if it’s a hotel).

Good news! I applied for the pass on September 1 for an upcoming trip on September 23, and checked obsessively, sent reminders etc and heard not a peep. TODAY as I am getting ready to leave my apt for the airport, the pass arrived! Wow. So keep your options open but also bear in mind the pass might still arrive.

what address did you enter on the application form…..where you are staying in France or your US address?

Was your flight on a weekend? I ask because mine is and I do now know whether they send the passes out during the weekend.

It is very random. I am a US citizen and applied online on September 2nd for travel to Paris departing on September 26th. I filled out the form perfectly. So far nothing. My best friend applied on September 10th for travel to Paris departing on October 2nd, entered his home address rather than his address in Paris, and received his Health Pass last night – September 21st. My application still shows “still in process” so today, I sent a message asking what is happening because I leave in a few days and I exchanged the jpeg of my passport for a pdf of it so it matched my friend’s application. I also updated the “Fait à” line to include my state (IL) and USA. In addition, I created another account using a different email address, and applied again. Fingers crossed, one of these applications will go through. I’m staying in the 15th during my visit.

UPDATE: I would NOT bother applying online – simply go to the pharmacy recommended here with your information and they will generate the code for your pass. I applied 27 days ago and have been in Paris for three days already. Still nothing from applying online. I went to the pharmacy and had my code in minutes.

I did get my code later in the day on September 29th. However, I do not know whether the government was simply confirming information already submitted a few days before by the pharmacy. Again, although the governmental system is free, the stress due to the delay i(27 days in my casse) s simply not worth it.

Never received a response from the French government after our applications were submitted and inquiry messages sent.

Happy to say, Pharmacie Les Filles du Calvaires (2 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire 75003-75011) did indeed quickly process our CDC papers 9/20 and provide the official QR code for uploading to the French Anti Covid app.

One pro tip: The pharmacy opens at 900am but doesn’t start processing the forms until 1000am. On the day we went, we were told to come back at 1000. We did, however, the pharmacy apparently has to receive a new daily code to process the applications. On this day, they still hadn’t received the code 45 minutes later so we came back later in the day. This did not seem to be a normal occurrence, but something to be aware of as a possibility if you are under some kind of time constraint.

Prior to having our CDC card converted, we did also have to get two COVID tests. Be aware that the test *should* cost you 25 euros. One pharmacy in St Germain Des Pres charged us 48 euros! And the “15 minute results” didn’t appear until 3 hours later. I would suggest always getting a printout of the results and QR code just to be on the safe side.

Thank you for the tip for the pharmacy. It worked perfectly at that location, I got my health pass there on September 18th. I had waited 2 weeks for the online pass without luck.

thank you for posting this because i have been trying, without success, on both sites and most recently applied on september 1. each time i check the site adds a few days of delay. it started at 5 days and now they’re up to 18 days of delay. i think it’s hopeless and since i a leavin on 9/23 i am encouraged to hear that i can still get one at the pharmacy in the 11th. it’s not a very genteel way of welcoming tourists, and i say this as someone who loves france.

I just want to share my experience with obtaining a Pass Sanitaire and I’m hoping it will be helpful to someone else in the future. I am arriving in Paris on Sep 19. I submitted my application #1 to the email address on Aug 29 and received an automated response stating that starting Aug 27, the application process has been moved to an online platform. I created an account and resubmitted application #2 using this platform on Aug 29 and again received an automated response confirming that they received my dossier immediately followed by another automated response stating that they are receiving a large volume of application but that the antigen testing every 72 hrs is an available option (presumably because there’s a good chance they won’t get to my application) but please don’t contact them as it will only delay the process. After waiting patiently and not receiving ANY communication, it’s as if my dossier got buried under everyone else’s application. I finally sent them a message through the platform on Sep 12 gently inquiring when I may hear back as my arrival is in a week. That seemed to move my dossier on the top of the file because less than 12 hrs later, my QR code is waiting in my inbox. Like what others have said, there does not seem to be a method that they are following as others I know with closer departure dates have not reduced their pass. It seems that sending a gentle reminder helped me.

Thank you! Here’s hoping they’ll still be doing so this Saturday!

Has anyone heard if the pharmacy in 11th is still willing to help Americans convert their CDC cards? I sent my online application in last week but my file is still marked in progress and I’m flying out this Friday so I’m searching for a backup plan

Hi Liz, it worked this past week for several people I know personally.

just a quick note: I am traveling to Paris for 2 weeks beginning tomorrow, and today, JUST received my Pass Sanitaire – I applied 3x and finally…looks like they are processing right before departure date.

That is hopeful! Did you apply the same way (original via email, now via upload) each time?

Good to know, albeit nervewracking! Did you apply three times via the original email way or the more recent upload way?

Hey Paul, I am happy for you, but want others to know, it is hit or miss re receiving the pass sanitaire. I first applied a week before my departure for France on August 21 and received no reply. Reapplied after arriving and three weeks later, I have had no reply. I live part of the year in France (apartment owner), know people who are always very kind to us, and no one, no one is willing to let me into their establishments sans pass. Haven’t found a pharmacist willing to help me. They don’t wish to see my CDC card…. Just a warning… Thank goodness we have friends here. We have cooked lovely meals with friends in our apartment, but I have not been to any venues requiring a pass sanitaire. Quite sad….

[Editor’s note: Linda is in Montpellier; if anyone has any insider tips there on where to get a pass, let us know in the comments!]

I sent 3 friends to Pharmacie Les Filles du Calvaire today, and they had success. (Note, they tried Pharmacie Rennes Assas yesterday, and were told Pharmacies no longer do this. And this was a Pharmacy where we knew severl other US people had success in August.) Yesterday they used their CDC cards at outdoor cafes and got confused looks by waiters, but it was accepted. We had not tried it at a museum, guided tour, etc. Each of them had different experiences on their flights, immigration, etc. as to what paperwork was checked and when.

Good to know. Thank you. I had just added Rennes Assas to my list. Hopefully Les Filles will still be doing this by next week!

Anything further on the pharmacy in the 11th that’s charging 20 euros and getting the QR code?

I’ve sent three people there this week and all three had success. I should also mention I’m getting a lot of messages from others saying their CDC cards were accepted without fail. So, consider the pharmacy a backup plan. 😉

Thank you Heather. We are set to fly to Paris for a wedding on wednesday 9/15, applied online 9/1 for the Pass Sanitaire and have heard zip since. We have an interior flight, plus loads of restaurant and museum bookings, and were very worried about whether or not we should cancel. So, THANK YOU for the info about the pharmacy and also reassuring to know CDC cards are somewhat accepted in some places. We will try the pharmacy next week, and will update you. If all else fails, we’ll just keep getting the covid tests I guess!

Hi Jennifer — curious if you went to the the pharmacy in 11th and if it was still processing CDC cards as of this week? I hope you enjoy your time in Paris!

My husband and I applied for a pass sanitaire whilst in France on august 17th He received his in 45mins but I am still waiting! Coming from New Zealand this means I need a Covid test every 72 hours or we stay at home!

That sounds exhausting! I’m not familiar with the New Zealand vaccine cards or certificates, but have you tried using yours with any success while waiting for the French QR code?

How did your husband apply. What passport was he on?

I hope you have since received it. Where did your husband get his? I will be here for the next 3 months and have been unable to get one coming from the USA

If you’re staying three months it might just be worth getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is validated after 28 days on the Pass Sanitaire. But it might not be necessary; I’m getting a lot of emails from readers successfully able to visit museums and restaurants,ts with just their CDC vaccine cards.

I arrived in France on July 5 th … they checked for Covid and I presented my CDC vaccination card at the passport control . Once the pass sanitaire was required for museums , I couldn’t get in with the CDC vaccination card …

Hi Caroline, could you share which museum you were turned away from with your CDC card (and the date it happened)?

I arrived at CDG from the States on July 2. No vaccination check nor proof of negative Covid test in 72-hour window required. I was prepared with both but didn’t need them.

If I am traveling to France from the USA do I need a PCR or a rapid test. Thanks 😊

Did you read above where it says “Travel to France”??? A handful of “green” countries can travel to France without any restrictions except a negative PCR test for anyone NOT vaccinated. Includes all of EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Lebanon, Singapore, Canada, and the United States.

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Paris Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Paris. Poets, artists, playwrights, writers, journalists, and more have all written about their love of this city. It’s a place that exudes culture, sophistication, class, and style. Like the millions before me, I fell in love with this city the first time I visited.

Settled by Gallic tribes around the 3rd century BCE, the region was conquered by the Romans a couple of centuries later, turning it into a prosperous settlement. By 508, Paris was made the capital of the Merovingian dynasty. The city was sacked by Vikings in 845 but recovered to repel further Viking incursions. By the 12th century, Paris was the economic and cultural hub of all of France.

Today, Paris is one of the few iconic cities in the world that truly lives up to its hype. I’ve spent years visiting the city, have organized tours here, and even lived here for a bit. It is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. As Hemingway said, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” He wasn’t wrong.

As iconic as it is, Paris is also gigantic, with thousands of years of history and a plethora of things to see and do, from world-class museums to Disneyland Paris . It would take a lifetime to explore it all. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can see the highlights over just a few days.

This travel guide to Paris can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to the City of Light!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Paris

1. Scale the Eiffel Tower

Built for the 1889 World Fair, the 300-meter tower is an engineering feat that was originally hated by locals. They called it “the metal asparagus” and hoped it would be torn down. Now, it’s the most famous symbol of the city and every local will tell you they love it. It’s a beautiful building. If you’re going to go up to the top, get there early to avoid the lines. Tickets range from 16-26 EUR but I strongly suggest paying for direct access via an elevator that takes you to the top. It’s worth spending the money on as the line can take upwards of an hour on busy days. You can also get joint Eiffel Tower and river cruise tickets which help you save if you plan on doing both activities. Post-COVID, I would get your tickets in advance because the crowds and lines for tickets are really long.

2. Tour the Palace of Versailles

Visiting the famed 17th-century palace requires a whole day (don’t skip Marie Antoinette’s home or the spacious gardens that are located here). Originally, a hunting lodge, Louis XIV built this opulent palace to get the nobles out of Paris so they wouldn’t plan any coups. It was expanded over the years and filled with tons of allegorical statues and symbols reminding people that the power of the state rested with the king! The palace gets super crowded so try to go during the weekday, though summer weekends are the best time to visit the gardens, as the fountains are set to music then. Admission to the palace is 18 EUR and admission to the entire complex (including the gardens) is 27 EUR. For a more in-depth experience, this Versailles tour is led by a local expert guide and includes round-trip transportation from Paris at a time that avoids most of the crowds.

If you want to beat the crowds (which I highly recommend), skip-the-line tickets are available for 55 EUR. Since upwards of 10,000 people visit per day, skipping the line will save you a ton of time. The wait to get tickets can last hours.

3. Explore the Louvre

The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, with thousands of square feet of space and millions of artifacts and works of art (including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo). To see it all, you need at least two full days, but you can do the highlights in a full afternoon (especially if you take the Louvre Highlights Tour , which includes skip-the-line entry). Admission costs 17 EUR, while timed skip-the-line tickets are an additional 17 EUR. Due to capacity restrictions, you MUST get your ticket in advance. They sell out these days so if you don’t get your ticket in advance, you run the risk of showing up and being denied entrance.

Moreover go on Wednesday night when the museum is open until 11pm. There’s hardly anyone there after 7pm.

4. Wander the Latin Quarter

A historic area near Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter is filled with tiny, winding streets that turn at weird angles to open into little cafe-lined squares. I love wandering around here; it always feels like you’re stepping back a few hundred years in history. There are a lot of restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs here too. If you’d like to learn more about the area, this in-depth walking tour meanders through the Latin Quarter and includes skip-the-line tickets to the incredible Sainte-Chapelle, my favorite church in the city (read more below!). The tour is a perfect way to connect with a local guide who can share their insider tips and help you make the most of your visit.

5. Visit Sainte-Chapelle

This is my favorite church in Paris. Built in 1238 by Saint Louis, it was meant to house holy relics he found during the Crusades as well as serve as the Royal Chapel. I find this tiny Gothic chapel to be far more beautiful than the nearby Notre Dame. The (mostly) original interior décor is exquisite, including some of the few remaining examples of original stained glass in France. It’s absolutely beautiful. Entry costs 11.50 EUR and is likely to sell out so book your ticket in advance . Ticket holders skip the line too!

Other Things to See and Do in Paris

1. go museum hopping.

Paris has hundreds of museums worth seeing. Make sure to check out the Musee D’Orsay for great impressionist work, the amazing Rodin Museum, Holocaust Museum (one of the best in the world), Musee D’Orangerie (more impressionist work), and the interesting sewer museum. A Paris Museum Pass is the most affordable way to see them all as it provides access to over 50 museums in Paris and the surrounding region. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. It’s a must if you’re going to see at least 3 museums while in the city. Get it, save money, and (importantly) get to skip all the long lines that plague the city these days.

2. Stroll down the Champs Elysees

This is one of the most famous streets in the world and stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre. It’s lined with expensive shops and restaurants and is always busy, but it’s a great place to club hop at night or shop during the day. Come in the very early morning to see the place utterly deserted. It makes for great photos. You can also take a guided tour if you want to learn more about the street and its history.

3. Visit the Panthéon

Located in the Latin Quarter, this Neoclassical building was originally built as a church but was turned into a state burial site for France’s heroes, including Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Louis Braille, and Voltaire. Admission is 11.50 EUR . Like everything else, you’ll want to buy a ticket in advance to avoid the lines.

4. Relax in Jardin Du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) is the largest public park in Paris, covering 56 acres. The garden, which was first created in 1612, contains over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains, all scattered throughout the grounds. The park was neglected for years until the French Revolution, after which Jean Chalgrin (the architect of the Arc de Triomphe) set about restoring and expanding the park. In the morning, you’ll see lots of runners exercising here. At lunch on a nice day, join park-goers in having a picnic.

5. Admire the view from Montmartre

Home to starving artists for over a century (since the Belle Époque in the 19th century), the neighborhood of Montmartre offers a stunning view of Paris, arty cafés and bars, cobblestone streets, and the only winery within the city limits (Vignes du Clos Montmartre). It’s one of the hipper parts of Paris, even if it has lost some of its old grandeur. It’s great for those wanting to visit the hangout spots of folks like Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. The iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica sits at the top of the hill. Climb the steps or sit on the sloping lawn and admire the views at dusk. Entrance to the basilica is free.

If you want to learn more about this iconic neighborhood, guided walking tours are the best way to do so (there’s a lot of history in this area and all the signs are in French) and include a visit to the basilica.

6. Visit Notre Dame

Paris’s Gothic masterpiece was constructed between 1163-1334. Climb from the north tower to the south to appreciate the masonry and get a close-up view of the Gallery of Chimeras, the fantastic birds and beasts gazing over the balustrade. The outside facade has been cleaned up in recent years, but the inside has a bit of that old Gothic grimy charm. To climb the tower, it costs 10 EUR. NOTE: Notre Dame is currently closed due to the 2019 fire.

7. Stand under the Arc De Triomphe

This monument stands in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle and is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Inaugurated in 1836, the arch is dedicated to those who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. For 13 EUR, visitors can climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc for stunning panoramic views and information about the city’s history. I think it’s one of the best views – and photo spots – in the city.

8. Celebrate Bastille Day

Every July 14th, a series of spectacular events in Paris celebrates the infamous storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. The Bastille was a medieval armory and fortress and represented royal authority in Paris. Its capture was one of the biggest milestones of the Revolution. These days, there’s a huge televised parade and a never-ending fireworks display (head to Champ de Mars or the Jardins du Trocadéro for the best views of it all).

9. Experience the Cinema en Plein Air

Every July and August, Paris rolls out an inflatable screen in the Parc de la Villete for this major outdoor cinema event in the 9th arrondissement. It’s hugely popular with locals who tend to bring food and wine! It’s free to attend too.

10. Visit Maison du Victor Hugo

This beautiful apartment dates to 1605. Its most famous resident was the writer Victor Hugo (author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame ), who moved here when he was 30. His old apartment is now a museum dedicated to his life and writing. The museum is quite small, but Hugo lovers (like me) will find it very interesting. Each room is designed to showcase a specific period in his life, from his childhood to his death. Admission is free.

11. Climb through the Paris Catacombs

Underneath the city of Paris, you’ll find a honeycomb of tunnels, originally constructed as mining tunnels. The French resistance used these tunnels during World War II and rave parties flourished there during the 90s. Within this maze of tunnels lie the famous Catacombs of Paris, an ossuary containing the remains of over 6 million Parisians. This burial site was created in the 18th century due to public health concerns about overflowing cemeteries. It’s one of the freakiest and coolest sites in Paris. This walking tour with a local historian includes skip-the-line access (lines can regularly stretch around the block), while last-minute tickets cost 14 EUR, when available (they are often sold out, however).

12. Listen to Paris’ famous jazz music

Whether you prefer modern clubs or classic jazz joints, you shouldn’t leave Paris without tasting the music that attracted some of the best musicians and artists to the city. There is an especially abundant amount of good jazz clubs in the city. Le Duc des Lombards, which opened in 1984, is one of the most famous jazz clubs in the city. Harry’s Bar also has a lot of great music there too.

13. Take a walking tour

There are dozens upon dozens of companies covering all aspects of life in Paris, and it can be hard to make sense of all those endless Viator and TripAdvisor listings. Some are free, like New Europe’s tour, and go around the center of Paris, giving a historical overview of the city. Walks offer amazing in-depth tours starting from about 55 EUR. You’ll get specialized guides and skip the lines to big attractions, like the Louvre. I wrote a whole guide to the best walking tours in Paris!

14. Walk amongst the tombstones

The Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is Paris’ largest and most famous cemetery. In fact, it’s the most visited cemetery in the world and a peaceful, hauntingly beautiful area worth exploring. Look closely to spot the famous graves (Jim Morrison, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde are all buried here.) The cemetery was built in 1804 but locals considered the cemetery too far from the city. For that reason, Père Lachaise only had 13 graves its first year, however, administrators devised a plan to transfer the remains of Jean de La Fontaine and Molière, two of Paris’s most famous artists, to Père Lachaise. After that, everyone wanted to be buried here! You can read more about the cemetery here .

If you want, take a guided tour of the cemetery . You’ll learn a ton and won’t miss out on the most popular (and interesting) tombs. There’s no signs here so, without a tour, you won’t really learn much.

15. Visit the Mémorial de la Shoah

Despite having an excellent exhibit on France, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust, the Mémorial de la Shoah never draws a lot of people. It’s a real shame, as there is a lot of in-depth information and a great collection here. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums, and this is one of the best and most detailed in the world. I highly recommend it. Admission is free.

16. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Parisian cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city, sampling the best eats Paris has to offer, all while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Food tours range from 89-109 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in France, check out these guides:

Paris Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm ranges from 40-75 EUR per night, depending on location and how popular the hostel is. Double private rooms start at 97 EUR per night, but are more often in the range of 155-200 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Expect prices to be on the higher end during the summer travel season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start around 120 EUR per night for a room with a double bed. You’ll get normal basic hotel amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee/tea maker, and occasionally free breakfast. For a more mid-range three-star hotel, expect to pay at least 150-180 EUR per night. Expect prices to rise in the summer.

On Airbnb, the private rooms start at 65 EUR, while full apartments start at 150 EUR per night (but usually cost at least double that if you don’t book early). Prices will be double this in the summer.

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture. Fresh bread (especially baguettes), tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to try croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich), pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re real adventurous you can sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails) or foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).

If you’re on a budget, pick up some ingredients at the local market and have a picnic in one of the city’s many parks. Creating your own meal costs around 7-10 EUR and is a fun way to take in the city as you relax.

Pre-made sandwiches from the city’s takeaway shops, crepes, or fast food generally cost between 6-12 EUR (a combo meal at McDonald’s is around 10 EUR). If you want to eat at a restaurant (the French are known for their culinary skills, after all!), try doing a “prix-fixe” meal. It’s a set menu that offers you a deal on a 2-3 course meal for about 22-35 EUR for lunch.

A cheap meal at a casual restaurant costs around 15-18 EUR, while you should expect to pay between 30-50 EUR for dinner at a nice restaurant including wine. Try to avoid the tourist areas, where prices are around about 10-30% higher.

Beer costs 6-7 EUR, a glass of wine is 4-6 EUR, and cocktails are around 10-13 EUR. A cappuccino/latte is around 4 EUR while bottled water is 2 EUR.

Some of my favorite places to eat in the city are Bouillon Pigalle, Café Marlette Martyrs, Père & Fils, Bong, Crêperie des Arts, Le Dit Vin, Five Tea Or’normes, Florence Kahn, Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, Juveniles, Clamato, Wine Therapy, and La Recyclerie, Septime La Cave, Le Barav, and L’Assiette.

For an in-depth list of tons of restaurants and bars, check out my guidebook to Paris , which goes in-depth into the city!

If you’re cooking for yourself, expect to pay about 50-60 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, bread, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Paris Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Paris, my suggested budget is about 70 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking your own meals and having picnics, taking public transit to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing most cheap or free activities like free walking tours and free museums.

A mid-range budget of about 150 EUR per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room, eating out for most of your meals at cheap fast food places, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like going up the Eiffel Tower and visiting the Louvre.

For a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take more taxis, drink more, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Paris Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Since Paris is expensive to visit, it’s important to find ways to save money. Luckily, there are A LOT of ways to save money while still experiencing the city’s beauty, charm, and cuisine. If you want to lower your costs, here are some high-impact ways to save money in Paris:

• Buy a metro card – Paris has over 300 subway stations, so it’s easy to get around the city using public transportation. A day pass is 13.20 EUR while a 10-ticket pass or “carnet” costs 16.90 EUR (both of these are much cheaper than paying the 1.90 EUR for an individual ticket). The day pass, called ParisVisite, also provides discounts to some major Parisian landmarks.
• Have a picnic – With so many beautiful parks and outdoor gardens, it would be hard not to take advantage of picnicking. Eating in Paris is cheap when you do your own shopping. Buy some bread, cheese, and meat at the local shops and have an outdoor picnic. It’s fun and costs a fraction of what a meal in a restaurant would.
• Get the Paris Museum Pass – This prepaid card provides access to over 70 museums and monuments around Paris. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. This is perfect for the museum hopper. Since most people visit lots of museums in the city, you’re pretty much guaranteed to save money.
• Get the Paris Pass – This is a super-sized version of the Paris Museum Pass and is for people who want to do heavy sightseeing in a short period of time. You can purchase a two-day pass for 109 EUR, a three-day pass for 129 EUR, a four-day pass for 149 EUR, or a six-day pass for 169 EUR. It includes a TON of sights (75+ attractions), the ability to skip lines, and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour (in addition to everything in the Paris Museum Pass). You can order your pass here .
• See museums for free – All national museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. If you happen to hit this day, be aware of potentially large crowds and long lines.
• Dine out during lunch – Food in Paris is not cheap. It costs you an arm and a leg to eat here, but during lunch, many restaurants offer a pre-fixe menu for 10-20 EUR. It’s the same food you would buy for dinner but at half the cost. When I eat out in Paris, I do so during lunch so I can still eat amazing French food without it eating my entire wallet!
• Cook your meals – The best way to save money on the road is to cook your own meals. Many hostels, campsites, and guest houses have kitchens. No kitchen? Pack your own container and silverware and make some sandwiches and salads on the go.
• Stay with a local – I highly recommend trying to find a host on Couchsurfing (or similar apps) so that you can get a kitchen, a place to stay, and a local friend to show you around. The community here is very active and friendly!
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a great overview of Paris, take a free walking tour with New Europe Tours. These 2-3 hour tours will give you a good overview of the city, help you get your bearings, and give you someone to ask for cheap eats and things to do! Just don’t forget to tip your guide at the end!
• Remember that water is free – When you order water at a restaurant, make sure you ask for tap water. They’ll try to provide bottled water and charge you for it, but tap water is free and safe to drink.
• Bring a water bottle – Since the tap water here is safe to drink you should bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe. There are water filling stations throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris has lots of awesome hostels and budget hotels. Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Paris:

• St. Christopher’s Canal
• Les Piaules
• Generator Hostel
• St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord
• Hôtel Thérèse

For more hostel suggestions be sure to check out my list of the best hostels in Paris.

How to Get Around Paris

Public transportation – The Paris public transport system is one of the world’s most comprehensive and efficient. Every other block has a metro (subway) stop. A single-use metro/bus ticket costs 1.90 EUR (2 EUR if you buy it on the bus).

A “carnet” of 10 single-use tickets costs 16.90 EUR. You can get a one-day to five-day pass (a ParisVisite) for all modes of public transportation (bus, metro, trams, and suburban trains called the RER) for between 13.20-42.20 EUR. It also gives you discounts to some major Parisian landmarks. You can buy tickets at any metro station.

( Note: There are cheaper day passes available if you are under 26, as well as discounted prices on weekends and holidays, but they are only explained on the French website. If you can speak passable French and are under 26, you can ask for those reduced fares instead.)

The RER is an above-ground train that has five lines serving Paris and Ile-de-France. It works exactly like the metro and uses the same tickets, although you’ll have to use your ticket in the automatic barriers on your way out of the station as well (unlike the metro). If you have a connecting journey with the metro, you can use the same ticket.

There are 64 bus lines in Paris’s metro network. If you already have your single-use metro/bus ticket, it costs 1.90 EUR. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy a ticket on the bus for 2 EUR. Your ParisVisite pass also works on the bus.

There are four tram lines in Paris that navigate the city’s perimeter. They work on the same ticketing system as the metro, RER, and bus.

The airport RoissyBus to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) costs 12 EUR each way. The bus to Paris-Orly (ORY) costs between 9.50-12.10 EUR depending on which bus you take/where you are going in Paris.

Bike-sharing – Velib’ is Paris’s public bike-sharing program. A single trip is 3 EUR, while a one-day pass is 5 EUR and a 3-day pass is 20 EUR. If you’d like to take out an electric bike, a one-day pass is 10 EUR.

E-scooters – Electric scooters have quickly become a popular way to get around in Paris. There are a few different companies, including Lime and Tier, but most cost around the same price: around 1 EUR to unlock the scooter, .15-.20 EUR per minute thereafter.

Taxi – Taxis in the city are expensive (rides cost a minimum of 7.10 EUR regardless of where you are going). With the metro running late into the night, there’s little reason to take them. Avoid them if you can.

Uber – Uber is available in Paris but, again, it’s largely unnecessary as the public transportation is so great.

When to Go to Paris

Summer is the most popular (and most expensive) time to visit Paris. Average daily summer temperatures are in the low 20°Cs (high 70°Fs). While the weather is great, that also means the crowds are huge and wait times for major attractions are long. This is the most crowded time of year. (And, keep in mind, most French people leave during August for vacation.) If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to book your accommodation and activities in advance.

I think the best time to visit is May-early June and September-October. During these times, there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and the weather is still sunny and warm. Temperatures are often around 20-23°C (68-73°F) making this a good season to stroll around outside without tons of layers on or the sweltering sun beating down on you.

Winter can be dark and chilly, but while the weather may not be perfect, Paris is particularly beautiful in the winter. It’s also the best time to find cheap airfare and hotel deals. Although Paris is never free from tourists, it does get less crowded at this time of year. This can be a great time to visit if you plan on spending most of your time in museums and historic sites. It’s also the rainiest during this time. Expect daily highs around 7°C (44°F).

How to Stay Safe in Paris

Paris is very safe, and the risk of violent crime is very low. That said, as in all major cities, petty theft and pickpocketing are pretty rife here, especially on crowded public transportation and in busy tourist areas. Avoid flashing your valuables and always keep your possessions secure and out of reach.

There’s a lot of tourist scams here, especially one involving people getting you to sign a petition and then demanding money. Simply avoid anyone urging you to sign a petition by politely declining their offer.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions occur (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I’d google solo female travel blogs as they can best give advice for Paris. To be extra safe, avoid walking around at night by yourself in certain neighborhoods, including Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, Jaures, and Les Halles.

Generally, your biggest issues in Paris will be tourist scams and petty theft.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Paris Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of France.

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

While I have a lot of free tips on Paris, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, maps, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc.), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Paris that I got from living and running tours here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.

Paris Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling France and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris

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Reopening France’s borders from 9 June (4 Jun. 2021)

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Travel flows between France and foreign countries will re-open from 9 June according to terms contingent upon the health situation of these countries and the traveller’s vaccination status.

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Paris Lockdown: Locals On How It Feels Different the Second Time Around

By Lane Nieset

When President Emmanuel Macron made his announcement that France would go back into lockdown at midnight on Friday, October 30, my WhatsApp started chiming, one message after the next asking the same question: “What are your plans?”

Across the city, Parisians took the afternoon off and dashed around, running errands at dry cleaners and art supply shops. People terrace-hopped from one restaurant to the next, showing support to their favorite establishments while saying goodbye to friends who lived outside the limit of the permitted one-kilometer confinement radius. Our apéro, a pre-dinner ritual of drinks and light bites, transformed into a three-hour feast as we tried to soak up as much time before rushing off to our respective homes before the 9 p.m. curfew. We didn’t know what the new confinement would bring—but at least this time around, we had a better idea of how to handle it.

Two weeks earlier, Paris and eight other major cities across France were given a “couvre-feu,” or curfew, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to curb the rising number of COVID-19 cases. Before each of Macron’s weekly speeches, we braced ourselves for the looming lockdown. In March, the closure of bars and restaurants was swiftly followed by a Paris lockdown three days later—this time, the lead-up to the announcement dragged on nearly all of October. 

When we finally had our answer, there was a collective sigh of relief across the city. While the first Paris lockdown felt like we were tunneling through a black hole with little hope on when we’d come out the other side, this one seemed more manageable. 

“The first time there was a strong sense of the unknown,” says Yasmin Zeinab, author of Sundays in Paris and recently released Marrakesh, Explore the Magic of the Red City . “We all bunkered down and stayed at home. [Now], on a day-to-day basis, you can hear the level of activity on the street—it’s higher than last time.”

In the week since the new lockdown started, the city still has a slight buzz; police stroll through weekend markets ensuring everyone is wearing a mask, but at least there are markets. There’s less foot traffic than Paris pre-COVID, but with children going to school and people commuting to work, it feels more like a sleepy August day than the silent ghost town it was last spring. 

“There was this palpable fear in the air last time that feels so different now,” says Rebekah Peppler, author of Apéritif: Cocktail Hour the French Way and forthcoming À Table , who was wrapping up her new book when she contracted the virus in early March.

Peppler has been suffering from lingering effects of COVID-19, but she made the decision to return to Paris from the south of France to be in close proximity to friends. She wanted to be a support system if needed, like others did when she could barely get out of bed to pick up grocery deliveries in the spring. The city has given her another sense of energy, too. "Being back in Paris has helped me to start writing again and has shifted me into work mode.”

An employee leaves Parisian landmark Shakespeare and Company to deliver an online order. 

Paris-born chef Alexia Duchêne, who has been posting videos of recipes from her new cookbook, La Cuisine d’Alexia , on Instagram and TikTok, says she is also more prepared and energized this time around. Like many other Parisians, rather than waiting it out again she’s focusing on how to thrive amid the situation. 

Recently, Duchêne has been fine-tuning the details of a new venture she plans to launch early 2021: a private, fine-dining service in her own home, where every detail, down to the playlist, is designed around the dinner guests. “COVID-19 is changing the way people are thinking about eating—it’s time to do something different,” she says. She adds that she has been inspired by the creativity of restaurants in New York , who are reimagining their spaces to lure guests back.

“The first time, we all hit the pause button and waited to see what would happen," says Krista Halverson, publishing director of Parisian landmark Shakespeare and Company. The bookshop, which had to shut with sales down 80 percent as a result of the first lockdown, has since converted its poetry section into a packaging station piled high with books and tote bags. After a social media plea for support, the store is entering this shutdown with hundreds of online orders per day, up from less than 10. “For myself and my friends, we’re asking the question, ‘How do I keep moving forward?’” 

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

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