COVID-19: Additional entry restrictions added

IMPACT – HIGH

The French government continues to tighten entry restrictions in an effort to mitigate the spread COVID-19. Under travel restrictions that were announced this past weekend:

• ICT visa holders and posted workers from the United Kingdom are no longer exempt from entry restrictions. They will be barred from entering unless they have some other ground to enter France.
• Talent Passport holders will be permitted to enter France; however, spouses and children of Talent Passport holders are no longer exempt and may be barred entry.

Additional Information: The recent changes build on previous restrictions France put in place because of the COVID-19 virus, particularly new variants.

Under the current rules, travelers from EU member states, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican (“the European Area”) can enter France. Travelers ages 11 and older must provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. They must also provide a sworn statement saying that they do not have COVID-19 symptoms, have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days and that they agree to take a virology COVID-19 screening test upon arrival. Travelers under 11 do not need to provide a test, but do need to provide a sworn statement. Isolation is not required for travelers arriving from the European Area.

Third-country travelers, including U.K. nationals, from all countries outside the European Area are barred from entry unless have a “compelling reason” and documents to support their reason for travel. Such travelers, if they are 11 or older, must also provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure and a sworn statement similar to the statement required for travel from within the EU, but also agreeing to isolate for seven days upon arrival. Travelers under 11 do not need to provide a test, but do need to provide the sworn statement.

Nationals of European Area countries arriving from outside the European Area do not need a compelling reason for entry, but do need to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test, a sworn statement and must travel with the appropriate travel certificate.

Analysis & Comments: France has added a number of new entry and travel restrictions in recent weeks, and may add more in the days and weeks ahead. Employers who wish to send employees to France may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss their plans. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.