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.

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