COVID-19: Borders reopened, color-coded system created

IMPACT – HIGH

The French government has implemented a color-coded system to regulate the reopening of its borders and eased entry restrictions for most travelers vaccinated against COVID-19.

Green Countries:

• Vaccinated travelers from green countries who show proof of vaccination are allowed to enter France for any reason and are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.
• Non-vaccinated travelers from green countries are permitted entry for any reason and are exempt from the quarantine, but they must show a negative PCR conducted within 72 hours of departure.
• The countries currently on the green list are all European area countries, Australia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea.

Orange Countries:

• Vaccinated travelers from orange countries who show proof of vaccination are permitted entry for any reason and are exempt from the quarantine but must provide a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of departure.
• Non-vaccinated travelers from orange countries must have a compelling reason for travel and must show a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of departure or an antigen test conducted within 48 hours of departure. Another test will be conducted upon arrival and individuals must undergo a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
• The orange list comprises any country that is not on France’s green or red list.

Red Countries:

• Vaccinated travelers from red countries who show proof of vaccination must have a compelling reason for travel, provide a negative PCR or antigen test conducted within 48 hours of departure, undergo testing upon arrival and quarantine for seven days.
• Non-vaccinated travelers from red countries must have a compelling reason for travel and show a negative PCR or antigen test conducted within 48 hours of departure. Another test will be conducted upon arrival and individuals must undergo a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
• The countries on the red list are Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Turkey and Uruguay. Travel to and from these countries is strongly discouraged.

BAL Analysis: The changes will ease entry procedures for a significant number of travelers, especially those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Information on vaccine protocol is available here. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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