The outbreak of Delta variants and, now, Omicron across the world is forcing the French authorities to regularly update their travel recommendations to foreign countries. In force since June 9, the color classification of countries around the world depends on the level of circulation of the virus and the presence of Covid-19 variants. It ranges from
green
, the most favorable level, to
red
, the most unfavorable - most of the countries being classified in
orange
. From December 4, a new category,
scarlet red
, is added.
It designates the most at-risk countries to which all tourist travel will be prohibited.
The seven countries of Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini), focus of the spread of the Omicron variant will be concerned.
“In addition there are Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius.
For these trips, an extremely strict and drastic framework has been put in place, ”
said the government spokesperson.
Read also Omicron variant: the government will tighten travel conditions, including for the vaccinated
But what does this color code really change?
Each shade corresponds to a level of restrictions on departure and return, which varies according to whether one is vaccinated or not.
This reading grid has evolved for vaccinated travelers, who can go to all countries, whatever their color without justifying an overriding reason, except for the ten scarlet red countries.
This card therefore has little impact for them, even if the conditions of return in France are likely to harden.
The list of countries which appear there continues to evolve according to the health situation on the spot.
Read alsoCovid-19 and travel: which countries can the French visit?
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A priori, nothing very complicated, therefore.
Except that, and this is where the shoe pinches, each state remains sovereign and free to impose additional measures on travelers, such as tests - this is the case of the United States -, quarantines, even outright quarantine. simple prohibition of access.
Classified as "green" by the government and Europe, Japan does not accept, for example, the arrival of foreign tourists, including the French.
Ditto for Australia.
There are almost as many rules as there are countries ...
In summary, as the government website explains:
To or from a green country
The situation on the spot according to the government:
"no or active circulation of the virus, no worrying variants identified".
Countries concerned on December 3:
the countries of the European area (27 Member States + Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican), to which are added Australia, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Bahrain, Canada, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Senegal, Taiwan , the Union of the Comoros, Uruguay and Vanuatu.
Can we travel to these countries? Yes
, whether you are vaccinated or not.
But always on condition that the country in question authorizes access to French travelers and according to the modalities it will have defined (see our world map country by country).
Vaccinated or not, the formalities to and from a green country:
Rules to or from a green country.
Government Information Service
SEE ALSO
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To or from an orange country
The situation on the spot according to the government:
"active circulation of the virus in controlled proportions, without dissemination of worrying variants".
Countries concerned as of December 3:
all countries not included in the lists of "green", "red" and "scarlet" countries, for example, in Europe, the United Kingdom and the Balkan countries such as Bosnia or Albania.
Can we travel to these countries? Yes, but
only if you are vaccinated and the country accepts French tourists.
The unvaccinated must, them, justify an overriding reason, family or professional.
Tourism is not one of them.
Vaccinated or not, the formalities to and from an orange country:
Rules to or from an orange country.
Government Information Service
To or from a red country
The situation on the spot according to the government:
"active circulation of the virus and presence of worrying variants".
Countries concerned on December 3:
Afghanistan, Belarus, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Suriname, Turkey, Ukraine.
Can we travel there? Yes, but
only if you are vaccinated and the country accepts French tourists.
The non-vaccinated, them, can travel there only for a compelling reason, in no case for tourist reasons.
In both cases, traveling to a red country remains "not recommended" by the authorities.
Vaccinated or not, the formalities to and from a red country:
Rules to or from a red country.
Government Information Service
To or from a scarlet red country
The situation on the spot according to the government:
"particularly active circulation of the virus and / or discovery of a variant likely to present a risk of increased transmissibility or immune escape" (category created as a precaution, pending additional data on the Omicron variant).
Countries concerned on December 3:
South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Mauritius, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
.
Can we travel there? No.
Whatever the vaccination status, it is necessary to be able to assert a compelling reason, such as the death of a direct line family member, a vital medical emergency or a summons by a judicial authority.
Tourism is obviously not a compelling motive.
Vaccinated or not, the formalities to and from a scarlet red country:
Rules to or from a scarlet red country.
Government Information Service
Originally published on July 13, 2021, this article is subject to regular updates based on current events.
