France reopens: planned rules, restrictions and free buffer for tourists

New Rules For those who want to go to France from all countries in Europe and belonging to the Schengen area. An important opportunity in the run-up to summer with the possibility of being able to visit the many museums and discover a country full of charm, history and culture.

After a long lockdown period, the program sought by PM Macron has reached the crucial junction for reopenings. As of May 19, the curfew has been moved from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., a first step toward normality. And from June 9, it should be further postponed to 11 p.m. After 21 days (June 30) curfew and limits on access to public places will end. Just in time to welcome tourists ready to choose France for the summer.

The rules present on French territory

Regardless of the various phases of reopening, mask wearing and social distancing will always remain mandatory. What radically changes the scenario, in addition to the aforementioned curfew, are the reopenings of bar and restaurant terraces (maximum 6 people per table). As of May 19, museums, theaters, cinemas and performance halls with seated audiences (maximum occupancy of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors) also reopened. On the same date, sports activities are restarted with facilities that, both indoors and outdoors, will have to comply with the same restrictions as the world of culture and entertainment regarding the number of people allowed. Instead, gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.

Entering France: tampon requirement, free for tourists

Quarantine requirement cancelled, those entering France. from European countries and belonging to the Schengen area must submit the result of a negative molecular RT-PCR swab taken no later than 72 hours before departure. This rule applies to all travelers 11 years of age and older. PCR tests are not required only in case of airport transit of maximum 24 hours and without leaving the airport.

The rules of the French government include. mandatory testing even in the case of vaccination With one or two doses. Also it is mandatory to fill out a self-declaration attesting that they have no symptoms of Covid-19 and are not aware of having had contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19. The self-declaration can be downloaded on the website of the French Ministry of the Interior. Exempted from the swabbing requirement are only four categories of people:

• Residents in border areas within a 20-mile radius of their homes
• Travelers traveling for stays lasting less than 24 hours
• Those who travel for work reasons or urgently (lack of material time to carry out the test)
• the hauliers

Molecular swab will also be free for tourists. This was announced by European Affairs Undersecretary Clément Beaune in an interview with Europe 1 radio. In a polemical tone, he stressed, "The European Parliament is currently calling for free tampons everywhere in Europe, but I cannot say today whether everyone will accept." For the minister, free testing will therefore be an "attractive factor" for France, pointing out that it costs up to 120 euros in Spain, 116 euros in Britain, and as much as 300 euros in Sweden.