In view of the continuing circulation of the COVID-19 virus in France, the French Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed this Thursday, January 14, 2021 that all activates and establishments already suspended and closed will remain so through the end of the month. Below, a review of the situation:
DOMESTIC TRAVEL & OUTINGS
Since December 15, French citizens and residents can freely travel within France. However, a nation-wide curfew in mainland France will take effect Saturday, January 16, 2021 between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. for at least 15 days.
All authorized travelers wishing to travel to France from countries outside the European Union must produce a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their departure (to be presented for boarding either on a plane or boat). Once in France, these travelers will also commit to seven days of isolation and to submit to a second PCR test at the end of their isolation.
As of January 25, all European travelers (excluding so-called essential trips) arriving in France are also required to present a PCR test performed 72 hours before departure. Cross-border workers and road transport are exempted from this obligation.
Concerning travel of residents within the European Union, The European Council will render a decision January 21.
Specific measures are in place for France’s overseas territories. For overseas visits, a PCR test result less than 72 hours old must be provided. Since 14 January, tests have also been mandatory when returning to France from these destinations. The specific measures for each overseas territory are detailed on the government website, in particular:
For Guadeloupe and Martinique: From 18 January, travelers arriving on the islands must self-isolate for seven days and present a negative PCR test result at the end of this period;
**For Reunion: **From 18 January, travelers arriving on the island are encouraged to self-isolate for seven days and present a negative PCR test result at the end of this period;
For Guyana and Mayotte: All travelers must have a compelling reason for travel. In French Guiana, confinement is also established on Sundays
For Mayotte: for all travelers, a compelling design is required.
For French Guiana: for all travelers, a compelling reason is required. Confinement is also established on Sundays.
For travel to Corsica, a PCR or antigen test will be mandatory for travelers over 11 years of age until February 8.
OPENING & CLOSURES
**Businesses: **All business (except restaurants, bars & clubs) have been open since November 28. A social distancing rule of 8 square meters per client is in effect. During the curfew, businesses are encouraged to remain open at lunchtime and during the weekend.
Places of worship: re-opened since November 28 under the following protocols: Two seats must be vacant between each person regardless of familial status and only one out of two rows can be used.
**Tourism accommodations: **Since December 15, Youth hostels, tourism residences and resident tourism villages and similar forms of accommodations, including campings & camping car grounds have been authorized to welcome back guests.
As in hotels, their restaurants and bars remain closed but in-room dining is permitted.
**Ski resorts: **Since December 15, the resorts are allowed to welcome guests. However, all communal areas and lifts will remain closed with no opening date in sight ...
Cultural sites: museums, theaters, concert halls and movie theaters remain closed, with no opening date in sight at this stage.
Restaurants: Restaurants remain closed and will have to wait until at least mid-February before welcoming back clients, on condition that sanitary conditions allow. In that case, strict sanitary protocols will have to be implemented.
Indoor sports venues: they will remain closed until at least mid-February. Stadiums will also remain closed to the public until further notice.