France’s much-awaited third stage of deconfinement took effect Wednesday with the reopening of borders to foreign tourists, indoor restaurant dining and sports centers to the public.
Castex and Health Minister Olivier Veran insisted that wearing masks outdoors will be mandatory at least until June 30 when the last stage of deconfinement with no curfew or restrictions will take effect.
Secretary of State in Charge of Tourism Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne posted a video on Twitter welcoming foreign tourists. “We have missed you Europeans, you are the beating heart of tourism. If you are vaccinated from European countries you don’t need any formalities to enter France,” he said.
The government classified countries on red, orange and green lists based on the epidemic situation. All European countries and Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand and Singapore are part of the green list.
Vaccinated travelers can enter France without restrictions, whereas those who are unvaccinated will be required to take a PCR or antigen test 72 hours before departure.
Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Turkey, Uruguay and South Africa are part of the red list.
Vaccinated travelers from here can only enter if they have compelling reasons and will be allowed entry with a PCR or antigen test within 48 hours before departure followed by an antigenic test on arrival and self-isolation for seven days. Unvaccinated travelers will have to undergo a compulsory 10-day quarantine.
Remaining countries, including the UK, US, Canada, China are demarcated on the orange list. Vaccinated travelers from those countries can enter with a negative PCR for 72 hours, or antigen 48 hours, in advance, whereas those who are unvaccinated with a compelling reason will be permitted with a test and require a mandatory seven-day self-isolation. ■
Under an intense surge of arctic air, Friday morning will begin with the coldest temperatures so far this season across much of the central and eastern U.S. with blustery conditions and a piercing wind chill.