France Drops Health Pass And Some Face Mask Rules

Life just got a lot easier for international visitors to France after the European country suspended the controversial health pass from March 14. The country experienced numerous protests against the rule, but now locals are no doubt happier.

France suspends health pass requirement

As of March 14, France has suspended the requirement for a health pass to enter various venues. They have also made changes relating to face masks.
It has been a few months since France made the requirement of a vaccine certificate or health pass at various indoor public venues across the country.

However, from March 14, 2022, the country has dropped the requirement. It has also dropped masking requirements in most indoor places, except on public transport. Despite this, individual private businesses still have the option to require masks on patrons or customers.

France brought in harsher regulations when cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 were spiking in the country.

However, last week, French Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed to TF1 that requirements were being rolled back. Castex said this was because “the situation is improving.”

➡🔴ANNONCE

🗣️ Jean #Castex : "À partir du lundi 14 mars, nous allons suspendre l'application du #PassVaccinal partout où il s'applique"

📺Sur @TF1 et https://t.co/KExGVJrG2i > https://t.co/TfIhqrbs5k #Castex13h pic.twitter.com/Ei3veLbvz9

— TF1Info (@TF1Info) March 3, 2022

Other changes to regulations

Besides the health pass and masking options, France has made other changes to its entry rules. One change is that the US is now on the country’s “green” list for travel, making life easier for American travelers.

Just to be sure, the following are what travelers need to know when visiting France.

Health passes

While health passes have now been suspended, they are required if visiting a nursing home facility. It should also be noted that the passes are “suspended” rather than scrapped. Should cases spike again, or a new COVID-19 variant raises its head, they could be introduced again.

Mask mandates

While mask usage has been lifted in most venues, including restaurants, shops, museums, gyms and workplaces, there are some exceptions. Masks are still required in airports, transport stations and in public transport and taxis, including Uber. Failure to do so could result in a fine.

Documents required to enter France

The documentation needed to enter France during the ongoing pandemic varies depending on the place of origin. Those traveling from the EU, or any country that signed up to the EU digital COVID cert program, can present their digital COVID-19 certificate.

Other approved European health certificates, that show proof of vaccination, are also accepted. However, unvaccinated travelers will be required to provide proof of a negative test prior to departure.

Those traveling from the UK can present their digital or paper NHS certificate, revealing their vaccine status. However, again, if they are unvaccinated, they will need to take a test. Travelers from the US will follow the same rules and will be asked to present their CDC vaccination cards. Meanwhile, a negative test result will be required from unvaccinated travelers.

The same applies to travelers from elsewhere, as long as their country is considered “green” or low-risk or “orange” or mid-risk. However, unvaccinated travelers from “orange” countries will be asked to present an essential reason for traveling to France.