France announces new covid-19 guidelines

On December 10, the Prime Minister of France specified new rules and regulations applicable from 15th December, keeping in mind the evolving health situation.

French residents can travel without any certificate of justification of travel, including between regions, between 6am and 8pm. A curfew is in place between 8pm and 6am, with the exception of Christmas Eve, with a recommended mixing limit of six adults. This curfew will apply on New Year’s Eve. Special recommendations will be made regarding end-of-year celebrations.

For travel to overseas territories, a negative PCR test result obtained from the previous 72 hours must be provided. In addition, for Martinique, Guadeloupe and Réunion Island, an in-laboratory antigen test will also be accepted. The specific measures for each community are detailed on the government website.

A PCR or antigen test will be necessary for anyone over 11 years old wishing to travel to Corsica between December 19 and January 8, 2021.

Hostels, tourist residences, residential tourist villages, holiday villages and family holiday homes, as well as camping and caravan sites, are permitted to reopen. For hotels, the restaurant / bar areas must remain closed, but room service is permitted.

Cultural establishments such as museums, theatres, performance halls and cinemas must also remain closed, at least until 6 January 2021.

Ski resorts are authorised to receive visitors during Christmas holidays, but all public facilities and ski lifts will remain closed. A reopening is planned from 7th January, subject to improvements in the health situation.

Sports halls will remain closed at least until January 20th, 2021. Sports arenas and stadiums remain closed to spectators, with no date set at this stage for reopening to the public.

From 20th January, dependent on the health situation; Restaurants will possibly be permitted to reopen, with the implementation of strict health and safety measures. Bars and nightclubs will still remain closed.