Further to travel restrictions throughout the EU, France has recently relaxed entry for Posted Workers and seasonal agriculture workers from select countries in order to help the economy move forward. At the end of May, they also moved to introduce voluntary quarantine procedures for travelers entering France from outside of the European region.
What has changed?
In March 2020 the EU introduced a coordinated border control approach to tackle the movement of people in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. This included the closure of the external borders to countries outside of the EU until at least June 15th and strict internal cross border controls.
However, the following were permitted to enter France: French nationals, European citizens (plus British, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian, Andorran, Monegasque, Swiss, Holy See and San Marin citizens), their spouses and children bearing the same nationality if they reside in France or if they are passing through France on their way to the country of which they are nationals or residents; Foreign nationals with a valid French or European residence permit and who are on their way to their main residence, as well as their spouses and children: and those who perform a vital function such as health care workers.
From May 20th, the above was extended and Posted European workers whose assignment cannot be postponed and who hold a service agreement specifying the duration of the assignment, and seasonal agricultural workers from other EU countries, Andorra, the United-Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland, Saint-Marin and the Vatican, or third-country nationals whose main residence is in these countries, holding the relevant paperwork, are permitted to enter France when coming from another European country.
Individuals are required to carry a travel certificate in addition to other advised documentation such as personal ID, proof of residence, work certificate etc.
Further to this, from May 25th, quarantine procedures will apply for individuals coming from outside of Europe. On their entry to France, all travelers will receive an informal memo advising them of the conditions under which the voluntary quarantine should be completed (either at the residence of their choice or in suitable accommodation facilities). Exemptions may be possible, provided that the traveler does not have any symptoms. The quarantine procedure does not apply to individuals arriving from inside the European region with the exception of travelers arriving from Spain who will be requested to carry out the voluntary quarantine as per the principal of reciprocity. This will also apply to travelers from the United Kingdom once the British quarantine has entered into force.
For further information on travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in France, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team.
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