Paris France travel requirements 2024: What American travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Paris France travel in 2024 with official Paris travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Paris is a destination close to our hearts, as Michelle has relatives in the city and studied in Paris in college.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on those affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: July 2024. Originally published: May 2021.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

January 2024 – Agnes Groonwald of Travel on the Reg, expats in France: “Tourism in Paris has seemed light since our move just outside of the city, but we also haven’t experienced the peak summer season yet. It’s still expected to book the big attractions (e.g. Louvre Museum) a few weeks ahead of travel, and dinner reservations remain a must at popular eateries.

Some locals and tourists are still voluntarily masking on crowded public transit and popular tourist destinations. Otherwise, it appears to be business as usual. There are no COVID protocols outside of doctors’ offices where masking is compulsory. Paris attractions, restaurants, and public transit are all operating without COVID-era restrictions. You can travel to/from the city without vaccine cards. That said, the city continues to struggle with regular disruptions to transit/worker shortages that require patience from travelers, but this has more to do with local politics vs. COVID. It’ll be interesting to see what happens during the Olympics.

The general tips for Paris travel apply. Leave plenty of time to get to/from attractions around the city and pre-book the big ticket items as soon as you know when you’re visiting.”

*At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to the Paris so you can get a true sense of what to expect.

Can US citizens travel to Paris, France? Can I travel to Paris right now? 

Yes, France is open to American travelers, regardless of vaccination status.

As of August 2022, France removed all COVID entry requirements for any traveler from any country.

Testing, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, proof of a compelling reason for travel, and sworn declaration about Covid contact and symptoms are no longer required.

Visitors from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., will soon be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization to enter Italy and other European countries. The start date has been delayed from 2024 to 2025. 

See details about ETIAS here

In addition, EES or Entry Exit System, a new automated data registration system, is expected to be implemented in late 2024. This will replace the manual stamping of passports for nationals of non-EU countries traveling to the Schengen Area. Check back for updates.

Paris, France travel restrictions currently allow traveling between regions. However, as of May 2023, short-haul domestic flights that can be taken by train in less than two-and-a-half hours are not allowed. 

Effective March 2022, masks are no longer required in indoor spaces and public transport but still highly recommended in enclosed and small spaces, in hospitals, and other medical centers.

Quarantine rules in Paris, France: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in France unless presenting symptoms of Covid.

Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 while in France are no longer required to self-isolate but are asked to observe the following guidelines:

• Wear mask, observe physical distancing, practice hand hygiene
• Avoid contact with people who are immunocompromised
• Notify others (family, friends, colleagues) you came in contact with within 48 hours before the onset of symptoms, or within 7 days before testing positive, if no symptoms are present
• Contact a doctor and monitor your health

See details here.

Paris Health Pass/Pass Sanitaire Requirements for Dining, Attractions, and Travel

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants, public transit, accommodations, and attractions in Paris?

Since March 2022, a vaccine pass is no longer required to enter most establishments.

As of August 2022, Health Pass or passe sanitaire, obtained with a proof of either vaccination or a recent negative Covid test, is no longer required.

Can Americans travel to Paris France in 2024?

Travel to Paris in July is open for US citizens without restrictions. Please read on for details and check back for updates, as protocols may change.

What is it like to fly to Paris, France CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport right now? As of March 2022, wearing a mask is no longer required in French airports. Check with your individual airline about mask requirements on board the flight.

Temperature checks or other screenings may be done at the airport. Hand sanitizers are readily available. 

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Paris, France? No. Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in France. 

Does France check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health screening procedures, including temperature checks, may be in place at airports and other ports of entry in France. 

Does France require a negative Covid 19 test for American travelers?  As of August 2022, a negative Covid 19 test is no longer required for entry. 

Does France require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? As of August 2022, a proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required for entry.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. Quarantine or proof of a negative Covid test are no longer required, regardless of vaccination status.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Paris, France? As of August 2022, booster shots are no longer required for purposes of entry to France. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Paris, France? U.S. Citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test at laboratories and testing centers in Paris. Covid-19 testing centers are also available for certain situations in Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris-Orly by appointment.

PCR tests generally cost between 50 and 100 euros, payable in advance. Results for the PCR test are available within 48 hours. Antigen tests cost 29 euros for those not covered by French social security; results are usually available within half an hour.

Testing centers in France can be found on this map.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Paris, France who get the virus? Paris, France hospitals and clinics are open. Testing in labs and pharmacies is available to foreign visitors at their own expense.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Paris, France?  Restaurants, bars, cafes, museums, parks, clubs, attractions (including the Eiffel Tower), and tours have reopened. Stadiums, arenas and other large-capacity venues are allowed to operate at full capacity. 

Are face masks required in Paris, France? Masks are no longer required in France but may still be required in medical facilities. Private businesses may make masks a condition of entry at their discretion, but this is rare. 

Are buses running in Paris, France? Public transportation is available in Paris. A health pass is not required.

Will France impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Paris, France?

France has been one of the hardest hit countries in Europe and went into a series of national lockdowns. Case numbers spiked in Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 with the Delta variant.

More than 130,000 people in the tourism sector lost jobs in France.

In June 2021, France reopened its borders to more countries outside of Europe with a color-coded system for entry requirements.

France State of Emergency ended in August 2022; France removed all Covid related restrictions for all travelers from any country. 

Over 90% of the population have been fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Paris France, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in France; and COVID-19 testing in France, please see the French Department of Health site.

What do Paris, France locals and recent travelers say about visiting Paris, France now?

What is it like to visit Paris, France right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

January 2024 – Agnes Groonwald of Travel on the Reg, resident of France: “Tourism in Paris has seemed light since our move just outside of the city, but we also haven’t experienced the peak summer season yet. It’s still expected to book the big attractions (e.g. Louvre Museum) a few weeks ahead of travel, and dinner reservations remain a must at popular eateries.

Some locals and tourists are still voluntarily masking on crowded public transit and popular tourist destinations. Otherwise, it appears to be business as usual. There are no COVID protocols outside of doctors’ offices where masking is compulsory. Paris attractions, restaurants, and public transit are all operating without COVID-era restrictions. You can travel to/from the city without vaccine cards. That said, the city continues to struggle with regular disruptions to transit/worker shortages that require patience from travelers, but this has more to do with local politics vs. COVID. It’ll be interesting to see what happens during the Olympics.

The general tips for Paris travel apply. Leave plenty of time to get to/from attractions around the city and pre-book the big ticket items as soon as you know when you’re visiting.”

September 2023 – Lauren of Pack and Paint, UK traveler: “I caught the Eurostar from London to Paris for five days of sightseeing. Tourism in Paris is in full-swing post covid with adventurers from across the globe hitting up the French capital in their millions. Top tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were busy which indicated a large tourism boom. 

In Paris, it felt like everyone had gone back to pre-covid times. Hardly anyone wore masks or followed social distancing. With large crowds at most tourist attractions, it would have been tough to follow covid related advice.”

June 2023 – Jori of The Tejana Abroad, expat: “Summer in Europe is back and with it, all the usual summer crowds! Most attractions in Paris have opened up and are welcoming international visitors. If you’re still a bit wary of crowds after Covid though, maybe try to visit France during the lower seasons, such as fall and spring.

The majority of French citizens are vaccinated with booster shots, but the government is no longer testing international visitors. Healthcare in France is easy to access and if you fear you are infected, you are able to get tested at any nearby pharmacy. Local tourist attractions and restaurants are very crowded in the high season, but a nice alternative is ordering food to go and enjoying it in a picnic in the park.”

February 2023 – Laura Bronner of Eternal Expat, American traveler: “I visited Paris for 4 days as part of a 10-day trip around France in February 2023. Paris feels completely back to normal. All museums and tourist attractions are back open with normal opening hours. The metro is clean and operating at normal and frequent times.

It was very busy when I visited in Feb 2023, especially at the biggest tourist sites like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and view points for these places. If you plan to visit in 2023, I highly recommend pre-booking tickets for the museums you want to go to with time slots and make sure to make reservations for restaurants you don’t want to miss, especially if you are traveling as a group of more than 2 people. If you don’t make a reservation, arrive at the time the restaurant opens for the best chance of getting a table for lunch or dinner service.

There is still easy access to testing at most pharmacies around Paris. You can definitely get the at-home tests at every pharmacy and many have testing centers outside the pharmacies which are conducted by pharmacists. There are no other restrictions on public transportation (no masks required, but they are “recommended” for public transport). There are lots of lines at museums and restaurants near the main attractions were incredibly busy.”

January 2023 – Amber Everywhere, American traveler: “Tourism seems to be back to normal in Paris, with large crowds in many of the most popular parts of the city. You’ll see masks and social distancing in some spaces, but most places are crowded and maskless. 

Testing appears to be widely available in Paris, with some visible testing tents throughout the city. There does not appear to be contact tracing in place, at least for crowded public spaces; locals did not mention any trouble accessing healthcare. Most local attractions appeared to be open, same with restaurants and other amenities. I didn’t notice any COVID-related restrictions, though many people chose to wear masks when in public areas (like the metro).”

September 2022 – Alyssa, American traveler: “We arrived in Paris with our two little kids, getting ready to caravan with some friends here in France. So far, I would say Paris is medium to low in terms of crowdedness. Public transit hasn’t been too packed. Everything is open and mask free for the most part.”

June 28, 2022 – Gretchen of Chasing Advntr, U.S. traveler : “We flew to Paris for several days as part of a month long European trip and to celebrate my twins birthday. We walked to all the major sites and while it was crowded, we had no trouble enjoying the attractions. We were glad we booked a river cruise and tickets to Musee D’Orsay in advance as tickets sold out for the river cruise and the museum line was at least an hour wait.

There were very few people wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Lines were long at the major attractions, but we never waited long for a table to eat. We also experienced a partial train strike which added to the difficulty of getting to the airport on already busy trains. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get to the airport.”

May 2022 – Mike C., American traveler: “Travel in Paris was pretty relaxed. There’s no more green pass or need to show vaccine card. Technically there were some rules on public transit to wear a mask. But it felt more like a choice as it was 50/50 on who did and didn’t. Transit was literally the only place with masking in Paris. Crowds felt like Paris is back to normal.”

March 9, 2022 – Erica of Nice French Things, French resident: “It’s the perfect time to visit Paris. Lines are short (or nonexistent) and monuments and tourist attractions are under capacity. Asian tourists have not returned yet and other Europeans are visiting their own countries they haven’t seen in the past 2 years.

Testing and tracing has been perfected here. Our vaccine pass will stop being required on Monday so we will be free to go to museums, theaters, restaurants without showing pass and we will not be required to wear masks. Pharmacies are the go-to for everything. Easy, fast, cheap tests done there. Paris area just reduced price permanently on regional rail tickets. Very advantageous for visitors.”

February 15, 2022 – Ingrid of Second Half Travels, U.S. traveler: “I’m spending 5 weeks in Paris and Montpellier currently studying French. COVID case numbers are dropping steeply in France. However, tourism numbers in February are still very low, so it’s a great time to visit to enjoy uncrowded museums and other sights.

My flight from Dallas to Paris in February was almost empty. I had a whole row of 9 seats to myself. Rapid and PCR tests are readily available at French pharmacies. It was easy and quick to get my Pass Vaccinal at an airport pharmacy when I arrived for 36 euros; I just showed my CDC vaccination proof of my vaccines and booster.

The Pass Vaccinal is supposed to be checked at all restaurants, museums, and long-distance trains. In practice, restaurants and trains sometimes fail to check. The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay in Paris were uncrowded: no large tour groups, only individual tourists from neighboring European countries like Spain. A Parisian friend told me, ‘You will never see Paris uncrowded like this again.’ I have actually extended my trip to add on more days in Paris to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

October 23, 2021 – Jennifer A., American tourist: “We had a fantastic time. We were very careful the entire week we were in Paris. Wore our masks everywhere and washed our hands a lot. 
Instead of doing two or three things in a day, we just did one major tourist thing each day. To be honest, that made the trip more enjoyable.
We used the Paris Museum Pass and that was great. I ordered the five day passes and they mailed them to me last month. A couple of the museums required us to book a time slot to get in.
I was of course concerned about passing a COVID test 72 hours prior to returning to the U.S. My sister and I walked about 500 feet from our hotel to a pharmacy to take the COVID test. The cost was 25 Euros for each one of us. The gentleman in the pharmacy was so professional. We also received our results via email in about 30 minutes. Unbelievable.
We were able to upload the COVID results to a VERIFLY app that American Airlines wanted us to use. It made things a lot easier to go home. 
The French residents were all so nice to us. I am so glad we went.”

October 6, 2021 – Nick Winder, Illness To Ultra, American digital nomad: “I flew to Paris in order to transit to the south of France to visit family. Although there are still people visiting Paris, it’s obvious the tourist rates are reduced. Locals are more than welcoming, but the requirement of a health pass, even for foreign visitors proves challenge for both tourists, and local business owners.
Nearly every local was compliant with city regulations, which is a must, especially considering public transport can still be busy. Access to testing and healthcare is abundant among pharmacies, although Sundays many pharmacies are closed. Most local attractions still remain open, although at a reduced capacity, but the reduced tourist level lines are not much of a problem. Just be aware that many attractions are ticketed.”

September 13, 2021 – Susan, US traveler: “We’ve been in Paris almost 2 weeks finding it somewhat changed in several ways. We read that you can get the Passe Sanitiaire at pharmacies, yet, we’ve gone to more than I can count always being told that pharmacies are not providing them. At one yesterday, the owner said he believes that people were getting antigen tests at the pharmacy which gives a 72-hour Passe Sanitiaire.
Tourists are few especially Americans. Some stores are permanently closed in touristy areas while nothing has changed in our neighborhood that is more residents of Paris.”

November 2021 – Roobens, French citizen in Paris, Been Around the Globe: “Everything reopened in May (bars, restaurants, gyms, clubs, etc.) in France. Meaning life is more or less back to normal. You just need to have a health pass to prove you’re fully vaccinated. And you have to wear a mask indoors (at the supermarket, when taking the metro, etc.).
People are more than ready to travel in Europe only right now. Outside Europe it’s a different story since many borders are still closed.
It’s very easy to get tested and to get vaccinated. There’s also an app for contact tracing, most people use it (it’s called “AntiCovid”). Everything is open (museums, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc.).”

September 2021 – Susan, traveling to Paris from US: “My husband and I flew to Paris in August-September 2021 for a 3 week visit with my daughter who lives there as a digital nomad. Tourists are very welcome if fully vaccinated.
Major tourist attractions were uncrowded, though online ticket purchases are still recommended. Restaurants were full, especially the venues with large outdoor seating areas. (Travelers should be aware that diners frequently smoke in the outdoor areas.)
Nevertheless, this may have been the best time in recent years to be in Paris, due to small crowd size. 
Paris was very ready to serve customers in the time of Covid. The French population is >70% vaccinated and the digital vaccine passport works well for French residents (but not visitors). Visitors should bring their original vaccine card to get on the airplane, but a laminated photocopy worked well at every location.

A vaccine card (or proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours) was required at every.single.sit-down eating establishment, hotel, museum, or major tourist destination. Proof was not required to ride public transportation.

Surgical (not cloth) masks are required in every indoor space. Indoor mask-wearing was being strictly followed, with an occasional scofflaw in the subways. Compliance was certainly better than most places in the US.
Almost all restaurants had outdoor patio seating available, though the desirability of this may change as the weather cools. Take-out businesses and park-bench dining were thriving. I did not see evidence that contact tracing (in restaurants) was happening.
There are Covid testing tents in most busy squares, but many are not accessible to non-residents because they don’t have the ability to charge the required fee there. Covid testing (required for return to the US, and elsewhere) can be done in pharmacies and labs. Your hotel desk may help you find a location. Caution – our results did not arrive via text, as promised, probably because we didn’t have a French phone number. We ended up waiting in a very slow line at the lab to get the results.”

August 30, 2021 – Melissa Suzuno, U.S. visitor: “I’m spending a week in Paris in late August/early September 2021 and my trip is just for fun but as a freelance writer, I’m also doing some work here. 
I’m not sure if I’d really describe Parisians as “welcoming,” (haha) but tourism is alive and well in Paris. I did an Airbnb Experience and about half of the participants were French and half were American. The guide said that the number of Americans had decreased for a while but seems to be bouncing back.
There are restrictions in place and they seem to be followed quite consistently. For example, you need to show your health pass (or recent negative COVID test) to eat in a restaurant (even outside) or enter a museum. Everywhere I’ve gone has enforced this.
Local attractions like museums are open, but they recommend (and sometimes require) you to reserve your time in advance.
I’ve gotten a few tests since I’ve been here (to get the temporary health pass). Tests are available in nearly any pharmacy and cost around 30 euros.”

June 2021 – Leyla, Offbeat France, French resident: “I took a walking tour in the Marais a few days ago and we had one American tourist – the guide said it was her first of the season. Most tourists are French or European in Paris, but with the lockdown now lifted, a few Americans are beginning to arrive.
In Paris, I’d say about 90% of people are following the rules. There is the occasional person who doesn’t cover their face in the subway or bus but they do get sideways looks from others.
Everyone is masked in shops, because the owners will get fined otherwise. There’s usually plenty of gel at the door or at the cash register.
In the streets, quite a few people still wear masks, considering that they are no longer mandatory. As the hot weather moves in, there will probably be fewer masks in the streets. The attached photo shows people do occasionally wear masks outdoors.”

June 2021 – Lena, Salut from Paris, French resident: “Paris experienced a collective sigh in relief during the past weeks and enjoys the pure presence of normality – and travelers clearly belong to this normality. 
Just a couple of weeks ago, the obligation to wear masks outdoors got lifted. Indoors, it is still mandatory and the vast majority is complying. Food services and attractions are open again. However, while the online booking service of attractions assures that the number of visitors is not exceeded, I observe often that bars and restaurants are way fuller than they should be.
It is recommended in France that everyone, locals and travelers, are downloading the app #tousanticovid for tracing and alerts. If a visitor requires a covid test, they can easily get tested in pharmacies.”

Disclaimer:
Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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