France's new travel restriction bans unvaccinated US tourists
France is joining the list of European travel destinations tightening restrictions on U.S. tourists as COVID-19 cases surge because of the delta coronavirus variant.
Beginning Sept. 12, only vaccinated visitors will be allowed to visit for vacation, the French Embassy confirmed Friday. Nonvaccinated travelers can visit only for essential reasons and need a negative coronavirus test. They also must isolate for seven days upon arrival. Until now, unvaccinated tourists needed only to show a negative test to enter France.
🟠TRAVEL UPDATE
Starting Sunday from🇺🇸➡️🇫🇷 no change for vaccinated travelers, but for non-vaccinated travelers:
✔️Proof of compelling reason to enter FR
✔️Neg. PCR test taken <72hrs or neg. antigen test taken <48hrs
✔️7 day self-isolation on arrival
Read👉https://t.co/H1AaxkKOe8 pic.twitter.com/qOI8NmtuSR— French Embassy U.S. (@franceintheus) September 10, 2021
The moves come after the European Union's decision on Aug. 30 to remove the United States from its list of safe countries amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, essentially recommending a ban of nonessential travel such as vacations. It is only a recommendation; individual countries set their own travel policies.
France already requires vaccination proof or a coronavirus test to visit restaurants and ride on trains as well as visit popular tourist destinations such as museums and the Eiffel Tower.
►International travel: European Union countries tightening COVID-19 restrictions for US tourists
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The Netherlands, Spain and Denmark also are banning unvaccinated U.S. tourists, and Italy has added entry requirements, even for those who are vaccinated.
The new restrictions add up to another confusing maze of requirements for travelers planning fall visits to Europe.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can Americans travel to France? Tourists will need COVID vaccine proof