In travel news for February 15, 2022 we go over updates to the testing requirements for visitors to France, we share some good news from Air France, and we cover current COVID testing entry requirements for visitors or travelers returning to the United States.
The good news for international travelers keeps coming. France is the most recent country to waive pre-departure covid testing for fully vaccinated travelers. Previously France required a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure. The new rule will require that fully vaccinated travelers show proof of vaccination status and provide a sworn statement that they have’t been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and also not currently exhibiting systems of COVID. Frances definition of fully vaccinated is similar to many other countries, it’s having received both doses or a booster within the previous 9 months. Unvaccinated travelers to France still face difficulty being allowed to visit. They will be required to a provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure and provide a compelling reason for their trip. Children under the age of 12 are currently exempt.
And more good news for travelers wanting to visit France. Air France is restoring numerous flights between the United States and Paris this summer. Beginning this March flights will resume from New York to Paris, as well as five weekly flights from Fort Worth, Texas to Paris. In May, direct flights will resume from Denver. Air France plans on operating nearly 200 transatlantic routes between the US and France this summer, a 20% increase over the same period in 2019.
With so many countries removing entry requirements for vaccinated travelers Travel Associations in the United States have started to put pressure on the U.S. Government for the removal of testing requirements for vaccinated travelers entering the country. Associations such as the the International Air Transport Association, American Society of Travel Advisors, the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and more. Unfortunately the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention isn’t willing to entertain the idea at this time, and a time table for their removal has not been made public. So for the time being, current testing requirements will remain in place
The current testing requirements for U.S. Travelers returning home, or for foreigners visiting the U.S. calls for proof of a a negative COVID viral test taken within 24 hours of boarding the flight. Those that have recently recovered from COVID can opt to provide documentation of recovery that is no more than 90 days from departure.