The French authorities have announced that the country's citizens, as well as foreigners, are now subject to stricter rules on coronavirus.
Authorities have revealed that from January 15, the rules on access to all kinds of services, including restaurants, museums, theaters, sports activities and accommodation facilities, among others, will be tightened. The French authorities announced that all those over the age of 18 should receive the booster dose for the vaccination certificate to remain valid.
The booster dose requirement will apply to all people who completed their vaccination more than seven months ago. Thus, according to the new rules, it means that all those who received the last dose of vaccine more than seven months ago, but have not yet received the booster dose, will be considered unvaccinated.
Given that access to most places is only allowed for those completely vaccinated against COVID-19 disease, it turns out that those without a booster dose will no longer have access. Children between the ages of 12 and 18 are exempt from this rule. Their two-dose vaccine will remain valid. However, children under 12 years of age should not receive any dose of vaccine.
The measure also applies to foreign tourists and travelers. "In order to enter French territory, the COVID certificate is compulsory for all over 12 years and two months", it is shown in the statement of the French government.
In addition to the vaccination requirement, travelers over the age of 12 must also have a negative PCR test or a rapid antigen test, performed 48 or 24 hours before the trip, respectively. The time is calculated from the sample collection.
However, it was explained that the pre-entry test requirement does not apply to travelers arriving in France from a Member State of the European Union or a Schengen country. However, everyone must comply with the national rules in France, including the presentation of vaccination certificates when attending different places and participating in various activities.