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Communication - COVID19 - 27 July 2021 TRAVEL TO FRANCE: INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND RESEARCHERS

Update from Campus France - 21 July 2021 :

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, France continues to welcome international students and researchers. Depending on the country and the vaccination status, the procedures to follow to enter French territory vary.

France planned everything so international students and researchers could return to their training course institution safely.

Like any other students in France, they will have the opportunity to be vaccinated if they want to and access PCR tests free of charge.

Since 9 June 2021, new procedures apply to international students and researchers coming to France. They differ according to their country of origin and their vaccination status. Categories of countries have been defined on the basis of health indicators.

The lists of countries may change according to the evolution of their epidemic situation.

For further information, please consult Campus France's webpage:

MORE INFO

 

 

 

Keep Calm & Stay Safe

 

 

 

Source : Government of France; Campus France; APUAF COVID-19 Committee - Last Updated: 17 June, 2021

While the regular university term has largely ended across France, regular activities, including on-campus teaching, are expected to resume in September. In the meantime, summer programs in Lille as across the country are largely being held on line rather than in person, with some exceptions (where appropriate distancing is possible).

In addition, as of 17 June, masks are no longer obligatory in outdoor areas, unless crowded, and as of 20 June there is no longer a curfew in France.

Student travel and visas

As of 9 June the French borders are open to tourist and short-term visitors, including international students attending study abroad programs, with some restrictions. Countries are listed as Green, Orange or Red, depending on the level that COVID is circulating and the status of dangerous variants in each country. Different travel requirements are associated with each group. 

Students traveling from North America who are fully vaccinated may now enter France for short study-abroad programs (for stays of under 90 days, for which no visa is required). These students must travel with proof of vaccination, and must still present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the flight or a negative antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours before the flight.  There is no self-isolation requirement for vaccinated travelers upon arrival in France from any countries categorized as Green or Orange. Any non-vaccinated travellers, however, must self-isolate for 7 days upon arrival; they may also be asked to take an antigen test upon arrival, and must show a valid compelling reason to come to France. Further up to date information on the classification of various countries and the associated restrictions is available here.

Students should consult the Campus France website for information concerning what documents and paperwork (unrelated to COVID-19) are necessary to complete the visa process or travel abroad for studies.

 

7 day self-isolation period

Students who do need to self-isolate for a week may consult the state health insurance website, Ameli.fr, which gives detailed advice (in French) for limiting contact with others and keeping living conditions clean during self-isolation. Campus France also has a page in French which describes the conditions of the 7-day quarantine. These include :

Stay at home as much as possible Limit your time outside to essential needs Avoid contact and always wear a mask in the presence of another person Inform your school that you are quarantining Avoid contact with other people in your residence/at home If your accommodation is a university residence, inform the administration that you are quarantining so that cleaning and disinfection measures can be implemented In case of symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. Access to health care & hospitalization The government has created a platform mesconseilscovid.sante.gouv.fr which allows anyone with symptoms to obtain within 3 minutes personalized advice as to how to proceed (for treatment, testing, etc) and how to protect oneself and others. Virtual consultations and in-person appointments with general practitioners are readily available with little wait time. Same day house-calls are also available in most French cities (through services such as SOS Médecins or UMP). (https://www.sosmedecins.fr and https://www.ump.fr) Students have access to all French public hospitals where there is a dedicated space for COVID patients. Web-based platforms and apps such as “Doctolib” allow students to book medical appointments across the country with ease: https://www.doctolib.fr Access to testing

Three kinds of diagnostic COVID tests are currently available in France to test patients for COVID.

1. The (RT-PCR) test to determine if the patient has COVID at the time of the test.

• Results are available within 24 – 36 hours.

• France currently is performing 1.3-1.4 million tests per week.

• 100% covered by Social Security and do not require prescription. Otherwise, out of pocket costs are approximately 70-80 euros per test. https://fr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

• They are administered in testing centers, medical facilities and labs but also by nurses, medical students, paramedics, firemen, etc. There are currently over 12,000 testing centers across France. COVID Testing Sites in France

Who can be tested (RT-PCR)?

o   Anyone can benefit from a test. There is no need to even show symptoms.

2. Saliva Test: COVID-19 saliva tests are currently in use in primary and secondary schools as well as universities. More information here.

3. The Antigen Test to determine if the patient has COVID at the time of the test. https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A14435  

• Results within 15-30 minutes

• Available especially in some pharmacies and at airports.

• 100% covered by Social Security and do not require a prescription. Patients who don’t have French Social Security currently may have to pay out of pocket (34 euros).

Who can be tested (Antigen)?

• Patients with symptoms can opt for this test if they fulfill the following criteria:

o   Have been asked to be tested as part of an institutional testing program (at schools and universities, work places, etc)

o   No underlying conditions, meaning not susceptible to developing a serious form of Covid.

• Patients without symptoms who:

o   Have been asked to be tested as part of an institutional testing program (at schools and universities, work places, etc)

o   Need to be tested as a requirement before a medical appointment

o   Wish to be screened at anytime

• Auto-test Antigen Tests are available in pharmacies

• Patients who test positive in an Antigen test are asked to confirm result with a PCR test

3. Saliva Test: The French government has approved the use of COVID-19 saliva tests in primary and secondary schools and universities after winter break (Feb 2021) : https://www.education.gouv.fr/covid19-un-acces-prioritaire-aux-tests-pour-les-personnels-de-l-education-nationale-et-pour-les-307814  

An Immunity Test (blood test) is available in France to determine if the patient has developed immunity to COVID. These tests are administered mostly in labs and sometimes might require a prescription. They are 100% covered by Social Security and otherwise out of pocket costs are approximately 20 euros per test.

• Students who don’t have French Social Security have total access to testing but may need to front the cost of the test and submit to their personal health insurance after if COVID testing is covered by their insurance policy.

Steps to take for testing

Precise procedures have been put in place for different case scenarios. Details can be found and downloaded here for anyone in these groups: Steps to Take to be Tested

• I don’t present any symptoms and I would like to be tested: free test, no prescription needed, PCR results within approximately 24h, or Antigen test results in 15-30 min.  • I have symptoms: specific protocol for testing to avoid contact with others during testing and until results are in. Free test, no prescription needed, PCR results within approximately 24h, Antigen results in 15-30 min  • I have been in contact with a person who has tested positive: Antigen or PCR test  • A specific function is available through the website & application Doctolib to locate the testing center or lab closest to you with the earliest available appointments for a test.  • Students who don’t have French Social Security have total access to testing but may need to front the cost of the test and submit to their personal health insurance after if COVID testing is covered by their insurance policy. 

Tracking

All COVID patients must provide a local doctor with the list of people with whom they have been in touch within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Medical authorities will contact every person on that list and require testing (see above).

Anyone who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive must follow a specific protocol (Steps to Take to be Tested:)

Wear a certified mask at all times when in contact with others Take an antigen test immediately. If negative, stay isolated 7 days after the last contact with the COVID patient. After 7 days, take a PCR or antigen test Stay in quarantine for until the test results are in Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 10 days after signs of first symptoms, or if asymptomatic, after test date. https://www.ameli.fr Vaccinations

France’s vaccination strategy follows 3 main principles:

o   Freedom of choice: the vaccination will not be obligatory o   Free of charge: the vaccination will be made available for free in France (for those with French Social Security) o   Security: the vaccination will follow all strict guidelines that frame the use of medical products in France

Anyone over the age of 12 is currently eligible for vaccination.

People who have been vaccinated are still required to follow all COVID-19 protocols in private and public spaces, in workplaces and in schools.

  Tools

o    In addition to consulting the general government websites that communicate all essential information concerning the virus, the confinement and the re-opening period, everyone is asked to download the app TousAntiCovid, which serves several functions:

Tracking: the app alerts users if they are inclose contact with a Covid patient Information: the app publishes the daily stats concerning the virus Testing: the app can be used to locate the nearest testing center Documentation: the app can generate a digital authorization form needed to be outside during confinement Pass Sanitaire: the app has a function that stores COVID test results and vaccination certificates which will help facilitate travel and access to certain events. (This can also be accomplished through the paper version of the Pass Sanitaire). The Pass Sanitaire functionality is in place as of June 9 and consists of one of the following (paper or digital format accepted): Proof of full vaccination (2 weeks after last/final dose of AstraZenica, Moderna, and Pfizer, 4 weeks after J&J) Negative PCR or Antigen test results within 48h (for events) or 72h (for travel outside of France) Positive PCR or Antigen test results that are at least 2 weeks old and less than 6 months. 

More information here.

This app which uses Bluetooth technology for tracking and does not share personal identification information. Use of the app for everyone, including COVID patients, is voluntary. (TOUS ANTI COVID Tracking App)

 

o    The French government has put in place a 24/7 hotline (in French only) to respond to any questions concerning COVID-19 (health, regulations, workplace, social services, legal, civil, childcare and education, travel and leisure activities, etc.). A WhatsApp group managed by the government provides an additional Q&A source for anyone who wishes to join: WhatsApp with Government.

o    Vaccinations: Vite Ma Dose is a service that centralizes several online portals where people can sign up for a vaccination appointment.

Wearing Masks

It is required to wear a mask in most enclosed public spaces, including shops, public transportation, and more.( How to Wear a Mask).

Higher Education

Several official government websites give detail concerning academic and campus life during the COVID crisis.

•        Ministry of Higher Education general Covid info

•        Official Student Life website confinement info

•        Ministry of Higher Education campus confinement details

International Students: International students continue to be welcomed into France provided they satisfy the French government’s current conditions of coming to France for participation in a short-term program (starting June 9) or semester program (over 90 days). The French government has announced that international students currently in France can apply for and/or renew residency permits, online, thus avoiding the previously obligatory in person appointment at the prefecture. (Campus France Stay Permit Renewal info

Classes: In-person instruction is currently permitted at half capacity. https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/education

Internships: Students currently enrolled in for-credit internships can continue their work remotely or in-person depending on the host company/organization’s protocol. 

Libraries, computer labs and cafeterias: university libraries and computer labs are open, and cafeterias are open for in-person dining. Take-away service is still offered. See the CROUS’ interactive map for facilities by region, their services and hours. Student meals are being offered by CROUS cafeterias for 1 euro. 

Administrative, Health & Social Services: university health & social services remain fully accessible (including mental health support services), with some non-essential administrative services accessible by appointment only. 

Residence Halls: University housing is open.  

Student Support

The Ministry of Higher Education & Research has established a student mental health support website (with an English Language version) that compiles all the contacts and services related to mental health support for students during the COVID-19 crisis. The website covers all regions of France, and in addition to mental health support also serves as a resource for information about financial support, student housing, and health care. (https://www.soutien-etudiant.info/)

Workplaces

 The government has reinforced the guidelines applicable to the specific work environment as of June 9th as indicated in the 4-step re-opening plan.

Employers are still encouraged to ensure frequent ventilation of enclosed areas of the workplace, to permit employees to miss work for vaccination (vaccination is not obligatory and is confidential), and to make antigen auto-tests available to employees for voluntary use.

Working from home is no longer required as of June 9, and employers can set a number of days for working in the office and at home.

The guidelines state: 

Working remotely is strongly advised but not required. Physical distancing (at least 1 meter between individuals and/or workstations, and 2 meters during coffee breaks and/or meals)  Obligatory mask wearing and the responsibility of the employer to provide masks. Only Category 1 cloth/fabric masks or disposable medical/surgical masks are authorized.  The promotion of regular, thorough handwashing  Regular mechanical or manual ventilation of the premises  Routine disinfecting at least once a day of all surfaces and objects  Meetings should still take place virtually when possible but if in person, physical distancing recommendations (1 meter between individuals) should be respected. Moments of “conviviality” are authorized provided that there are no more than 25 people involved, the gestes barrières are respected and that the event takes places preferably outside. Management of the flow of people to avoid excessive crowding and crossing of individuals

Employees are instructed to stay at home should they develop Coronavirus symptoms or if they have recently been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Obligatory temperature checks or PCR tests at the workplace are not authorized. 

Gatherings & Socializing 

The government recommends limiting private gatherings to 6 adults (and the children of those adults) and sets the maximum authorized grouping at 10 adults in public spaces. These limitations do not apply to group visits led by a certified guide outdoors.

 

Associated fines for not adhering to protocols

A fine of 135 euros may be applied in the event of non-compliance with COVID protocols, including wearing masks and respecting confinement. Repeat offenders can be fined up to 3,750 euros and could risk 6 months of prison, community service, drivers’ license suspension of up to 3 years maximum. (Fines for not complying with confinement)

Local travel restrictions

Everyone residing in France must adhere to French regulations concerning mobility. The current situation allows and requires the following: 

In France 

For travelers to Corsica, a declaration of honor must be completed by passengers which must be printed and signed, will be required upon boarding by the transport company. Passengers must have completed an RT-PCR or antigenic test 72 hours before departure.

In Europe

European borders are open, but travelers must follow all requirements and restrictions to enter other EU countries from France. As of 9 June, travel restrictions are loosened for travelers coming into France from the European Area. Vaccinated travelers do not need COVID test results Non-vaccinated travelers must provide recent, negative PCR or antigen results (taken within 72h of departure).

Pass Sanitaire: an electronic or paper-based “Pass Sanitaire” is in place to facilitate travel and access to certain events.  Starting 8 July, the Pass Sanitaire will facilitate travel within the European area. https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/loisirs

Details concerning mobility in and out of France can be found at this French government site: International Mobility Information in French and in English at Advice for Foreign Nationals in France . Further information is also available on the European Union website: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/FRA

SPORTS AND EXERCISE

A progressive, 3-step, re-opening of sports venues and the resumption of collective sport activities began on May 19. More information here.

Indoor and outdoor physical education/sports (including contact sports) are permitted in schools, provided gauges and protocols are respected. Science students, professional and pre-professional athletes, those with a medical prescription for a certain activity, etc. can participate in indoor and outdoor sports. Outdoor Individual sport (walking, running, biking, hiking, etc.) is permitted. Indoor individual sport (no contact) can resume and gyms can open on June 9. Group athletic activity in public places (fitness classes, walks and hikes, etc.) must be limited to 10 people maximum per group and must maintain the physical distance of 2 meters between people. Outdoor sports equipment and sites are open and accessible. https://www.sports.gouv.fr Participants are not required to wear a mask during sports. Outdoor sports venues can welcome a maximum of 1,000 spectators.

A full list of restrictions concerning sports activities can be found here.

COVID Case Management in schools Higher Education:

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS & GENERAL RESOURCES

For information concerning every country in the European Union, and for details on all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis in Europe, see the following website: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/. And for information specifically for France: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/FRA

For current information, including health recommendations and measures, from the French government on the COVID-19 situation in France, see the following website: Main COVID-19 Government Website

Access to daily communiqués with daily statistics and key messages: Daily Communiqués by French Government

Official website dedicated to Student Life in the French universities: www.etudiant.gouv.fr

Timeline of government actions French Government Actions

Keep Calm & Stay Safe

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