If you’re planning on transiting through Paris during the ongoing Covid pandemic, you might be wondering if you need to take a Covid test. The answer is: it depends.
Transiting through Paris: What You Need to Know
If you’re traveling from one non-Schengen country to another and transiting through Paris, you don’t need a Covid test. However, if you’re arriving from a non-Schengen country and transiting through Paris to go to a Schengen country, you will need to take a PCR test before boarding your flight.
What is a Schengen country?
The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden and Switzerland.
What Kind of Test Do I Need?
If you do need a Covid test for your transit through Paris to a Schengen country from a non-Schengen country then it needs to be a PCR test. This is because this type of test is considered the most accurate and reliable for detecting the virus. Antigen tests are not accepted for transit purposes in France.
When Should I Take the Test?
You should take your PCR test no more than 72 hours before your scheduled departure time from the first airport of embarkation. Make sure that you have received your negative result before boarding your flight as airlines will check this before allowing passengers on board.
What If I Test Positive?
If you receive a positive Covid-19 test result within 72 hours of your scheduled departure time, you will not be allowed to travel. You will need to follow the advice of the local health authorities at your point of origin and contact your airline to rebook your flight.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
It’s important to note that rules and regulations regarding Covid-19 testing and transit can change quickly, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest information for your specific travel plans. You can check with your airline or visit the French government’s official website for the latest updates.
In Summary
If you’re transiting through Paris from a non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country, you don’t need a Covid test. However, if you’re transiting through Paris to go to a Schengen country from a non-Schengen country, you will need a PCR test no more than 72 hours before your scheduled departure time from the first airport of embarkation. It’s crucial that you stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding Covid-19 testing and transit as rules and regulations can change quickly.