2020 was a year unlike any other. So many things happened but perhaps, without question, the most important one that impacted the entire world was the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. This deadly disease essentially put the world to a complete halt. Practically all countries went on lockdown, barring international travel for most of the year. This, of course, included France. Today in 2021, however, things are finally looking up. As the arrival of new vaccines to counter Covid-19 signals the end of the pandemic, France is on its way to welcoming travelers again. Here's what you need to know about it!
Going To France is Safer Than You Think
At this time, traveling to France, even while the pandemic still looms large, is still a lot safer, both for your health and your wallet, compared to other parts of the world. As
reported by the New York Times, European countries were quick to respond to the Covid-19 crisis, especially compared to the US. And even when, at some point in mid-2020, the region became the epicenter of the pandemic, the many lockdowns, rules, and regulations allowed them to effectively halt the rapid spread of the virus.
In terms of the economy, the 2010 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences winner Christopher Pissarides told
CNBC that Europe was able to prevent substantial income loss during the pandemic. “The European approach will help the economy better because it’s keeping workers and their employers attached to each other, and that will call for a more speedy recovery when the time is ready,” he shared.
How Open is France Now?
After holding a
second nationwide lockdown back in November 2020,
The Connexion reports that the government seems to have no plans for a third one this 2021. “
At this stage, there is no reconfinement planned… but we are following the situation attentively.” shared Government spokesperson Gabriel Attal. This follows after the said second lockdown seemed somewhat successful, resulting in fewer new cases and a lower daily death toll in the country. With that said, however, only people from a handful of countries are allowed to enter France. The list, provided by
France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, includes fellow EU countries as well as South Korea, Australia, Thailand, and more.
Get All Your Papers Done
Though France is open to international travel now, it's frankly limited to certain types of travelers. Only those with essential business in the country are allowed entry. Namely, students and those who are employed by French companies. This means your ordinary Schengen tourist visa won't do as of the moment. You'll need
a long-term business visa or student visa to get into the country, as well as documents supporting your objective of entering the country. But again, as the end of the global pandemic draws near, this may change within this year.
France's Requirements for Incoming Travelers
A long-term Schengen Visa is only one of many requirements needed to enter France today. The country has imposed new regulations on what international travelers must do and provide in order to get in. This includes proof of vaccination if you've had already had one or your most recent Covid-19 test if you have not. For the latter, the results should have been given to you at least 1 - 3 days before your trip. And, of course, a face mask and, if you also have one, a face shield. If you don't have at least one of these requirements, you won't be able to enter France.
Self-Quarantine in France
Upon entry in France, regardless of your test results, you're encouraged to quarantine yourself for a period of time. According to the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, you're required to stay at home for at least 7 days. And if your results came up as positive, you are advised to isolate yourself and limit human contact during your quarantine period. Though chances are, if you are Covid-19 positive, you weren't allowed to board the plane in the first place.
All Luxury Apartments is Open For Business
Despite all of that, the dawn of a post-pandemic France means we, here at All Luxury Apartments, are more than ready to serve new travelers entering the country. In recent years, we have extended our selection of
long-term rentals in the country, allowing for people to get quality accommodations whilst in France, especially in
Paris! Our apartments and townhouses are some of the finest in the country, managed by top professionals in the field. With our homes, you'll not only get a pleasant stay in France, but the process of renting these spaces will be as hassle-free as possible! In terms of staying in Paris, we’ll even provide our own
relocation guide for your convenience!
Our Own Covid-19 Regulations
You also don't have to worry about your safety from Covid-19. As early as when the pandemic first hit in mid-2020, we here at All Luxury Apartments have
set our own standards in ensuring the health and safety of our beloved clients. For one thing, we've ensured that all our communications with our property managers and clients remain online, limiting human contact to avoid the risk of emitting the disease. In relation to that, we've also made our contracts more flexible, allowing our clients to have an easier time going back to their hometowns/home countries when the need arises. And, of course, we've also upgraded our cleaning and sanitizing processes, making all of our rentals in France as germ-free as possible.
The dream of going to France post-Covid-19 pandemic is about to come true. With the help of the vaccine and new regulations on international travel, France is on its way to welcoming new people into the country again!
