Back to school 2020 : advice for students and researchers coming to France

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, France has done everything to let you join your institution safely at the start of the academic year, whatever your country of origin. Whether you are a student in long-term or short-term studies, a student in an internship or a researcher, you are welcome to France.

Since August 18, French consulates are authorized to deliver visas to students and researchers.

Depending on your country of origin, the steps to follow are different.

YOU ARE COMING TO FRANCE FROM A GREEN AREA COUNTRY

International students and researchers from countries in the green aera can travel to France without restriction. 

• European area : European Union Member States, United Kingdom, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marina, Switzerland, Vatican

• Other countries : Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay (the list is updated every two weeks).

Special provisions are planned for the Overseas Territories.

YOU ARE COMING TO FRANCE FROM A RED AREA COUNTRY

Borders are closed, except for specific classes of travellers, including students and researchers, under specific conditions depending on the country of origin. 

All travellers must carry : 

• The exempted movement certificate for Metropolitan France which can be downloaded on the Ministry of the Interior’s website. You must present this certificate to travel companies before using your travel ticket, as well as to border control authorities (for travel by air, sea and land, including by rail).

• A sworn statement that you do not have COVID-19 symptoms (included in the same document).

• A “contact” sheet provinding your residence address in France

Additional  steps depending on the country of origin : 

• Travellers coming from Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Domincan Republic, Equatorial Guinea, India, Israel/Palestinian territories, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Madagascar, Maldives, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Serbia, South Africa or Turkey: students and researchers must show  a negative COVID test from under 72 hours before boarding or carry out a test upon arrival. In case of positive result, a 14-day quarantine is mandatory.

• Travellers coming from  Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, or Panama : Students and researchers must show a negative COVID test from under 72 hours before boarding

• Travellers from all other countries : students and researchers are invited to show a negative COVID test from under 72 hours before boarding or carry out a voluntary 14-day quarantine on arrival. Such quarantine implies staying at home, avoiding contact with others as much as possible, monitoring your temperature and reporting any symptom to a doctor. This voluntary 14-day quarantine aims to protect everyone's health.

Special provisions are planned for the Overseas Territories.

If you are coming from a red area, get tested before departure, if possible. Your arrival in France will be easier.

CAMPUS FRANCE INFORMATION FLYER

Campus France has published a flyer that summarises information on the steps to follow for international students and researchers. It is available in French and in English. It will be updated regularly, depending on the pandemic situation.

Download the flyer France welcomes you!