Following the news that the European Union was set to welcome Americans to the bloc this summer, a slew of countries in Europe have announced their own, specific reopening plans. Last week, France announced plans to progressively lift its travel restrictions, beginning in May. Now, French President Emmanuel Macron has come out with additional details, including France’s border reopening to non-E.U. countries.
From June 9, France will open its borders to non-E.U. tourists and visitors with a pass sanitaire (health passport), according to France’s The Local. The passport would show that a traveler either has a vaccine certificate or a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
At the same time, cafés, bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen indoor spaces, with a maximum of six people per table. Possible public events including concerts and sports matches with a maximum of 5,000 people could reopen, as well.
According to The Local, anyone currently traveling to France (which includes other E.U. member states, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand) needs to present a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours and a declaration stating that they have no COVID symptoms. There is no mandatory quarantine for these travelers—although this could vary by country.
Also on Thursday, Spain announced its plans to open its borders in June—although no date was specified. It as well plans to use a digital health pass, which is something the E.U. came out in favor of when it made its own announcement regarding travelers to the destination.
The New York Times reports that France has vaccinated 22 percent of its population, with 8.8. percent fully vaccinated. The Times lists France among the countries where cases are higher but going down.
This article originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.
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