Algeria and Morocco added to France’s red travel list

Algeria and Morocco have this weekend joined Tunisia on France’s travel red list, following a surge in Covid-19 cases in both countries.

The red list includes countries and territories where there is “an active circulation of the virus and variants of concern,” and where people in France are “strongly advised” not to visit.

Between July 19 and August 9, confirmed coronavirus cases rose rapidly from 19,674 to 64,784 in Morocco.

In Algeria, the increase was not so marked, but case numbers still increased from 4,289 to 7,439, the highest totals seen in the country since the pandemic began.

Morocco and Algeria were already on France’s amber list, meaning unvaccinated people must carry out PCR tests before and after travel, and self-isolate for seven days.

The decision to place Algeria and Morocco on the red list will see more stringent restrictions imposed on travellers returning to France, while people going to these countries were already subject to a series of testing and quarantine requirements.

All the entry and exit criteria for people in France are detailed on the French government website, where you can also find the relevant forms to be completed.

In order to travel to Morocco from France:

Unvaccinated travellers:

• Who are Moroccan residents must – unless they are children under 11 – present a negative PCR test result from the last 48 hours and must self-isolate for five days, taking a further test on the fifth day.

• Who are not resident in Morocco must quarantine for 10 days at their own cost and in a hotel designated by the Moroccan authorities. They must also present a negative PCR test result before their departure, and undergo a further PCR test on the ninth day of their quarantine.

• All unvaccinated travellers must also complete a public health passenger form and a statement of honour (déclaration sur l’honneur) confirming that they will self-isolate for the required period.

Vaccinated travellers:

• Must present proof of having received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine at least 14 days prior to departure.

• Must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within the last 48 hours.

• Must present a completed public health passenger form.

In order to travel to Algeria from France:

• Whether vaccinated or not, all travellers must have a compelling reason for needing to enter the country.

• Everyone must have proof of the negative result of a PCR test carried out within the 36 hours before their departure.

• On arriving in Algeria, all travellers must undergo a further antigen test at the airport.

In order to enter France from Morocco or Algeria:

Unvaccinated travellers must:

• Have a compelling reason to be allowed to enter the country and fill in a travel certificate (attestation de déplacement) detailing this reason.

• Carry out a PCR or antigen test within the 48 hours before they depart for France and present a negative result before boarding their flight. This does not apply to children under 12.

• Have completed a statement of honour to take a Covid test on their arrival in France. This test will take place on arrival.

• Quarantine for ten days on arrival. The French authorities will be carrying out checks to ensure that travellers are observing their self-isolation period, and so travellers must have proof of the address of the place where they will be staying.

• Fill in a statement of honour swearing that they are not currently experiencing Covid symptoms and have not recently been in contact with anyone who has tested positive.

Vaccinated travellers:

• Do not need to present a compelling reason for needing to enter France.

• Must present proof of having received both vaccination doses.

• Must complete a statement of honour confirming that they are not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms and that they have not recently been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

Countries already on France’s coronavirus travel red list before today include Afghanistan, South Africa, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Indonesia, the Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Russia, the Seychelles, Suriname and Tunisia.

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