-
EU looks to increase Etias travel authorisation fee from €7 to €20
Second-home owners and other visitors from the UK and US will need this from autumn 2026
-
What dangerous snakes are in France and what to do if you spot one
Anyone killing a snake risks a fine and potentially a prison sentence
-
Ryanair says flights over France must be protected from air traffic controller strikes
Strikes at start of the month cost airlines over €100 million as budget airline claims workers ‘wanted time off’
Covid-19 in France: Limit trips
We relay important information relating to everyday life as France actions stage three (of three) to deal with the national epidemic of Covid-19.

1. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and "non-essential" shops are closed. Pharmacies, fuel garages, banks, and food shops are still open. Food takeaways and home deliveries are allowed.
2. Limit as much as possible all social gatherings, including family meals and reunions.
3. Limit all trips, only to go to work and essential trips. Public transport remains open. Only go to work if you cannot work from home. Everyone is asked to stay home and only go out for food shopping and to take a little exercise.
4. People over 70 and those with chronic illnesses and respiratory issues should strictly stay at home. Do not visit elderly relatives, but call them. Do not take grandchildren to see grandparents.
5. Non-urgent hospital operations have been deferred.
6. Pharmacies are now authorised to dispense medicines to patients suffering from chronic disorders whose prescriptions have expired. They can dispense medicines in strict compliance with the dosage until May 31.
The French health director general Jérôme Salomon has emphasised that the virus cannot spread alone but only through people, and that everyone must take the official advice seriously and act responsibly.
This advice includes:
If you have returned from a high risk area [China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao), Singapore, South Korea, Iran or the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy, and present symptoms of respiratory infection such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing within 14 days of your return, call the SAMU emergency number, 15. Do not go to your local hospital or doctor.
A free hotline service can answer your questions about the coronavirus Covid-19 non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 0800 130 000. It cannot give medical advice.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France