Attestation forms for travel to and within France
Information for UK nationals about which attestation form to use when travelling to and within France during the coronavirus (COVID-19) decree.
Entry and travel
Border controls
On 20 March 2020, the French Government announced reinforced border controls with the UK.
You can still cross the border to return to the UK via France. If you live in France, the French Government has confirmed that you can continue to enter France to return to your principal residence.
Border checks are also in place on the borders with Italy, Spain and Germany.
Certificate requirements to enter France
If you are currently resident in France, travel within your department of residence or up to 100km from your place of residence is permitted without restrictions. Travel beyond 100km from your place of residence is only permitted for urgent professional or family reasons and you will need to complete a travel declaration to certify your reason for travel). This certificate can be downloaded onto smartphones or handwritten if you are unable to access a printer.
Certificate requirements for travel within France
To be able to travel in Île-de-France on public transport at peak hours (from 06h30 to 09h30 and from 16h00 to 19h00) you will need to complete a travel certificate to certify your reason for travel.
There is a certificate for journeys between the place of residence and the place of professional activity and business trips that cannot be postponed
Another certificate is for journeys taken for the following reasons:
- journeys between principal residence and school carried out by the person attending school there or accompanying the person attending school and journeys necessary to complete exams or competitions,
- for specialised consultations and care that cannot be provided online or near the home,
- for compelling family reasons, assistance to vulnerable persons and childcare,
- for an obligation to go to the police or gendarmerie services or to any other service or professional imposed by the administrative police authority or the judicial authority,
- to take part in tasks of public interest at the request of the administrative authority and under the conditions it specifies.
Check the relevant prefecture’s website for information on local travel restrictions.
Travel between the EU and non-European countries
On 16 March, the French Government announced that the EU would suspend travel between the EU and non-European countries for an initial period of 30 days from midday 17 March. On 13 April, the government announced that travel between the EU and non-European countries is suspended until further notice.
Permanent residents of EU countries, including France, will be able to cross the UK/France border into France if they have proof of residence. The French Government confirmed that UK nationals can enter France if returning to their principal residence. You must, however complete the necessary “attestation” to enter France, confirming that your travel is an absolutely necessary journey.
Some countries are imposing a compulsory period of quarantine for all travellers from France. If you are travelling from or through France, check the situation at your destination before you travel.
Travel between metropolitan France and French overseas territories
Regular flights between metropolitan France and its overseas territories - including Martinique, Mayotte, Guadeloupe, Guyana, La Reunion, French Polynesia, Saint Martin and Saint-Barthelemy - have been suspended since 23 March. Journeys between the islands are also prohibited, except in exceptional circumstances.
Local measures
France began progressive deconfinement from 11 May. The Government has categorised each department as ‘red’ or ‘green’, dictating the extent to which measures can be relaxed.
Certain confinement measures may still apply depending on the department you are in. Most of the north and east of France, including Paris, are currently classified as red. For more information see the government website.
The French Government announced that public transport should only be used for essential travel with social distancing and mandatory mask wearing. Since 11 May, wearing masks on public transport is compulsory for all users aged 11 and over, with fines for those who are not compliant. Masks will also be compulsory in taxis and private hire vehicles without a plexiglass screen.
For those currently resident in France,travel within your department of residence or up to 100km from your place of residence is permitted without restrictions. Travel beyond 100km from your place of residence is only permitted for urgent professional or family reasons and you will need to complete a travel declaration to certify your reason for travel. All residents are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and keep movement to a minimum.
Certain non-essential establishments remain closed to the public (i.e. restaurants, cafes, cinemas) until further notice. Food shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, post offices and banks remain open while other retailers have begun re-opening from 11 May.
Updates to this page
Published 17 April 2020Last updated 14 May 2020 + show all updates
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Updated rules following French government announcements
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First published.