The requirement of a compelling reason for travel to or from a country outside the European area, which has been in force since 31 January 2021has just been made more flexible by the French government. From now on, travel to and from seven countries will no longer be prohibitedAll other travel restrictions remain in force, however. However, the other restrictions on movement still apply, in particular the requirement to present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours before departure.
" In a decree to be published on Friday 12 March, it will no longer be necessary to provide a compelling reason for travelling to or from Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdombecause of the widespread distribution of the British variant in France and the specific health situation in these countries" said the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, which nonetheless advised " to keep international travel to a minimum. "
Within this framework, the compelling reason is still the rule for all travel outside the EU and other European countries (Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, the Holy See and Switzerland). However, here too, the Quai d'Orsay has made the list of reasons more flexible. Among the compelling reasons that make international travel possible, some will be of interest to expatriate executives since they concern married and civil union couples where one of the members lives abroad for professional reasons, or minor children who attend school in France while the family home is abroad. " The models of derogation certificates for international travel will be updated accordingly." said the ministry.
