France Opens Borders for Travellers from India

Countries are still trying to figure out the best possible options to restart international travel depending on the number of increasing or decreasing cases and the number of people receiving the inoculation. But without any uniform guidelines, each country is coming out with regulations of their own.

France has decided to move India from their red to amber list as the number of COVID-19 cases have started to decrease.

Hence, travellers from India will be allowed to enter the country subject to fulfilment of certain conditions, according to media reports.

I’m glad to announce that all student, researcher and "Talent passport" category applicants from India can now apply for a visa to travel to France. 🇮🇳ðŸÂÂÂÂŽ“âÂÂÂÂœˆï¸Â

Link : https://t.co/mtsrlnMOAc

— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) July 23, 2021

There are no restrictions on entry to mainland France for fully vaccinated travellers. Those wishing to travel to the country this summer can now apply for a C type visa, as the French consulates and visa centres in India have reopened for applications, according to the Schengen Visa Info news release.

However, travellers will have to show proof of vaccination status and a sworn statement attesting to the absence of COVID-19 infection symptoms and contact with a confirmed covid-19 case. Only vaccines authorised either by the European Commission or the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products are accepted for this purpose.

The vaccination schedule is considered complete seven days after the administration of a second dose for the other authorised vaccines (Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield). Those who have received Covaxin may travel provided they qualify under the non-vaccinated category.

Travellers with a ‘compelling reason’ to enter metropolitan France may also be allowed even if they are not vaccinated but subject to conditions. Holders of "talent passports", students and researchers fall under the list of compelling reasons allowing them to travel to France.

You may check the indicative list of compelling reasons under the Mobility Rules and Regulations mentioned here.

However, unvaccinated visitors from India who qualify under the ‘compelling reason’ category will have to furnish a negative PCR test carried out less than 72 hours before departure or a negative antigen test carried out less than 48 hours before departure to the transport company and the border control authorities; a sworn statement attesting to the absence of covid-19 infection symptoms and contact with a confirmed covid-19 case; an undertaking to undergo an antigenic test or pathological test, which will be carried out on their arrival in mainland France; and an undertaking to self-isolate for seven days, and an undertaking to undergo a virological screening test (PCR) at the end of the isolation period.

It has also been said that children arriving from India need not quarantine upon arrival.

Accordingly, visa centres in Delhi and Mumbai have started accepting visa applications from India for visiting France for study, business or travel requirements.

Although France has opened its borders for travellers from India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a contrary view.

Therefore, leading carriers from the UAE – Emirates and Etihad – have decided to suspend flights from India. While Emirates (on July 27) said that the suspension of flights is till August 7, Etihad has suspended its flights for an indefinite period, according to reports.

Hi Sankeerth, following the recent update our flights from India have been suspended until further notice. As soon as we receive an official communication of changes to this regulation, our website will be updated. Do stay tuned for the latest travel information. Thanks. *Vio

— Etihad Help (@EtihadHelp) July 28, 2021

A release dated July 23 from the Emirates said, “In line with UAE government directives, Emirates will be suspending the carriage of passengers from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to Dubai until 7 August 2021. Furthermore, passengers who have connected through India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka in the last 14 days will not be accepted to travel from any other point to the UAE.

However, UAE nationals, holders of UAE Golden Visas, members of diplomatic missions and holders of UAE Visa with EXPO 2020 as a sponsor who comply with updated COVID-19 protocols, are exempt and may be accepted for travel, according to the release.