France has posted a timeline for easing out of lockdown, including the opening of borders to international visitors on June 9, provided they have a health pass. The four-stage plan, announced by French president Emmanuel Macron, charts a path out of the European nation’s third COVID-19 lockdown, which went into effect April 3.

Stage 1 of the plan began this week, with the primary change in lockdown rules being the removal of restrictions on interregional travel.

On May 19, shops and businesses, as well as cafés and restaurants will be able to operate again, the latter only with outdoor seating (limit six per table), plus the re-opening of museums, monuments, theatres, and outdoor sports facilities (with capacity limits and based on requisite health and safety protocols). A 7 p.m. curfew will be eased to 9 p.m., but a prohibition on outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people outside remains in effect.

Effective June 9, the curfew eases further to 11 p.m. and indoor dining (six per table), and fairs and exhibitions can re-open, while limits will increase on attendance at cultural and sports facilities – albeit only to those with a health pass.

Similarly, and notably, foreign tourists can again enter the country, with a health pass.

By June 30, all curfews will be lifted, but some capacity restrictions will remain (and nightclubs must stay closed).

All measures are subject to the COVID situation not deteriorating further and the continuance of vaccinations for French citizens.

Atout France in Canada reports that the terms and conditions of the health pass are not fully known yet, but likely to be based on proof of vaccination or immunity (recovery certificated), or a negative PCR test. Until then, the office recommends that Canadians wishing to travel to France should check the rules of entry authorization before purchasing their tickets, including staying up to date with re-entry requirements for Canada. Information will also be made available soon on the website of the French Embassy in Canada.

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