The lockdown in Paris has finally been lifted! As of May 11, things in Paris and in the rest of France will start moving once again to slowly return to more normal circumstances. Here are the most basic facts and an overview of what can be expected.
On travel
– France has lifted travel restrictions from within Europe which means travelers from other European countries can now freely enter France and that people living in France can also freely travel to other European countries.
*However, please mind that travelers to France from countries like the UK and Spain must submit to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Likewise, travelers to the UK must also undergo quarantine.
– France will gradually start reopening its borders beyond the Schengen zone from July 1. As of the moment, only residents from the following 15 countries are allowed to enter the EU.
Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity)
*Among the countries notably excluded from the list are: the US, Russia, and Brazil.
On taking public transport
The RATP has announced that it will be operating at a capacity of 75%. A selection of about 60 metro stations will be closed for sanitary measures. See the image below.
Wearing of masks onboard is mandatory for anyone over the age of 11 years old. Social distancing must be observed.
Only those who are required to go to their workplace are allowed to take the public transport during rush hour (around 6:30am – 9:30am; 4pm-7pm). You must provide a certificate from your work that proves this.
If you have a monthly or annual Navigo pass subscription, you can receive a free cloth mask from RATP. Just head to an RATP ticket office at any station and ask for more information on where to get a mask.
Businesses
– All establishments may reopen for business, including large department stores like Galeries Lafayatte Haussmann, Le BHV Marais, and Carrousel du Louvre.
Cultural establishments
As of the moment, only small museums may reopen. Large museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay must still stay closed.
For an updated list of which museums are open and when museums are reopening, click here.
Theatres, cinemas, and similar in Paris may start to reopen from June 22nd.
Parks and public spaces
All parks and gardens in Paris may reopen from June 2nd!
| INSIDR Tip: Please remember that consuming alcohol along the canals or the banks of the Seine river is no longer allowed. |
Restaurants
From June 15, all restaurants, cafés, and bars in metropolitan France may reopen their indoor and outdoor seating!
For restaurants, cafés, and bars in the green zones, they may reopen both indoor and outdoor seating areas from June 2nd.
Many restaurants and cafés still have their take-away and delivery options available. You can find a good list of places here. Otherwise, you can also check on their respective social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
On buying masks
As mentioned, masks will be mandatory on all public transport. Several commercial establishments are also requiring clients to wear a mask inside for safety reasons.
If you are a resident in France, your local government (mairie) should be organizing a free distribution of masks. Check your local city hall’s website for the schedule.
If you would like to purchase more masks for yourself, we have written a complete guide to buying masks in France. Here, you’ll find a list of the different chain supermarkets that have stocked up on surgical and cloth masks. We have also provided listed prices.
If you sign up at the Paris.fr website, you can receive free reusable masks from local pharmacies. They will start handing them out for free from May 11 to June 8.