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Covid-19 regulations and guidance for camping holidays in France

A French sign indicating that campsites are open

Updated 10.03.2022

Excited about a camping holiday in France in 2022? 

After a difficult few years, due to Covid 19, so many people are planning to reacquaint themselves with the joy of family holidays abroad in 2022.

Although most covid-related restrictions have now been lifted, if you’re planning a camping holiday in France, you might want to ensure you know what restrictions may still be in place. Campsited is here make things as straightforward as possible for you. So we’ve compiled some useful information for staying in campsites in France, as well as a few frequently asked questions…

Is it possible to go on holiday to France?
What are the Covid requirements and restrictions to travel to France?
I am unvaccinated; can I travel to France?
I am vaccinated; can I travel to France?
Do I need a vaccine passport to visit France?
What do I need to do when entering my home country after my holiday in France?
Are campsites open in France?
When do campsites in France open for 2022?
Are there social distancing and other COVID 19 protocols in place at campsites in France?
Will I have to wear a face mask on my campsite in France?
How will I know what I can and cannot do in a campsite in France?
What kind of hygiene and safety measures are in place in campsites in France?
Are swimming pools and waterparks in French campsites open?
How many people can stay together at any one time on a campsite in France?
What happens if I book a camping holiday and then there is another lockdown?
What happens if I book a camping holiday and then one of my holiday party is diagnosed with Covid?
Can I go on a beach in France?
Can I visit museums, theme parks and other tourist attractions in France?
Can I go into restaurants and cafes in France?
What happens in I feel ill when I am on my camping holiday in France?
What are the benefits of a camping holiday now that campsites have reopened?

Is it possible to go on holiday to France?

Yes – France is open! 

While entry into France from certain countries is still restricted (the French government information is the best place to confirm exact information about travelling to France from another country), if you are able to enter the country from your own country of residence, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday in France pretty much as usual.  There are still some restrictions and guidelines related to Covid, explained below, but these are minor.

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What are the Covid requirements to travel to France?

The Covid travel requirements are currently different depending on whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, and from which country you are traveling to France.

While there are certain countries from which travel to France is restricted, this is a general guide for adults and children aged 12 years and over:

Vaccinated

If you are fully vaccinated on entry to France, you simply need to show:

  • a vaccination certificate and
  • a sworn declaration (downloadable from the French Interior Ministry website).

Unvaccinated

If you are not vaccinated, the entry requirements to come into France will depend on whether the country you are travelling from is classed as green, orange or red.

  • Green
    1. A negative PCR or antigen test taken less than 72 hours or 24 hours before entering France (depending on the country you are arriving from). 
    2. Alternatively, if you have previously contracted Covid, you can present a certificate of recovery from your home country. The certificate must be dated between dated 11 days and less than 6 months before your arrival in France.
  • Orange
    1. You can only travel to France if you have pressing grounds for travel, as set out in the French Ministry of Interior’s ‘Certificate of international travel’.
    2. A negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours or a negative antigenic test taken less than 48 hours before entering France (or 24 hours if you are arriving from the UK).
    3. Alternatively, if you have previously contracted Covid, you can present a certificate of recovery from your home country. The certificate must be dated between dated 11 days and less than 6 months before your arrival in France.
    4. You must pledge to self-isolate for 7 days after entering France.
    5. You may be subject to a random Covid test when you arrive in France.
  • Red
    1. You can only travel to France if you have pressing grounds for travel, as set out in the French Ministry of Interior’s ‘Certificate of international travel’.
    2. A negative PCR or Antigen test taken less than 48 hours before entering France.
    3. Alternatively, if you have previously contracted Covid, you can present a certificate of recovery from your home country.
    4. You will undergo a mandatory 10 day quarantine supervised by security forces.

The requirements can change at any time so it is essential that you check the latest regulations regularly.  You can find up-to-date information, including the current orange/green/red country list, in English, on the French government webpage ‘Coronavirus – Advice for Foreign Nationals in France’.

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I am unvaccinated; can I travel to France?

Yes, you can travel to France if you are unvaccinated. 

However, restrictions are in place both with regards to travel to and within France.  You can read more in the section, above, ‘What are the Covid requirements and restrictions to travel to France?’. 

You will also find there are still some restrictions as to what you can and cannot do during your stay (unless you have a certificate of recent recovery from Covid or a recent negative PCR test). Currently, these are due to be lifted in July 2022, but it is possible that it may happen before then.

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I am vaccinated; can I travel to France?

Yes, you can travel to France if you are vaccinated and if you are coming from a country from which entry to France is unrestricted.  However, you will be required to present supporting documents, such as proof of vaccinations.

You can read more in the section, above, ‘What are the Covid requirements and restrictions to travel to France?’.

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Do I need a vaccine passport to visit France?

No, you do not need a vaccine passport to travel to France.  However, you will be required to present supporting documents, such as proof of vaccinations.

You can read more in the section above: ‘What are the Covid requirements and restrictions to travel to France?’.

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What do I need to do when entering my home country after my holiday in France?

When you travel back to your home country from France, you may face Covid-specific entry requirements specified by your home country.

This may include proof of your vaccination status, a negative PCR or Antigen test and additional quarantine.

To learn more about country-specific Covid entry requirements, visit your home country government travel website.

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Are campsites open in France?

Yes, campsites are open in France and we have over a thousand of them available on Campsited, so you’re sure to find the one that will suit your family down to the ground! 

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When do campsites in France open for 2022? 

Many campsites in France are open all year round. If a campsite does close during the winter season, in general it will reopen around the start of April.

Discover the huge range of campsites in France by going to Campsited.com and entering your preferred dates and part of France. You’ll then be able to filter the search results based on loads of different criteria.

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Are there social distancing and other COVID 19 protocols in place at campsites in France?

Currently, all adults and children over 12 must present a ‘Pass Vaccinal’ (previously called a ‘Pass Sanitaire’) on arrival at the campsite. This requirement is due to be lifted in July 2022, but it may happen before then.

It means either:

  • A full vaccination certificate
  • A certificate of immunity proving an infection in the last six months and remission for at least a week
  • A a negative COVID test less than 48 hours old.

Handy tip… don’t want to carry paper vaccination certificates with you everywhere on holiday?  Download the ‘TousAntiCovid’ app to your mobile phone and use the QR code to scan your vaccination certificate into the app.  You can then simply present your mobile phone wherever a Pass is required!

You may also find further Covid 19 safety processes in place such as:

  • Adapted arrival and departure procedures to reduce contact between people
  • Hand sanitiser at the entrance to public areas
  • Face masks inside public areas and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained
  • Activities and entertainment may be adapted so that they meet government guidelines. For example, while pools and waterparks will be open, spaces to lie nearby may be reduced.

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Will I have to wear a face mask on my campsite in France?

Across France, face masks are required in certain public indoor areas. In campsites, this may include onsite restaurants and shops. They are also required in some outdoor situations, where social distance cannot be maintained.

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How will I know what I can and cannot do in a campsite in France?

At each campsite you will find information both at the welcome desk and throughout the grounds, to ensure you feel comfortable and knowledgeable about what to do.

This may include signage to show an adapted flow of traffic to reduce face-to-face contact and floor markings to stop customers getting too close in queues. Signs to wear face-masks and sanitise before entering an area will be present where it is required, throughout the campsite.

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What kind of hygiene and safety measures are in place in campsites in France?

The health and safety of customers and staff is a top priority for campsites in France and they have been adhering to national and local protocols throughout the pandemic. Yet covid measures have been loosened a lot since the start of 2022 and further loosening is expected as summer approaches.

You can read more in the section, above, ‘Are there social distancing and other COVID 19 protocols in place at campsites in France?’.

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Are swimming pools and waterparks in French campsites open?

Yes, swimming pools and waterparks are open in France!

All adults and children over 12 must present a ‘Pass Sanitaire’ to enter a swimming pool or waterpark in France. This means either:

  • a full vaccination certificate
  • a certificate of immunity proving an infection in the last six months and remission for at least a week
  • a negative COVID test less than 48 hours old.

After you have shown any of the above to enter your campsite in France, you will not be required to show anything further to enter the campsite swimming pool.

Due to Covid, there are increased cleaning protocols in place for swimming pools and waterparks, plus additional safety measures such as reduced capacity and additional space between seating.

You can find a great selection of campsites with swimming pools and campsites with waterparks on Campsited!

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How many people can stay together at any one time on a campsite in France?

Under current government guidelines, there is no limitation to group size on campsites.  So you and your extended family can enjoy a summer holiday together in France!

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What happens if I book a camping holiday and then there is another lockdown?

Campsites in France are being as flexible as possible in the face of Covid and the ever-changing restrictions related to it. However, campsite policies vary.

If you are considering booking a particular campsite through Campsited, or have already made a booking, and you are worried about this, please contact our full-time Customer Service team at [email protected] or call us on +44 121 318 5585 and we will do our very best to inform and assist you.

For peace of mind, we would recommend that you verify with your travel insurance provider what coverage is offered in the event of needing to cancel your holiday at the last minute.

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What happens if I book a camping holiday and then one of my holiday party is diagnosed with Covid?

Campsites in France are being as flexible as possible in the face of Covid and the ever-changing restrictions related to it. However, campsite policies vary.

If you are considering booking a particular campsite through Campsited, or have already made a booking, and you are worried about this, please contact our full-time Customer Service team at [email protected] or call us on +44 121 318 5585 and we will do our very best to inform and assist you.

We would also recommend that you verify with your travel insurance provider what coverage is offered in the event of needing to cancel your holiday at the last minute.

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Can I go to a beach in France?

Yes, all public beaches in France are open to everyone!

You can find a great selection of campsites near beaches and seaside campsites on Campsited!

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Are museums, theme parks and other tourist attractions open in France?

Yes, museums, theme parks and other tourist attractions are open in France.

To enter any public attraction in France, currently all adults and children over 12 must present a ‘Pass Vaccinal’. This requirement is due to be lifted in July 2022, but it may happen before then.

It means either:

  • a full vaccination certificate
  • a certificate of immunity proving an infection in the last six months and remission for at least a week
  • a negative COVID test less than 48 hours old

Masks are required (for over 6s) indoors and in certain outdoor situations too, where social distancing is not possible. This could include queues in theme parks and other tourist attractions. We recommend bringing one just in case and asking for confirmation of the policy when you arrive.

You can find a great selection of camspites near to French cultural attractions on Campsited!

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Can I go into restaurants and cafes in France?

In order to go to a restaurant or café in France, even for outdoor dining, all adults and children over 12 must present a ‘Pass Vaccinal’. This requirement is due to be lifted in July 2022, but it may happen before then.

It means either:

  • a full vaccination certificate
  • a certificate of immunity proving an infection in the last six months and remission for at least a week
  • a negative COVID test less than 48 hours old.

Face masks are required to be worn inside all restaurant and cafes (by over 6s), as well as when moving around an outside seating area.  However, it is permitted to remove your mask whilst sitting at your table.  So you can enjoy a delicious French meal or drink, so long as you are prepared!

We would suggest carrying a mask with you wherever you go, in case of an impromptu cafe break!

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What happens if I become ill when I am on my camping holiday in France?

If you fall ill on your camping holiday in France, you should contact the campsite welcome desk or reception to find out the location of the nearest pharmacy, doctor or hospital.

Most campsites will supply medical and emergency information in the welcome materials provided when you check in.

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What are the benefits of a camping holiday, now that campsites have reopened?

After such a stressful time for so many of us, campsites are the perfect place to relax, have fun and to create new bonds and reconnect with family…. many of whom you may not have seen for months.

Having spent such a long time cooped up at home due to lockdown restrictions, camping in France is a great way to get out in nature or to explore new places. 

Whilst there may be a few things done differently, you can still enjoy a holiday, which will give everyone something to smile about.

Here are just a few reasons to camp!

1.  Spend time with family members

Having not been able to see some family members for so long, you can now enjoy spending time with those that you have missed so dearly. Now that campsites are open in France, you can spend invaluable time with your family, creating memories along the way.

2.  Change your environment and be at one with nature

Take your family on holiday and give everyone the change of environment that they have been craving.

After months of lockdowns and not being able to spend extended periods of time in nature, we can now be at one with the great outdoors and give everyone the holiday they deserve.

3.  Treat your body and mind to a recharge

After a strenuous year for everyone, we can now treat ourselves to some much needed rest and relaxation. Now that campsites have reopened, your family can enjoy a holiday that provides you with the opportunity to exercise, relax, and unwind. Not only will this be great for you physically, but your mental health will benefit too, so you and your family can return to your home ready and raring to go.

4.  Spend time relaxing and socialising

A lot of people have spent months wondering ‘when will campsites open?’, as they play an important role in their annual social calendar! Not only are you able to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature again, but you can also enjoy socialising and interacting, which many have longed for over the past year.

5.  Live, love, and laugh

Feel free again, feel unrestricted… and enjoy moments that matter, such as the simple sound of laughter or your children’s smiles. Moments mean more since the pandemic and now campsites are open again in France, we want to help you make them count.

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So book a camping holiday in France today!  Check out our camping in France special offers for 2022 and enjoy your next French camping adventure!


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