French borders to reopen gradually for international students from July 1st

In a common press release published on Friday 12 June 2020, the French minister for Europe and foreign affairs and the minister for internal affairs announced the gradual reopening of borders.

From July 1st 2020: gradual reopening of Schengen Area external borders

France will progressively start to open its Schengen Area external borders from July 1st, 2020. Given the importance of the attractiveness of French higher education, international students will be allowed to travel to France, regardless of their countries of origin, and arrangements will be made to facilitate their installation in France.

Visa and resident permit applications from international students will be processed as a priority.

To this day, visa application collection centers (VFS Global offices) are not open but should open again soon. Besides, in the upcoming days, the online submission of visa applications will be available again on the official visa website for France: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/web/france-visas/

15 June 2020: opening of European internal borders

Since June 15,2020, France lifted all restrictions on movement at its European internal borders. This is for all people arriving from the European Space (European Union Member States as well as Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican) who wish to enter the French territory.

Please note that in reciprocation, restrictions will continue to apply at the borders with Spain and the United Kingdom.

• Spain: Spain has chosen to maintain travel restrictions until June 21. Until that date, air passengers coming from Spain will be subject to a 14-day quarantine upon their arrival in France.
   
• United Kingdom: On June 15, travellers arriving from the United Kingdom will be asked to observe a 14-day quarantine upon their arrival. However, restrictions for entering national territory are now lifted.