travel france covid test

France Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to France

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

France entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to France from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter France.

Can I travel to France if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter France without restrictions.

Can I travel to France without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter France without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter France?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering France.

Can I travel to France without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in France?

Mask usage in France is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in France?

Restaurants in France are open. Bars in France are .

Home > The Consulate General > News > COVID 19 Travelling to France

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As of March 12, 2022, no restriction shall apply when entering metropolitan France from the United States. No compelling reason is required for travelers to France. The required documents to travel depend on the traveler’s vaccination status.

Before boarding, passengers must fill in the European Digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) - .

Vaccinated travelers:

• must present a proof of their vaccination status
• are not required to present a negative Covid-19 test before departure.

Unvaccinated travelers must present:

• a negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before the flight
• or a negative antigen test result taken less than 48 hours before departure (departure of the first flight in the event of a connection)
• or a certificate of recovery (positive result of a PCR or antigen test carried out more than eleven days and less than six months previously). This certificate is only valid for a period of six months from the date of the examination or test.]. For all passengers, no measures (tests, isolation) are in force upon arrival in metropolitan France.

Children under 12 are exempt from these formalities.

You are considered fully vaccinated:

• 28 days after one dose of the Janssen vaccine,
• 7 days after the second dose for the other vaccines recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) (Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield).
• For people who have received all the required doses of a vaccine authorized by the WHO which has not been recognized by the EMA, 7 days after one additional dose of a messenger RNA vaccine recognized by the EMA.

Since January 30, 2022 , in order to continue to be considered as fully vaccinated , persons aged eighteen and one month or over wishing to enter the national territory must have received a dose of complementary messenger RNA vaccine no later than 9 months following the injection of the last required dose.

To sum up: to travel to France, it is mandatory to have received either a second dose of Covid-19 vaccine less than 9 months ago or a booster dose if your last dose was received more than 9 months ago.

In all cases, the usual travel restrictions apply (visas, duration of stay, etc.).

It is important to note that other rules apply to travel to and from French overseas territories.

More information on the website of the Ministry of the Interior

Last modified on 16/06/2022

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• 2023 review and 2024 outlook: annual interview with the Consul General

Quick access

• COVID-19: Can I enter France?
• Applying for a French visa

Travel and Covid-19: Answers to your questions

The entry, exit, and transit requirements for each country may differ greatly. We invite you to check all travel requirements (Covid-19 test, vaccines,...) for the countries through which you are due to transit directly on TravelDoc .

Check the type of test to be performed and its validity period

Check the approved vaccines and their validity requirements

For all other destinations, please review the travel requirements for your flight on  TravelDoc .

If you are traveling to or from an international destination and have a connection in Metropolitan France, you must meet the conditions imposed by your destination country.

Please check  TravelDoc for the latest information regarding your travel requirements.

The TravelDoc website provides the latest information on travel requirements around the world. Visit TravelDoc

If you are not vaccinated, please make sure to check the travel documents required for your trip on TravelDoc , as rules of entry and exit vary from country to country.  For flight to/from France, no test or vaccine is required.

The free and time-saving "Ready to Fly" service allows you to upload all the required health documents for your travel before you arrive at the airport. If your booking is eligible for this service, you will receive an e-mail prompting you to upload your documents to our online platform a few days before your scheduled flight. You can download or print your boarding pass with “Ready to Fly” printed on it after your documents have been checked and approved. You will receive a notification with instructions if you are missing a document or if a document is incomplete.  Learn more .

You can reschedule your flight if you test positive for Covid-19 in the days leading up to your trip if you get in touch with our customer service team before your scheduled departure date.

Covid-19 tests

The validity period for Covid-19 tests is short: usually a few days before departure or arrival depending on the country. Visit TravelDoc to find out when to get tested before you travel. For more information on all domestic flights within France and flights to/from Corsica, please visit our FAQ on the health pass in France. Visit TravelDoc

In most cases, the validity of a Covid-19 test is calculated based on: 

• The time and date of collection
• The time and date of departure of the first flight of your trip.

 However, exceptions are possible. Some countries calculate validity in days, not hours, or flight arrival rather than departure. Please visit TravelDoc to view the latest validity requirements for your trip.

  Traveling on a connecting flight?

Please refer to the above information to calculate your test’s validity period. If different validity periods are required for each flight in your booking, the shortest validity period applies from the start of your trip. Visit  TravelDoc

The type of Covid-19 test required varies by country. Visit TravelDoc to find out which test you will need to take before you travel. For more information on all domestic flights within France and flights to/from Corsica, please visit our FAQ on the health pass in France. Visit TravelDoc

Testing requirements for children depend on the destination country. Please consult TravelDoc to find out if your child needs to be tested for your trip. Visit TravelDoc

Some countries require a test certificate in digital or printed format, which may include a QR code. This certificate may be different from the result sent by your lab. Visit TravelDoc to verify which document to show at the airport. Visit TravelDoc

Some countries accept a test certificate in English, others require it to be translated into the official language. See TravelDoc for more information. Visit TravelDoc

Vaccines against Covid-19

Some countries exempt vaccinated travelers from having to show a negative Covid-19 test. Check with TravelDoc to see if this applies to you. Remember to check the validity requirements, the type of vaccine allowed and the minimum time required between the last injection and entry into the country. Visit TravelDoc

Some countries exempt vaccinated travelers from quarantine upon arrival. Check with TravelDoc to see if this applies to you. Be sure to check the validity requirements, the type of vaccine allowed and the minimum time required between the last injection and entry. Visit TravelDoc

Authorized vaccines vary from country to country, as do their validity conditions and the minimum time required between the last injection and entry into the country. In addition, some countries require all travelers, even those who have been vaccinated, to take a Covid-19 test or to observe a quarantine upon arrival. See TravelDoc for more information. Visit TravelDoc

Consulate General of France in New York

Home > Security & emergencies > Coronavirus News > COVID 19: Can I enter France?

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COVID-19: Can I enter France? [fr]

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As we enter a new phase of the pandemic, the health check system at borders has been lifted.

Consequently, as of 1 August 2022 , the rules previously applied to travellers arriving into France are no longer enforced :

• Travellers no longer have any formalities to complete before arriving into mainland or overseas France, and the COVID certificate can no longer be requested, irrespective of the country or area of origin;
• Proof of a compelling reason for travel can no longer be requested;
• Travellers no longer need to present a sworn declaration that they are not infected with COVID-19 and pledge to take an antigen test or biological exam upon arrival into France.

Last modified on 05/08/2022

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What you need to know about traveling to France right now

Jul 1, 2021 • 4 min read

Pre-pandemic life is returning to France ©Getty Images

The summer season has arrived in France and the country is preparing for an influx of visitors to kickstart its tourism and hospitality sectors. This week, France entered its fourth and final phase of its staggered end to lockdown restrictions. The Louvre is welcoming visitors, the Eiffel Tower is preparing to reopen and indoor dining is back. If you're planning to visit France, here's an overview of current restrictions and what you can expect from your trip.

Can I travel to France from the EU?

France has adopted the EU digital COVID-19 certificate which facilitates the return of free movement across the bloc. It's a digital or paper certificate that indicates the holder meets the conditions for travel: is fully vaccinated (the last dose administered at least 14 days before departure), or has recovered from COVID-19, or holds a negative COVID-19 result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel.

If you're coming from an EU country with a good epidemiological situation, that is an area classified green in the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s traffic light system, you are not required to present a digital COVID cert to travel to France.

Read more: Everything you need to know about the EU's digital COVID-19 certificate

Can I travel to France from a non-EU country?

Yes, provided you are traveling from a country with a good epidemiological situation. France uses the EU traffic light system for international visitors, categorizing countries into red, amber and green, depending on the COVID-19 situation there. Under the system, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Lebanon and Israel are among the countries classified as green.

This means that fully vaccinated visitors from these parts of the world are permitted to travel to France without restrictions. They must, however, be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) including Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson (known as Janssen in France). Visitors from green countries who aren't vaccinated must present a negative antigen or PCR result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure to France.

Read more: Do you need a visa to go to France?

The UK is among the countries on the amber list, which means that fully vaccinated travelers can visit but they must also take a pre-travel antigen or PCR test and get a negative result before traveling to France. Without taking a test, vaccinated travelers from amber countries will have to quarantine for seven days upon arrival in France.

Fully vaccinated travelers from red countries including Argentina, Brazil and South Africa, where the virus is circulating widely, are not permitted to enter France for non-essential travel reasons. They can travel for essential reasons if they take a COVID-19 test before traveling and quarantine for seven days. Red country arrivals who aren't vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days if they're traveling to France for essential reasons.

Do children need to be vaccinated to enter France?

No but children between the ages of 11 and 18 must present a negative PCR or antigen test to travel to France.

Read more: Best things to do with children in France

Can I get tested in France?

Many countries, including the US, require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight home from an international trip. Both PCR and antigen tests are widely available in France. You can find your nearest test center here .

What's open in France?

France is now in the final stage of its four-stage journey out of lockdown. Nationwide curfew has ended and masks are no longer required outdoors, but you'll still need to have one when entering enclosed public spaces, and on public transport and in crowded outdoor areas.

Local authorities can now decide what restrictions to implement so do check ahead to find out what the local restrictions are in the region you are traveling to because they might be different. Les Landes in the south of France, for example, has delayed moving to the final stage of lockdown until July 6 but generally the situation is coordinated across the country.

Outdoor dining terraces in cafes, restaurants and bars has returned across France, and indoor dining is back at 50% capacity with a limit of six people per table. People can now visit the Louvre as cultural attractions, concert halls, theaters and museums welcome visitors back. The Eiffel Tower , which has been closed since October, will reopen on July 16. Non-essential shops and markets are also open, albeit with guidelines in place.

For a more detailed breakdown of rules, see here .

This article was first published on April 21 and updated on July 1, 2021.

You might also like:

When is the best time to go to Paris? How to get around in France How to prove you've received the vaccine and can travel

This article was first published Apr 21, 2021 and updated Jul 1, 2021.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in France set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the  French Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 requirements

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering France.

Passport validity requirements

France follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes France, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: 

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in France are different.  

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. 

If you cannot return to the UK before your visa-free limit expires, contact the nearest  local prefecture in France .

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.  

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport. 

At French border control, you may need to:

• show proof of your accommodation
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Staying with family, friends or a third party

You may be asked to provide a welcome invitation (‘attestation d’accueil’) from your host. The French resident hosting you must get the  attestation d’accueil  from their local mayor’s office and send the original attestation before you enter France.

Second homes in France

You may need to show evidence of ownership or tenancy of your property, such as a tax or utility bill.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer than 90 days, you must meet the French government’s entry requirements . 

If you’re in France with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.  

Read about  passport stamping if you live in France .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s France guide . 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of France . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking food and drink into France

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries . There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.  

Taking money into France

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. 

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Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the threat of terrorism.

France (PDF 452 KB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 15 for COVID-19-related assistance.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in France.

Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the threat of terrorism

• France's national terrorist alert warning (in French) is at the highest level. Expect high-levels of security nationwide, including at schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks. Be cautious around locations known to be targets. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur anywhere without warning. There have been several attacks in France in recent years.
• Terrorists could target events and locations in the lead up to, during, and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games , including events associated with the Torch Relays, LGBTQIA+ community, music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, sporting events and other public areas.
• Serious crime can occur especially in large cities, including Paris. These include violent robberies, muggings and assaults, including sexual assault (see Safety - Crime).
• Crime such as theft, including passport theft, pickpocketing, bag snatching, burglaries and muggings are common, particularly in summer. Groups of thieves also operate on public transport, including busy metro lines and trains to/from the airports. Take care to protect your belongings on public transport, in crowded tourist areas and at landmarks. 
• Strikes are frequent across France. When they occur, expect demonstrations and significant disruptions, which usually affect public transport and other public services. Some result in clashes with police, resulting in the use of tear gas and arrests. Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between France and Australia.
• The standard of medical care is high.

Full travel advice: Health

• Always carry a photo ID, such as your passport. Police conduct random checks, particularly at borders.
• You must stop to help if you witness an accident or someone asks for help. Report all accidents to emergency services. If you fail to help,  you could be charged  unless assisting will risk your or others' safety.
• Covering your face in public places or forcing someone else to is illegal.
• Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph security forces, including the police.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• France will host the Paralympic Games between 28 August - 8 September. Travel delays are likely during this period.
• France is part of the  Schengen area , meaning you can enter without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need a visa. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of France for the latest entry and exit conditions.
• The  France-Visas website  can help determine if you need a visa to enter or transit France. 

The currency in France is the Euro.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy in Paris .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

France raised its  national terror alert warning to the highest level in March. Expect high-level security measures to be in place throughout the country, including schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks. Be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Terrorists could be planning to target events and locations in the lead-up to, during, and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including events associated with Torch Relays, LGBTQIA+ community, music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, sporting events and other public areas.

Attacks can occur at any time. Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings, and vehicle attacks.

There have been several attacks in France in recent years, including in:

• places of worship
• shopping areas
• tourist sites
• transportation hubs
• other major events which attract large crowds

Be cautious around locations known to be possible terrorist targets.

Authorities have additional powers to deal with counter-terrorism security. In some public areas, they may:

• restrict access
• search your bags and vehicle

Expect increased security checks at borders, including ID checks, which may cause delays.

To reduce your risks:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report anything suspicious to the police
• monitor the news for any new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

In the event of an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

The French Government has published advice about  how to respond to a terrorist attack .

Follow these Twitter accounts for advice (in French) during major security incidents:

• @Gendarmerie
• @PoliceNationale
• @prefpolice

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

Strikes are frequent across France. When they occur, expect  demonstrations  and significant disruptions, which usually affect public transport and other public services.

Some lead to clashes with police, resulting in the use of tear gas and arrests. Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity. 

To reduce risks:

• avoid protests and demonstrations, and exercise caution if you're caught up in large gatherings/protests
• remain vigilant, especially at night
• monitor local media and other sources for news on possible unrest
• follow the advice of local authorities
• Demonstrations and civil unrest
• SNCF Trains  
• Paris Metro and Buses

Serious crime can occur especially in large cities, including Paris. These include violent robberies, muggings and assaults, including sexual assault. For further information, see Smartraveller information on when you're a victim of a crime overseas , travel risk relating to sexual assault and on the assistance to victims of sexual assault overseas.  

Crimes such as passport theft, pickpocketing, burglaries and bag and phone snatching are common in summer. Groups of thieves also operate on public transport, including busy metro lines that service tourist attractions and trains to/from the airports. 

Take care to protect your belongings on public transport, in crowded tourist areas and at landmarks. Some examples of common targets include (but are not limited to):

• Airports (including Charles de Gaulle International Airport)
• Hotel lobbies
• Outside of hotels and well-known short-stay accommodations
• Restaurants and cafes, especially when sitting on the terrace.

Criminals use children to distract tourists or even play an active role in theft.

Violent theft is less common but may also occur on public transport or around major tourist attractions. These attacks have occurred on or around:

• Gare du Nord train station
• The train from CDG Airport to Gare du Nord train station.
• Metro lines in Paris, including lines 1, 2 and 6
• RER (regional) train lines linking Paris and its suburbs
• major tourist attractions (including, but not limited to, the Eiffel Tower area, the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre, the Palais Royal areas, the Les Halles district, and the Latin Quarter)

To protect yourself from theft:

• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night
• keep luggage and valuables out of sight
• use ATMs in secure locations such as banks and shopping centres
• keep your ATM and credit cards in your sight
• monitor local sources for information about possible safety or security risks

Vehicle break-ins

Vehicle crime includes bag snatching from cars (including while driving, stopped or stuck in traffic), including on the highway between CDG Airport and Paris city centre, and theft and break-ins from unattended vehicles. Rental vehicles are often targets, even in small towns.

To protect yourself:

• never leave valuables in your car
• keep bags and luggage concealed and/or stored in the boot
• keep your vehicle locked at all times, including when driving
• use secure parking facilities, especially overnight
• be alert at isolated automated service stations
• beware of any person who waves at you to stop on the highway
• avoid sleeping in rest areas beside autoroutes (motorways) and major roads
• avoid sleeping in makeshift or unauthorised campgrounds on the outskirts of cities

Domestic Violence

French authorities have introduced emergency phone numbers for victims of domestic violence. In an emergency, call the police (dial 17) or a 24/7  specialised hotline  (dial 3919) to call for help.

Scams and fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud involving 'skimming' machines that can store card data can occur. Automated service stations and tourist areas are often targets for this.

Be wary of strangers who invite you for a free drink or show at a private club. Foreigners have had large amounts of money stolen from their credit cards before being allowed to leave.

Be cautious when booking travel. Use reputable travel providers only. Avoid giving your personal details to unknown sources. There have been reports of identity theft through accommodation scams.

Avoid common scams around tourist areas. These are often groups of petty criminals targeting foreigners and tourists.

Cyber security  

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Swimming safety

The beaches along the French Atlantic coast can be dangerous, especially on the south-western coast. Several people drown every year.

Swim at supervised beaches and follow the  colour-coded flags  that warn against dangerous swimming conditions.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

Climate and natural disasters

France experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• forest fires

If you're in an area affected by a natural disaster or severe weather:

• keep in touch with friends and family
• monitor local media

Avalanches and mudslides

Avalanches and mudslides can happen in some mountain areas. Several people have died in recent years.

If you're skiing or mountaineering:

• monitor advice on weather and safety conditions
• don't move off marked slopes or trails

In some areas, authorities may arrest or prosecute you if you ski or mountaineer off marked trails.

Forest fires

Forest and grass fires often occur during the summer months. You can track active fires on the EU's  European Forest Fire Information System .

The French government also provides a forest fire tracker on  Météo des forêts  (in French).

Flash flooding can make road travel extremely difficult. People have lost their lives due to flooding.

Disruptions to communication infrastructure may occur.

• Floods and fires

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement between France and Australia.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location .

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in France. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 
• Consulate-General of France in Sydney

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Although uncommon, the  West Nile virus (WNV)  has occurred in France. There's no vaccine for it.

To reduce your risk of disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Measles cases can routinely occur in France, with the country currently experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

The standard of medical facilities is similar to Australia.

Before they treat you, hospitals usually need the following:

• a guarantee of payment
• a copy of your medical insurance
• an up-front deposit

Costs for public hospital stays can reach thousands of dollars, depending on the treatment you need.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. If you're convicted, you can get a long jail sentence.

• Carrying or using drugs

You must always carry a photo ID, such as your passport or driver's licence. Police conduct random checks, particularly at borders.

It's  illegal not to offer help to a person in danger . Authorities may charge you if you:

• don't stop after you witness a motor accident
• don't report an accident to emergency services
• ignore pleas for help or urgent assistance

Any assistance shouldn't put you or anyone else in danger. For example, if there's a fire, you're not expected to leap into the flames to save someone. Notifying authorities (dial 112) would be sufficient.

Penalties for not assisting can carry a fine of up to 100,000 euros and up to 7 years imprisonment. Tourists aren't exempt.

Forcing someone to hide their face is a crime in France. It's punishable by a year in prison and a fine of up to 30,000 euros. The sentence doubles if the person forced to hide their face is a minor. 

It's illegal to photograph security forces, including the police. Penalties may include authorities detaining you and taking your film or camera.

Flying drones is prohibited in Paris. Prohibitions also exist in other locations in France. Check with local authorities

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality

France recognises dual nationality.

Australians should use their Australian passport when exiting or entering Australia. This includes dual nationals.

If you're a dual national and have a passport from another country, you may choose to travel on your other passport once outside Australia.

• Dual nationals
• Travel document requirements

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

France is part of the  Schengen area , meaning you can enter France without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need a visa.

France Diplomacy provides a  comprehensive FAQ  for foreigners wishing to visit France and an  online tool  to assess what visa you need. 

Make sure you:

• Apply for your visa in Australia if you need one. You can't apply for a visa or change your status once you're in French territory. For example, you can't change from a tourist visa to a student or resident visa while in France.
• carry your passport when you cross borders, including within the  Schengen area
• check border conditions with local sources and transport providers

You may still need a visa to transit. 

Other formalities

Unaccompanied minors (under 18 years of age) who normally live in France and want to leave French territory need:

• their own identity document
• a copy of a parent or guardian's identification
• a completed form issued by the French Ministry of Interior

More information

• French Ministry of the Interior (French) .

2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

France will host the 2024 Paralympic Games. Paralympic event sites are spread throughout Paris and surrounding regions, as well as other host cities. Security perimeters around event sites will restrict car access. Some events will also happen on public roads and will likely affect public transport, traffic, parking and road access.

The following cities will host events:

• Chateauroux

Armed security will be patrolling in and around event sites, including sniffer dogs and mounted patrols. They may stop you for random bag searches. Always carry a photo ID.

• Paris 2024 Olympics

Some airlines won't let you board, and some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Also, go to the nearest Commissariat de Police (police station) to:

• report the crime
• get a declaration of theft

Doing this could assist any insurance claims.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:   

• LGBTI travellers  

France is a member of the European Union (EU). If you travel between France and any non-EU country, you must declare over 10,000 euros (or equivalent) cash. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare or give the wrong information on entry or exit, you'll need to pay a fine.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Local travel

If you plan to travel to France to commemorate Anzac Day, understand the risks and plan ahead. Read our ' Travel overseas for Anzac Day'  page for further information on attending the event.

Driving permit

You'll need a valid Australian driver's licence to drive in France.

Car rental companies may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get your IDP before you leave Australia. You cannot apply for this while overseas.

If you live in France, you can swap your Australian driver's licence for a French licence. You must do this within your first 12 months.

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Unless otherwise signposted, drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from:

• the right at intersections

This is the 'priority of the right' system. Understand this system so you avoid road accidents.

Be cautious when you drive or travel as a passenger. Keep your doors locked, even when moving. Lock your vehicle when you leave it.

The speed limit in most city centres is 30km/hr. 

There are penalties for breaking traffic rules. These may include:

• immediate loss of your licence and vehicle
• on-the-spot fines

All vehicles must carry a reflective vest and warning triangle for use during a breakdown.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

Motorcycles

Check if your insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Only use licensed official metered taxis. Licensed taxis have the sign 'Taxi Parisien' on the top of the car in Paris.

Assaults  and robberies have happened in unlicensed taxis. These taxis often target high-traffic destinations such as:

• train stations

Private car companies are legal, but you need to pre-book them.

Public transport

SNCF, the operator of fast train services within France, has reported widespread disruptions to their rail network. Disruptions, including the cancellation of many services, are expected to extend through the weekend. If travelling this weekend, consult the SNCF website for updates and consider delaying travel or seeking alternative means of transport. These disruptions may also impact other services, including international trains such as the Eurostar. Consult with your travel provider to understand any impact on your travel plans.

Organised strikes happen often. These may affect transport systems, including trains and airline traffic. Monitor the media and contact your travel provider for the latest details. See  Safety

If you use public transport, keep your ticket until you exit the system. Inspectors conduct random checks. You'll get an on-the-spot fine if you don't have a valid ticket.

Maintenance work on public transport is often carried out over the summer months, which requires metro lines to be shut down. In Paris, check the  RATP site .

• Transport and getting around safely

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  France's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Call 3919 for victims of domestic violence.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in France.

Australian Embassy, France

4 Rue Jean Rey,

75015 Paris, France

Phone: (+33 1) 4059 3300

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: france.embassy.gov.au

Facebook:  L'Australie en France

X: AusAmbFR

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Visitors must pass a security screening. Don't bring luggage with you.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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• Olympics 2024

‘I’m More Proud of Myself Than Anything.’ Noah Lyles on Deciding to Race With COVID-19

I n a scene unimaginable at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, Noah Lyles —who was wearing a black mask—told a bunch of unmasked journalists in a sweaty indoor facility in France on Thursday night: “Yes, I do have COVID.” 

Lyles said he woke up in the middle of the night on Tuesday feeling chills, aches, and a sore throat. “Those were a lot of the symptoms I've always had right before getting COVID,” Lyles told reporters after finishing third in the 200 m, a race he was favored to win. He was the three-time defending world champ in that event. Lyles came off the track on a wheelchair at the Stade de France and felt lightheaded and short of breath. But he was OK now.

Read More: Noah Lyles Wins Olympic Bronze in 200 M Despite Having COVID-19

“I was just like, I need to test this one,” said Lyles. He tested positive for COVID-19, Lyles said, around 5 a.m. on Tuesday. Lyles quarantined in a hotel near the Olympic Village , he said, and started taking Paxlovid to treat the symptoms. “I still wanted to run,” said Lyles. “We just stayed away from everybody, and just try to take it round by round. And you know, to be honest, I knew if I wanted to come out here and win, I had to give everything I had from the get-go. I didn't have any time to save energy. So that was kind of the strategy.”

Lyles ran in the semifinals—with COVID-19—on Wednesday night.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Noah Lyles (@nojo18)

There’s no blanket COVID-19 protocol for athletes at these Paris Olympics. Each federation can sort of make its own rules, and it seems that teams have handled decisions on a case-by-case basis. Since Lyles participates in an outdoor event, rates of transmission and risk of infection to others are relatively low. The silver medalist, Team USA’s Kenny Bednarek, said he had no issue with Lyles hugging him after the race. 

The 200-m winner, Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, also did not object to Lyles lining up for the race. “I wouldn’t say we were at risk, because it’s not a contact sport,” said Tebogo. He thought something might be askew with Lyles when he saw him keeping to himself in the warm-up area before the race. “I thought maybe it's just one of those days when he's not having a great day,” said Tebogo. “I didn't think of COVID or anything else.”

Read More: The Inside Story of How Noah Lyles Pulled Off That 100-M Win

Lyles kept the news of his diagnosis in a tight circle; his family, medical staff, and coach knew, he said after the race. “We didn't want everybody to go into a panic,” he said. “We wanted to be able to make it as discreet as possible. You never want to tell your competitors you're sick. Why would you give them an edge over you?”

In a statement, the sport’s governing body USA Track & Field (USATF) said that it and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) stood by Lyles’ decision to compete. “Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while upholding their right to compete,” USATF said in a statement. “After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely. As an organization, we are rigorously adhering to CDC, USOPC, and IOC guidelines for respiratory illnesses to prevent the spread of illness among team members, safeguarding their health and performance.”

Lyles believes COVID-19 impacted his performance. He was coughing all through the night. “To be honest, I'm more proud of myself than anything,” he said. “Coming out to get the bronze medal with COVID [for] three days.”

Lyles wasn’t sure if he’d run the 4x100 relay tomorrow night. “I’m going to be very honest and transparent with them, and I'm going to let them make the decision,” he said. “I believe that no matter what happens, this four-by-one team can handle anything and everything. I've been with them in practice, they are more than capable to come out with a win.” 

In Tokyo, Lyles believed the COVID-19 isolation rules, and lack of fans in the stands due to the pandemic, kept him from winning gold. (He was also favored in that race. He also won bronze.) This time around, he contracted COVID-19. Lyles enjoyed his glory moment on Sunday night, with his photo-finish win in the 100.  

At the same time, the Games have been cruel to Lyles.  —with reporting by Alice Park/Saint-Denis, France 

More Must-Reads from TIME

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• The 7 States That Will Decide the Election
• Why China Won’t Allow Single Women to Freeze Their Eggs
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Write to Sean Gregory / Saint Denis, France at [email protected]

What to know about COVID symptoms, CDC guidelines if you test positive

By nbc chicago staff • published august 11, 2024 • updated on august 11, 2024 at 6:43 pm.

Though the summer of 2024 has been life back to normal in many ways throughout the world in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, those who have tested positive for the virus recently may be wondering what has changed in regards to symptoms and CDC guidelines.

While weekly case data is no longer reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health, those who have recently attended Lollapalooza or other major events may have tested positive in recent days.

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If you contracted COVID in past months or years, the guidelines may be different this time around, due to significant changes initiated by the CDC earlier this year.

Here's what to know:

In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its COVID guidelines to mirror guidance for other respiratory infections. Those who contracted COVID-19 no longer need to stay away from others for five days, the CDC said, effectively nixing the five-day isolation recommendation.

COVID symptoms summer 2024: What to watch for as new variants rise, spread

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People can return to work or regular activities if their symptoms are mild and improving and it's been a day since they've had a fever, but the CDC still recommends those with symptoms stay home.

"The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication," the guidance states.

Once activities are resumed, the CDC still recommends "additional prevention strategies" for an additional five days, including wearing a mask and keeping distance from others.

The agency is emphasizing that people should still try to prevent infections in the first place, by getting vaccinated, washing their hands, and taking steps to bring in more outdoor fresh air.

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter .

As part of the guidance, the CDC suggests:

• Staying  up to date with vaccination   to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
• Practicing good hygiene  by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Taking steps for cleaner air , such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. 

The change comes at a time when COVID-19 is no longer the public health menace it once was. It dropped from being the nation's third leading cause of death early in the pandemic to 10th last year.

Most people have some degree of immunity to the coronavirus from past vaccinations or from infections. And many people are not following the five-day isolation guidance anyway, some experts say.

What are the symptoms?

• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Altered sense of smell
• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Nausea or vomiting

Last year, a Chicago-area doctor  said she's noticed shifts in the most common symptoms  her patients reported as the JN.1 variant rose to dominance.

Dr. Chantel Tinfang, a family medicine physician with Sengstacke Health Center at Provident Hospital of Cook County, noted at the time that many of the cases she saw reported less of the fever, body aches and chills, and presented more with sore throat, fatigue and coughing.

"We still see some patients experiencing decreased appetite, a loss of taste or smell. So it kind of depends," she said. "One patient was just very, very tired. Like she couldn't really do much. And that's when you know ... it's different. It's not just coughing and shortness of breath. We still see that though."

She suggested consulting with your doctor if your symptoms don't begin to improve outside of the recommended isolation period.

As for timing, symptoms can last for several days, but in some cases, even longer.

"Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC)," according to the CDC.

Such symptoms can last for weeks and possibly even years.

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Mpox Case in Sweden Sets Off Concerns of Wider Spread in Europe

Experts expect more cases to surface in European countries because of frequent travel to and from Africa, with the threat of contracting the disease raised from “very low” to “low.”

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By Lynsey Chutel Jenny Gross and Christina Anderson

Lynsey Chutel reported from London, Jenny Gross from Brussels and Christina Anderson from Geilo, Norway.

The announcement that a new version of mpox had been discovered in Sweden this week was the first indication that the disease had slipped out of Africa, where it has caused an escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The announcement on Thursday about the disease formerly known as monkeypox came just a day after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency, and it confirmed fears that a further spread was inevitable.

The person with the disease in Sweden had traveled to an area affected by the disease.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said it was “highly likely” that more imported cases would be confirmed, in large part because of frequent travel between Europe and Africa. The center advised member countries to increase preparedness and to issue travel advisories recommending that people traveling to affected areas see if they are eligible for vaccination.

Pamela Rendi-Wagner, the E.C.D.C. director, warned that as long as the outbreak in Africa was not under control, cases would continue to appear in Europe and North America too.

“We have to be concerned, even outside Africa, because with the increasing number and the fast spread, the likelihood of the introduction of cases in Europe and the U.S. will increase,” Dr. Rendi-Wagner said in an interview on Friday.

The E.C.D.C. on Friday raised the risk of people in the European Union contracting the new version from “very low” to “low,” but emphasized that people traveling to and from the affected areas in Africa need to take precautions and are at a high risk.

What do we know about the case in Sweden?

The new version of the disease that is dominant in Congo is known as Clade I. The older version, a form of which caused a global outbreak in 2022, is known as Clade II. (A clade is a genetically and clinically distinct group of viruses.)

The Swedish patient was the first Clade I case diagnosed outside of Africa.

The person was quickly diagnosed, treated and isolated in the Stockholm area, while health workers began contact tracing, according to Magnus Gisslen, a state epidemiologist with the Public Health Agency of Sweden. While Dr. Gisslen said no new cases have been identified, fears of a wider transmission remain.

“People are afraid. There are flashbacks to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Dr. Gisslen said, adding that his office had fielded concerned calls from people who had planned to travel to the affected region.

Sweden, Italy and Britain have all issued public health warnings and preparedness strategies.

Is this outbreak different from the one in 2022?

The short answer is: Yes.

Dr. Paul Hunter, an epidemiologist at Norwich University in England, notes that “we’ve got two epidemics going on.”

The 2022 outbreak was driven by a version called Clade IIb, which is predominantly spread through sexual contact. Men who had sex with men proved to be the most at-risk population , but behavioral changes and vaccinations curbed the spread. New infections are still occurring, and the W.H.O. reported 100 new cases in Europe in June and 175 in the Americas.

The deadlier Clade I version has caused 15,600 infections and 537 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to African health authorities.

Clade I is further differentiated by how it is transmitted, and who is most vulnerable. Clade Ia is spread through household contact and exposure to affected animals, in addition to sexual contact. So far, it is young children who are most vulnerable to this subtype. It is unclear if children on other continents will be as susceptible because it’s not yet certain how the children in Africa are contracting the disease.

So far, Clade Ib appears to spread mainly through heterosexual sex. Swedish doctors confirmed that the patient in Stockholm has this subtype.

Mpox may resemble ordinary respiratory illnesses at first but later manifests as a raised rash in the mouth, hands, feet or genitals. The virus spreads mainly through close contact — directly with the skin or fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated bed linens and other items.

Two doses of the mpox vaccine Jynneos, made by the Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic and used against the 2022 version, should protect against all versions of the virus, experts said.

As with many other infections, most people with healthy immune systems are unlikely to become severely ill with mpox.

Has this new version spread elsewhere?

So far, Sweden is the only country outside of Africa that has identified a case of the new version.

Pakistan announced a new case of mpox Thursday, but health workers were still trying to figure out which form of mpox the patient has. A senior health official in Peshawar said the infected person was a 34-year-old who had recently traveled from a Persian Gulf state and was the first case reported in the country since the beginning of the year.

For the moment, Dr. Giovanni Rezza, Italy’s former director general for prevention, and now a public health professor at San Raffaele University in Milan, considers the latest mpox outbreak a “regional emergency” in Africa, but says other places need to prepare now.

“It’s clear that Europe needs to keep its eyes open,” Dr. Rezza said.

What can Europe do to slow the spread of mpox?

Besides trying to stop the spread in Europe by raising awareness among health professionals, by treating patients promptly and by testing close contacts, European countries can also try to help stem the disease in Africa.

The European Union said on Wednesday that it would donate more than 175,000 doses of the mpox vaccine to countries in Africa, Bavarian Nordic will donate 40,000 doses that will be distributed by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States is donating 50,000 doses. France also said it would donate vaccine doses to the affected countries in Africa.

Reporting was contributed by Apoorva Mandavilli , Emma Bubola , Zia ur-Rehman Rachel Chaundler and Ségolène Le Stradic.

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

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Visiting France

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With more than 90 million foreign visitors recorded in 2018 (including overseas destinations), France remains the world’s leading tourist destination (ahead of Spain, the United States, China and Italy). This continued success can be explained by the richness and diversity of France’s tourism offer.

A multi-faceted destination

Coming to France means having the chance to discover a variety of destinations and themed offers. Whether you are an urban tourist, a hiking or cycling enthusiast, an art lover, a wine and food lover or a beach lover, France is for you!

France is a sporting country

France also hosts many international sporting events. Some are regular fixtures, such as the French Open tennis tournament, the Tour de France or the 24-hour race in Le Mans. Others are exceptional events such as the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Olympic Games in 2024…

How to prepare your visit?

To prepare your stay, the France.fr website (available in 15 languages) allows you to discover the treasures of mainland France and its overseas territories. The information is classified by destination, by theme and also covers the practical organisation of your trip (visas, transport, climate, etc.).

This site is developed by Atout France, the national tourism operator under the supervision of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

(Update: July 2023)

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Olympic track and field results today: Noah Lyles wins bronze after positive COVID test

SAINT-DENIS, France — Noah Lyles’ sprint double quest came up just short. He finished third in the 200 final, clocking in at 19.70 for the bronze medal.

Lyles ran despite testing positive for COVID-19 . Following the race, Lyles, who has a history of asthma, received medical attention and collapsed into a wheelchair.

"I woke up early about 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning and I was feeling really horrible. I knew it was more than being sore from the 100," Lyles said after the race. "Woke up the doctors and we tested and it came back as positive for COVID. My first thought was not to panic. I'm thinking I've been in worse situations. I've run with worse conditions, I felt, and we just took it day by day, tried to hydrate as much, quarantined.

"It's taken its toll for sure, but I've never been more proud of myself to be able to come out here and getting a bronze medal."

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo led around the curve and sprinted down the home stretch for a surprising comfortable win, running a 19.46. U.S. sprinter Kenny Bednarek captured the silver with a time of 19.62.

2024 Paris Olympics: Follow USA TODAY’s coverage of the biggest names and stories of the Games.

USA TODAY Sports has everything you need to know for Thursday's track and field events at Stade de France. Follow along below for live updates throughout the day.

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Noah Lyles positive for COVID-19, receives medical attention

Immediately after winning the bronze medal, Lyles needed medical attention. He was taken off the track in a wheelchair and news later broke that he tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the race.

“It definitely affected my performance," Lyles said after the race, adding that he stayed in an offsite hotel and tried to keep his illness "close to the chest" after testing positive on Tuesday. His teammates and opponents did not know he was sick.

Lyles does suffer from asthma , which can make respiratory illnesses worse.

"Why would we give them an edge?" He said when asked about the secrecy, adding they also didn't want everyone to go into a panic and wanted everyone to be able to compete.

There are no restrictions on competing at the Paris Olympics with COVID-19. Here is an explainer on COVID protocols at the Olympics.

"We can confirm that Noah Lyles tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, August 5th. In response, the USOPC and USATF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to prioritize his health, the wellbeing of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors," the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee said in a statement. "Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while upholding their right to compete. After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely."

Lyles later posted on Instagram that he believes it will be the end of his Olympics. He was slated to compete in the 4x100 relay.

Follow the l atest updates about Lyles' condition here.

Grant Holloway wins gold medal in 110 hurdles at Paris Olympics

Team USA's Grant Holloway won a gold medal Thursday night in the 110-meter hurdles at the  Paris Games ' Stade de France with a time of 12.99 seconds.

Other medal winners were Team USA's Daniel Roberts (silver, 13.09) and Rasheed Broadbell of Jamaica (bronze, 13.09).

Holloway left little wonder why he was ranked No. 1 in the world in the 110-meter hurdles. It was a redemptive moment after he won silver at the Tokyo Games in 2021, missing out on gold by 0.05 seconds, in his first Olympic appearance.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone crowned with gold in 400 hurdles

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone displayed her dominance once again in the women’s 400-meter hurdles on Thursday.

McLaughlin-Levrone won her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles, posting another world record time at 50.37. She is the first American woman to win two Olympic gold medals in the event.

Anna Cockrell came in second with a personal-best time of 51.87. Netherlands' Femke Bol came in third, running a 52.15.

What about the 4x100 relay Noah Lyles is supposed to lead?

Immediately after the race, Lyles said he didn't know if he would compete in the 4x100 relay Friday. He later took to social media to say he "believes" his Olympics is over.

"I’m feeling more on the side of letting Team USA do their thing," Lyles said on the NBC broadcast after the race. "They’ve proven with great certainty that they can handle it without me. If that’s the case, coming off today, then I’m perfectly fine with saying, ‘Hey, you guys go do your thing. You guys have more than enough speed to go get the gold medal.'"

Noah Lyles falls short of sprint double, but Americans take 2 medals in 200

The crowd at Stade de France chanted “USA” before the start of the race as Lyles and the rest of the runners got in the blocks. However, Tebogo had the final say and became the first African to ever win the event. Lyles' U.S. teammate Kenny Bednarek took silver and said he did not know Lyles had COVID, but he was fine with his decision to race.

Lyles came into the Paris Olympics with the top 200 time in the world this year at 19.53. However, he ran a 20.08 to place second in the semifinal and had the third fastest time entering the final. He ran out of lane five and never quite put a full race together before seeing medics.

Lyles earned his first Olympic gold medal in a thrilling photo finish in the men’s 100 last Sunday. 

The 27-year-old sprinter was trying to become the first American male to win the sprint double in 40 years. Carl Lewis won the 100 and 200 at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Lewis also won gold in long jump and 4x100 relay at the Los Angeles Olympics. 

What happens if a U.S. athlete tests positive for COVID at the Olympic Games?

If a Team USA athlete experiences symptoms of any kind, the USOPC is “going to follow the CDC guidelines for all of infectious disease protocols.”

According to Jonathan Finnoff , the chief medical officer at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, each of Team USA’s medical clinics will have a separate room dedicated to treating infectious diseases, where medical staff will first administer a PCR test capable of identifying several pathogens to pinpoint the exact problem. Once a specific pathogen is detected, medical staff will follow tailored treatment plans to minimize both symptoms and duration of an illness.

The USOPC will bring this comprehensive testing equipment to Paris, Finnoff said. 

Although there will be no official isolation or quarantine period imposed, athletes who have tested positive for a respiratory illness will be moved into their own rooms to prevent the spread of infectious diseases between roommates, according to Finnoff. 

“It doesn't mean [infected athletes] can't train or compete,” Finnoff said. “We'll do that based on their symptoms and how they feel, but we do want to prevent [them] from infecting those around them, and we'll also provide prophylaxis based on what is recommended by CDC guidelines.”

Anna Hall sits third in heptathlon after 200

After winning the women's heptathlon 200-meter event Thursday night with a time of 23.44, Great Britain's Katarina Johnson-Thompson leads the standings at the Paris Games with four of seven events complete. Johnson-Thompson has 4,055 points, ahead of Nafissatou Thiam of Belgium (4,077) and Team USA's Anna Hall (3,956).

In a field of 22, Team USA's other two women's heptathlon competitors, Taliyah Brooks and Chari Hawkins, are ranked seventh and 22nd. The heptathlon combines seven events: the 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin and 800m. The long jump, javelin and 800-meter competitions will be held Friday. — Chase Godbread

Who are the top sprinters in the 200 final?

Noah Lyles has the best 200 time in the world this year at 19.53. Kenny Bednarek’s time of 19.59 is the second best time in the world this year. While Letsile Tebogo’s season-best of 19.71 is tied for the third fastest time this year. Erriyon Knighton, who won a silver medal at the 2023 world championships, is also a medal contender.

What’s Noah Lyles’ personal-best time in the 200?

Noah Lyles’ personal-best time in the 200 is 19.31, which is also currently the American record. He set the record in 2022.

Quincy Wilson to make Paris Olympics debut on US 4x400 relay

SAINT-DENIS, France — Quincy Wilson is set to make his  Paris Olympics  debut.

Wilson received word that he will take part in Team USA’s 4x400 relay team, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss the relay team.

The men’s 4x400 relay begins Friday at 5:05 a.m. ET.

Team USA  will be in the first-round heat of the 4x400 relay. Wilson is expected to run in the opening round. Wilson will become the youngest American male to have ever participated in an Olympic track and field event.

Wilson was  originally selected on Team USA’s 4x400-relay pool  after he finished sixth in the open 400 at the U.S. Olympic track and field trial.

The 16-year-old wonderkid broke the under-18 world record in the opening round of the 400, blazing one lap around the track in 44.66 seconds at the trials. Then Wilson bested the time in the semifinals, running a 44.59 to qualify for the finals. The high school record had stood for 42 years before Wilson shattered it twice within a matter of days.  —  Tyler Dragon  

Anna Hall third after first two events of women’s heptathlon

Anna Hall is in third place after the first two events of the women’s heptathlon, the 100m hurdles and high jump. Hall’s time of 13.36 seconds ranked seventh in the hurdles, while her high jump effort of 1.89m was third in the field. Taliyah Brooks currently is sixth after a second-place showing in hurdles (13.00 seconds) and eighth in high jump (1.77m). Chari Hawkins was fifth in the hurdles with a time of 13.16 seconds, but she did not mark in high jump, leading her in 22nd position.

USA's Brandon Miller advances to 800 semis

SAINT-DENIS, France — U.S. middle-distance runner Brandon Miller qualified to the semifinals in the men’s 800, via the repechage round.

Miller ran a 1:44.21 to win the fourth and final heat of the 800. He had the best time of all runners in the repechage round.

The semifinals in the 800 are on Friday.  —  Tyler Dragon  

U.S. men’s 4x100 relay makes statement

The U.S. men’s 4x100-relay team made a statement in the opening round of the relay. A team of Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Kyree King and Courtney Lindsey got the baton around clean and it was over from there. The men led from start to finish as they crossed the line in 37.47 for the easy victory. Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek will likely run in the final for Team USA.

Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas lead Team USA to easy opening-round win in 4x100

The U.S. 4x100-relay team had a shaky exchange on the second and third leg between Twanisha Terry and Gabby Thomas that slowed them down a little. However, Sha’Carri Richardson received the baton on the anchor leg and sprinted past Germany to secure the first-round victory for Team USA in 41.94.

Germany took second, running a 42.15 and Switzerland got the last qualifying spot with a time of 42.38. The U.S. women will have to clean up their handoffs, but they are the gold-medal favorite in the relay, especially with Jamaica’s stars not competing in the event. 

Two-time shot put world champ Chase Jackson out

Chase Jackson failed to get out of the opening round of the women’s shot put. Jackson scratched on her first two attempts and needed a third and final throw to advance to the final. But her third throw didn’t come off her hand clean and landed at 57 feet, 9 inches – just short of a qualifying spot.

Jackson was visibly upset after her disappointing opening round. She came into Paris as a gold-medal contender in the shot put. She’s won two straight world championships in the event. Americans Jaida Ross and Raven Saunders both advanced. 

Quincy Hall says he strained leg in 400 final

PARIS — Quincy Hall wasn't just bobbing his head to propel himself forward Wednesday night, as he raced to gold in the 400-meter final at the Paris Olympics. He was mostly just in pain.

"I didn't really want to talk about it, but on the back stretch, I kind of strained my leg," Hall said Thursday after the medal ceremony at Stade de France. "I just kept running through it. I was like, 'If I'm going to fall, if I'm going to tear it off, I'm going to fall.' I just kept going and I finished the race."

When asked if he'll be healthy enough to compete in the 4x400 relay, which will take place Friday and Saturday, he said: "We'll see."

"I've been getting treatment and stuff," he said. "If not, we have a strong enough team that we can pick and they can do the job without me."

One of the sprinters who could potentially take Hall's spot on the relay team is Quincy Wilson, the 16-year-old who is slated to make his Olympic debut in the preliminary round Friday morning.

"He ready," Hall said. "He might be young, but age ain't nothing for him." — Tom Schad

American duo advance to 1500m finals

SAINT-DENIS, France — Team USA's Elle St. Pierre and Nikki Hiltz qualified for the medal finals of the women's 1,500-meter race at the Paris Games on Thursday, clocking times of 3:59.74 and 3:56.17, respectively. The top six runners in each of two semifinal heats qualified; St. Pierre finished third in Heat 1, Hiltz third in Heat 2. World record holder Faith Kipyegon of Kenya won the first heat with a 3:58.64. The two-time Olympic gold medalist broke the world record a month ago in Paris (3:49.04), and also holds the Olympic record (3:53.11, set at the Tokyo Games in 2021).

American Emily Mackay did not qualify, finishing last in Heat 2 at 4:02.03. The medal race is scheduled for Saturday night.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X  @TheTylerDragon .

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What is mpox and why has WHO declared it a global health emergency?

The WHO has issued its highest level of alert for the viral disease as it spreads rapidly in Africa.

For the second time since 2022, mpox has been declared a global health emergency as the virus spreads rapidly across the African continent and risks entering other continents.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday issued its highest level of alert for the viral disease, noting that more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year have already exceeded last year’s figures.

Keep reading

Who declares mpox a global public health emergency, africa cdc declares mpox a public health emergency, where and why is mpox disease spreading in the drc, south africa reports second mpox death this week.

The announcement came a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Africa declared mpox a public health emergency.

So what is mpox, how is it transmitted, and how serious is its current spread compared with previous outbreaks?

Here’s what you should know:

What is mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection that primarily affects humans and animals.

It belongs to the group of viruses classified as “Orthopoxvirus genus”. These typically cause pox-like disease, which includes a rash with raised bumps or blisters on the skin. The bumps are often filled with fluid or pus and can eventually crust over and heal.

Mpox is similar to the now eradicated smallpox, and and other poxviruses like cowpox and vaccinia.

It was originally named “monkeypox” when first identified in monkeys in 1958. These captive research monkeys were in Denmark at the time. In 1970, the first reported human case was a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In 2022, the WHO recommended updating its name to “mpox” to reduce stigma and association with monkeys, as the disease can also infect rodents and humans.

How is mpox virus transmitted?

The mpox virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected animal or person.

Animal-to-human transmission typically occurs through bites, scratches, or direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or wounds of an infected animal.

Human-to-human transmission can happen through:

• Direct contact with skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets of an infected person.
• Prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected person.
• Touching contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing that have been in contact with the infectious material, although this is a rare mode of transmission.

The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (which include eyes, nose, and mouth).

What are the mpox symptoms?

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash that can appear on the face, hands, feet, and other parts of the body. The rash eventually forms pustules and scabs before healing.

A pustule – which looks like a big white or yellow pimple – is a small, raised bump on the skin that is filled with pus.

Lymph nodes, bean-shaped glands that are part of the immune system, can also swell up as they try to fight the virus. Some of the places these are located include under each arm, and the sides and back of the neck.

In rare cases, an infection may be deadly.

Overall, an infection can last two to four weeks. It can take three to 21 days to develop symptoms after being exposed to the virus. However, a person can transmit the disease to others one to four days before symptoms appear.

Mpox can be identified by testing a sample of fluid swabbed from the rash.

Why has mpox been declared a global emergency?

On Wednesday, the WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) – its highest level of alert due to a new variant of mpox being found and cases being reported for the first time in several countries, such as Kenya and Rwanda.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there was concern for the further spread of the disease within Africa and beyond, after after a meeting of the United Nations health agency’s emergency committee.

An emergency declaration from the WHO is meant to spur donor agencies and countries into action.

“There is a real attempt right now to mobilise resources and that is why in part WHO called for the public health emergency now,” said Amita Gupta, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency in July 2022 as well, when the virus was first found to spread through sexual contact and was reported in more than 70 countries across the world. Once cases declined, the WHO lifted the emergency status in May 2023.

Today, the Emergency Committee on #mpox met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice. @WHO is on the ground, working with the affected countries, and others at risk, through our… — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) August 14, 2024

Where has mpox spread?

Last week, the Africa CDC reported that mpox has now been detected in at least 13 African countries. Compared with the same period last year, the agency said cases are up 160 percent and deaths have increased by 19 percent.

So far, more than 96 percent of cases have been reported in Congo, where earlier this year scientists found a new form of the virus that causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals. That makes it harder to spot, meaning people might transmit it to others without knowing they’re infected.

“There is not much international mobility in/out of the DRC so the risk of spread has been low. However, if the spread goes more widely in Africa then the risk of more global spread becomes a concern,” Gupta told Al Jazeera.

While the 2022 outbreak was driven by clade (or group) II of mpox, the current outbreak is being fueled by clade I which can be more deadly, Otim Patrick Ramadan, Health Emergency Office at WHO regional office for Africa, told Al Jazeera.

Cases of the new clade I variant outbreak have not yet been reported outside Africa.

Is there a vaccination against it?

While mild cases can resolve on their own, there are no approved treatments or vaccines specifically for mpox.

The antiviral drug tecovirimat (TPOXX), originally for smallpox, is being studied for treating mpox. The United States Food and Drug Administration has also approved JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex), a smallpox vaccine for severe mpox cases in people aged 18 years and older.

However, some 60 percent of the cases in Congo, the country most overwhelmed by mpox are in people aged below 18, according to Ramadan.

The CDC has recommended getting vaccinated and isolating once exposed to someone with mpox.

Gupta said that while “much has been learned from COVID” and surveillance capacity across the world has increased, rapid diagnosis and access to substitute treatments is lacking in African countries where the virus is spreading.