COVID-19 Safety Measures at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport

COVID-19 has forced every international airport to revolutionise the way they operate, so as to ensure passenger safety and keep operations running. That's definitely the case at Paris' number one airport. So what COVID-19 safety measures at Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport should travellers know about before they fly?

What airport measures are currently in place for travellers?

As with most major world airports, Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport has instituted mandatory face mask wearing in all areas, closed many businesses or limited their opening hours, upped cleaning frequencies in public areas, and reorganized the way its terminals are used. During the COVID-19 outbreak, only Terminals 2E and 2F are being used, meaning that some airlines have moved their check-in desks to accommodate protective measures. Check airport's list of changes to make arrival and departure easier. Travel to France is allowed for citizens from European Union countries, as well as Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the Vatican, Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and United Kingdom, as long as they can present a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours before departure. Passengers coming from outside of the Schengen Area must also provide a signed statement where they swear to go under self isolation for 10 days after their arrival. Passengers incoming from the Schengen Area don't have to undergo quarantine upon arrival. You can find more information about travel restrictions on the official website of the airport.

Do immigration or security checkpoints have new procedures?

As noted above, travel into Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport was limited to business and emergency journeys as of 30 October 2020. While those measures are in place, an authorisation document is required, which will need to be signed by an employer or other contact. This is not a permanent measure and may be repealed by the time you fly, so check government updates to stay informed. At the airport, COVID-19 testing is not mandatory, and passport and security checks continue as normal. All incoming passengers will be tested for their temperatures, and if it is found to be above 38°C the passengers will be tested for Covid-19.

Are there any COVID-19 screening or testing facilities at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Paris-CDG has added PCR testing to its facilities, allowing arrivals and departures to obtain results within 10-15 minutes. All passengers arriving at the airport also must undergo temperature testing before they are allowed onto French territory. If a passenger's temperature is elevated, they will need to be PCR tested.

What are the social distancing and face covering rules at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?

All passengers travelling into and through Paris-CDG must wear a face covering mask at all times while they are on the airport site. The airport has instituted a policy of keeping passengers at least 1-metre apart, and floor markings have been added to make it easy to comply. Some seating has been closed to passengers as well, in order to keep travellers safely distanced. Additionally, contactless hand sanitizer stations are located in all public spaces, allowing passengers to minimise infection risk from surfaces.

Does Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport have a clinic?

Yes. There is a health center in Terminal 2F, near Gate 17. The center is open 24/7 and can provide assistance with injuries and other basic health problems, as well as help for those with reduced mobility, however, it is not a Covid testing center.

There is also an international vaccination center, located in Terminal 2F as well, were vaccinations will be performed from Monday to Saturday without appointment.

How often is Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport being cleaned?

Paris-CDG has implemented cleaning systems used in hospitals to ensure that public spaces are disinfected several times a day. EU-approved disinfectants are used which are proven to kill the COVID-19 virus, and sensitive surfaces like security trays are subjected to extra cleaning. Security queue areas are also treated separately with enhanced dry spraying to keep them disinfected.

Are shops and eating places at Charles de Gaulle International Airport open as normal?

Some shops remain open for business at the two currently open terminals 2E and 2F, amon which pharmacies, the Post Office (La Poste), small supermarkets and take away restaurants, but also jewellery, perfume and wine shops. You can find a complete list of all the shops currently open on the official website of the airport.

Are there any special guidelines or other information that travellers should be aware of?

Travellers should be aware that only those with airline tickets are permitted inside the terminals at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. So if you intend to meet family or friends after arriving, you will need to arrange to do so outside the doors. The only exemption regards those who are accompanying a minor before or after they fly.

Are there any links to government websites for travellers to consult?

The French government constantly changes its emergency measures to fight the COVID-19 outbreak, so it makes sense to bookmark useful sources of information before flying into Paris-CDG on the flight you've booked with CheapTickets. This explainer from the government provides a comprehensive overview, while CDG itself offers updates about conditions at the airport.

*Return fares per person, including taxes, excluding S$14.60 booking fee.