France will charge a fee for Covid-19 screening tests.

France's decision to discontinue free Covid-19 screening tests was announced by President Emmanuel Macron in July and confirmed by Prime Minister Jean Castex last week. Prime Minister Castex stated that the purpose of this measure is to reimburse people for tests related to medical reasons and to continue encouraging Covid-19 vaccination.

Since October 15th, the PCR test fee has been 44 euros for unvaccinated adults without a doctor's prescription. If performed in a laboratory, the antigen test costs 22 euros, while testing at pharmacies costs 25 euros; additionally, the price increases to 30 euros if done on Sundays.

Trang thông tin du lịch và phong cách sống Travellive+

Kể từ đầu tháng 7 vừa qua, người nước ngoài đến Pháp, ngoại trừ lý do y tế, đều phải trả phí xét nghiệm Covid-19, với mức 43,89 euro cho xét nghiệm PCR và 25 euro cho xét nghiệm kháng nguyên. (Ảnh: Internet) — Since the beginning of July, foreigners entering France, except for medical reasons, have been required to pay for Covid-19 testing, at a rate of 43.89 euros for a PCR test and 25 euros for an antigen test. (Image: Internet)

However, according to the French Ministry of Health, there are some exceptions where testing is free, for example, those who have just turned 18 and are still attending high school.

Additionally, all unvaccinated adults exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms may be tested free of charge if they present a doctor's referral within 48 hours. Referrals sent via email after remote consultations will also be accepted. Furthermore, the free testing policy also applies to patients requiring testing for surgery.

Those who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be completely exempt from testing fees. Patients with a certificate contraindicating vaccine use must present this document to the testing specialist to receive the service. For those with symptoms or preparing for surgery, a vaccination certificate must be presented to receive free testing.