France to Gradually Reopen Schengen Borders from July 1, Easing Student Visa Process

In a joint press release, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, and the Interior, Christophe Castaner, announced on Friday that France "will proceed with a gradual reopening of its external Schengen borders as of July 1".

"This opening will be differentiated according to the health situation of the various third countries, and in accordance with the procedures that will have been decided at the European level," the statement said.

International students, regardless of their country of origin, will be allowed to come to France and will benefit from reception facilities. Their visa and residence permit applications will be processed as a priority.

The ministers also announced the lifting at midnight on June 15 of all travel restrictions at internal borders, put in place to fight the covid-19 pandemic.

With the exception of Spain and the United Kingdom, people from European area countries (European Union member states, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican) will be able to enter French territory without restrictions.

On a reciprocal basis, air passengers from Spain will be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival in France until June 21, as Spain has opted to maintain its travel restrictions for air passengers from Europe.

As for passengers from the United Kingdom, they will be subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in France.