France is the first country in Europe to require a booster shot against Covid-19 for cruise ship passengers who wish to disembark in French ports. Starting next year, shore leave in French ports will be allowed only with booster vaccination for all guests age 18 and above. Cruise ship passengers will need to take the third booster dose 14 days before the start of the voyage if they want to take shore leave in France.

The new restriction will not affect guests whose cruise itinerary includes stop in French ports and they will be able to take the cruise, however, they will not be allowed to go out in port. This applies to individual and organized shore excursions by the cruise lines regardless of the cruise company. 

The latest announcement will have an impact of the cruise ships currently sailing to French ports over the winter season. AIDAprima and MSC Magnifica make weekly stops at the port of Le Havre and AIDAprima is currently sailing to Cherbourg.

The German-based cruise line Aida Cruises already informed their guests about the new requirements for shore leave in France.

“Booster vaccination necessary for going ashore in France

The following official requirement is relevant for all guests who are planning to go ashore in France: From December 15, 2021, people aged 65 and over will only be considered fully vaccinated after booster vaccination, and from January 15, 2022, people aged 18 and over. This means that if the second vaccination was more than 7 months ago (at Johnson & Johnson 2 months after the first vaccination), a booster vaccination is necessary before departure. There must be at least 14 days between the booster vaccination and the start of the journey. If you have not received a booster vaccination by then, it is unfortunately not possible to go ashore in France,” reads the announcement posted on Aida Cruises official website.

Last month the President Macron said he wants to accelerate the vaccination campaign announcing a drastic measure for all senior citizens. Among other things, people over the age of 65 will soon only be considered vaccinated if they have received the third dose, in order for their health passport to remain valid.