*Last updated on: December 8, 2020

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 travelers know about before they fly?

What airport measures are currently in place for travelers?

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 2A, 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. Importantly, travel has been restricted to what the French government calls "imperative and professional reasons" and arrivals need to complete a travel authorization document to prove that their journey is legitimate. So be sure to do so before flying.

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 October 30, 2020. While those measures are in place, an authorization 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 This is not a permanent measure and may be repealed by the time you fly, so check government updates to stay informed.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.

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 traveling into and through Paris-CDG must wear a face covering at all times while they are on the airport site. The airport has instituted a policy of keeping passengers at least 1 meter 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 travelers safely distanced. Additionally, contactless hand sanitizer stations are located in all public spaces, allowing passengers to minimize 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.

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 regularly. 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?

No. As part of its extensive COVID-19 measures, Paris CDG has closed most of its shops and restaurants. Pharmacies, the Post Office (La Poste), small supermarkets and a few takeaway cafes remain open for business though, so travelers should be able to pick up a baguette or essentials whether they are arriving or departing.

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

Travelers 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 travelers 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 BudgetAir.com. This explainer from the government provides a comprehensive overview, while CDG itself offers updates about conditions at the airport.