Covid-19 Travel Notice

Please read the below statements in their entirety for the most updated information.  

We continue to offer prayerful support and continue with our online Monthly Family Rosary, Bernadette Brigade, My Lourdes Faith Journey television series and are still serving the faithful with our Lourdes Water Ministry.

Our Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experiences are now in person, local on-site at parishes, schools, and other locations, as requested.  Our medical committee has prayerfully and prudently set safety guidelines and our guides abide by all locally established health guidelines and accommodations.

Last updated: 09/08/2022

Health Alert – U. S. Embassy Paris, France  (August 2, 2022)

Event: End of French COVID-related entry requirements.  The government of France has announced that as of August 1, it has ended all COVID-related entry requirements for France.  Travelers no longer require proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter France.  In addition, the health/vaccine pass has been eliminated for all locations.  Masks are no longer mandatory, but French authorities highly recommend them for public transportation and entry into medical facilities.  Businesses, including medical facilities, may still require visitors to wear masks.

U.S. Entry Requirements – COVID-19 testing is no longer required for all travelers entering or connecting through the U.S. Travelers who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are still required to complete an attestation confirming they are fully vaccinated and contact tracing will remain in place for everyone.

Last updated:  06/15/2022     

*** Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, the CDC rescinded its Order requiring all airline or other aircraft passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 to board any aircraft destined to the United States from a foreign country. Of note, CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

Travel Updated as of 3/3/2022

On March 13, France reclassified the United States as a green nation. This allows unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated travelers departing from the United States to enter France without a compelling reason for travel, but must have a negative COVID test performed within 72 hours before departure (if a PCR test) or 48 hours before departure (if an antigen test). Travelers who recovered from COVID more than 11 days but less than six months before boarding may be able to enter without a negative test by showing the original positive test result. Please see the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France website for more specific information.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes does not require proof of vaccination to enter the common areas of worship of the shrine. However, proof of vaccination is required for any to enter, reside or volunteer at any of the Accueils.

In an effort to protect the most fragile while the virus still circulates, the Sanctuary also recommends masks are continued to be worn at the following places:

* Accueils Notre Dame and Saint Frai

* Sanctuary clinic

* inside the Basilica of Saint Pius X beyond 5,000 people

* inside the Piscines (baths) to experience the Gesture of the Water

Additionally, proof of vaccination is required for any individual serving with the Hospitalite Notre Dame de Lourdes.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers does not encourage individuals to receive Covid-19 vaccinations for the sole purpose to make holy pilgrimage to Lourdes, France with us. This October, our pilgrimage will offer hotel accommodations to meet the needs of all the faithful with a desire to make pilgrimage to Lourdes.

For more information regarding Covid-19 vaccines, visit our Catholic Resources page to help make informed decisions. 

We will provide updates on travel restrictions and requirements, as necessary. Up-to-date information is available on the websites listed below. Please visit these sites frequently, especially as we near departure.

US Department of State-Travel.State.Gov

US Embassy and Consulate in France

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

France Diplomacy