What you need to know about France’s Covid-19 health pass system

The pass sanitaire is needed to access many public venues in France

France’s pass sanitaire (showing your proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 status) came into force on 21 July 2021 for entry to public venues for more than 50 people – these include museums, cinemas and zoos. From 9 August 2021, the scheme will be rolled out to encompass more leisure venues such as restaurants and hotels, as well as long-distance transport. From 30 September, children over 12 also need to use the health pass system. If you’re planning a trip to France this year, here’s what you need to know about the France’s health pass system.

Vaccine pass updates

4 March 2022

From 14 March 2022, the vaccine pass will no longer be needed to enter venues in France. It will still be needed to access some care facilities for vulnerable people.

27 January 2022

From 24 January 2022, the health pass has effectively become a ‘vaccine pass’. Previously, unvaccinated people with proof of a negative PCR test taken in the past 24 hours could use the health pass, but they will now no longer be able to. People will either need to be fully vaccinated or have proof of a positive PCR or antigen test taken more than 11 days previously, but no longer than six months ago. From mid-February, the proof of a positive PCR or antigen test can be from a maximum of four months previously, down from six months. 

What is a pass sanitaire in France?

France’s health pass is digital or physical proof of your double vaccination or proof of recent recovery from Covid-19.

Am I eligible for the French pass sanitaire?

There are, from 24 January 2022, two types of documents that can be used as a pass sanitaire:

1) Proof of double vaccination status. This needs to be seven days after Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca; four weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccination; or seven days after having one vaccine if you’ve already had Covid-19.

2) Proof of a positive PCR or antigen test taken in the past six months (but more than 11 days ago).

How do I get the pass sanitaire?

You’ll first need the ‘TousAntiCovid’ app that you can download to your smartphone.

If you were vaccinated in France, simply scan the QR code on your vaccination certificate with the TousAntiCovid app. This will generate the QR code you need as your health pass.

If you were vaccinated in England, you’ll be able to scan the QR code on your digital vaccination certificate (the one for travel, not domestic) from NHS England. This will generate another QR code on the TousAntiCovid app that will act as your health pass.

If you were vaccinated in Wales, please visit this website for more information.

If you were vaccinated in Scotland, please visit this website for more information.

If you were vaccinated in Northern Ireland, please visit this website for more information,

Can I get the French health pass as a US or Canadian citizen?

The system for travellers from the US and Canada has changed since 31 October 2021. Now, you will need to purchase a French health pass from a designated pharmacy (see the approved pharmacies here). This will cost up to €36. 

To do so, you will need your passport and the original paper version of your vaccination record. According to the US Embassy, this will need to show: the traveller’s name, DOB, vaccination date(s), the number of doses and the country where the vaccination occurred.

You can also get a temporary French health pass with a negative Covid test at many local pharmacies. Walk-in rapid antigen tests are available across France and the QR code you get with a negative test serves as your health pass for 72 hours.

Can children use the health pass in France?

Under-18s need proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test or full vaccination status to use the pass sanitaire.

Do I need to show proof of my booster jab in France?

From 15 December, over-65s need to show proof of having had a booster jab to continue using the French health pass. Then, from 15 January 2022, all over-18s need to show proof of a booster jab to continue using the pass sanitaire. Booster jabs will be available to all over-18s in France by the end of November as France has enough supply. The period between receiving a second dose of a vaccine and the booster jab has been shortened from six to five months. 

Where do I need to show a pass sanitaire to access from 21 July in France?

Cinemas

Festivals and concerts (seated or standing)

Indoor sports venues and swimming pools

Conference facilities

Casinos

Circuses

Some religious venues if they host cultural/non-religious activities

Fairs and exhibitions

Zoos and theme parks

Museums

Libraries (apart from university ones)

Cruise ships and ferries

Bars and nightclubs

Big public events (cultural or sports-related, for example)

This is now necessary for over-12s.

Where do I need to show a pass sanitaire from 9 August in France?

Cafés and restaurants

Shopping centres

Retirement homes

Medical establishments

Long-distance transport (trains, buses, aeroplanes)

At the moment, this is only necessary for over-18s.

What are the consequences for not showing a valid pass sanitaire in France?

You can be fined up to €135 if you don’t show a valid health pass when entering a large public venue in France.

Where can I find out more?

Follow the French government’s website (in French) for the latest, up-to-date information regarding the pass sanitaire.

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