Right about now, the world is working hard to get back to normal. The worst of the Covid-19 global pandemic is over—at least, hopefully—and thanks to vaccines, more and more people are traveling internationally again. Here in France, particularly in Paris, one of the most well-visited cities in the world, things are heating up again. This coming new year will likely see a ton of new visitors, possibly equal to pre-Covid in numbers. And this is why the government has announced a new system to further help avoid a new Covid surge: the French Health Pass. Here's what you need to know about it.
Firstly, in order to get to Paris, or anywhere within the EU for that matter, you'll need a Digital Green Certificate. It's an online document that serves as proof that you're vaccinated, tested negative, or have recovered from Covid-19. The EU implemented this new 'vaccine passport' system this past summer, around the same time that most member-states, including France of course, have
reopened post-pandemic. And now, apart from the
Schengen Visa, this is another document one needs to get to France or any other EU country. As long as you have it on your phone, you're good to enter!
What Is France's Health Pass?
Similar to the EU's Digital Green Certificate, France's health pass, or '
pass sanitaire,' serves as proof that the holder is vaccinated, tested negative, or has recovered from Covid-19. The only difference here is that the
pass sanitaire is the country's own system, independent from the EU at large. Ever since the Digital Green Certificate was implemented and most EU member-states started reopening, nations have taken it upon themselves to establish national systems within their own territories. France's health pass is only one of many and
according to Ouest France, they'll remain valid until July 2022.
Are You Eligible for France's Health Pass?
Now, are you even eligible to apply for France's Health Pass? All citizens and legal residents are eligible for it, especially those registered under
France's healthcare system. But for tourists coming from different countries, it depends. Firstly, as already mentioned, they'll need to have a Digital Green Certificate, or also known as the 'Covid Certificate,' in order to enter France in the first place. And to get that, they need to have gotten vaccinated in specific countries like the European Union Member States, Albania, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine or the United Kingdom. If they got vaccinated in these states, they'll automatically be given a Digital Green Certificate.
But what if you didn't get vaccinated in these countries? Well, in this case, The
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs states that you'll need to apply for a COVID Vaccine Certificate of Equivalence. It serves almost the same purpose as the Digital Green Certificate but it's not given out like the latter. This means you'll need to meet certain criteria before the EU will grant you the document. This includes being the age of 12 and above by October 2021 and having been vaccinated with vaccines accepted by the
European Medicines Agency. They include
Johnson&Johnson,
Pfizer,
Moderna,
AstraZeneca, and more.
How Can You Apply For A Health Pass?
As long as you already have your Digital Green Certificate or the COVID Vaccine Certificate of Equivalence, you can apply for a French Health Pass the moment you get to Paris. Although the process actually varies depending on where you're coming from. If you're traveling from the UK, for instance, you'll need to import your NHS QR code into the
TousAntiCovid app and it will show your Digital Green Certificate. As for those coming from the US, you have to present your supporting documents to a pharmacy in Paris (or anywhere else in France) and apply there. This process, however, costs €36.00 (approximately $44.00) so prepare some cash for when you apply.
Why Do I Need It?
You're probably wondering: '
Why do I need to get a French Health Pass in Paris anyway?' The answer is simple. Your
pass sanitaire will allow you to enter all sorts of establishments within the French capital and beyond. These include museums, art galleries, monuments, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more. In post-pandemic France, many of the country's tourist attractions now require proof of vaccination in order to grant entry. Your health pass is your only ticket to see the best of the best of Paris. Without it, you'll only be able to go to parks and walk on the streets.
From now on, those who want to go to Paris will have to get a Health Pass. This is the ticket that you need in order to experience the best of what the French capital has to offer. Fortunately, it's fairly easy and uncomplicated to get!
Getting a Health Pass in Paris will also make it easier for you to book
luxury homes for your stay here!
