Travel to France Health Pass Need to Know

France is implementing a new health pass if it wasn’t hard enough to keep track of the Covid-19 variants, infection surges, and colour-coded travel restrictions. Effective today, the “pass sanitaire” (health pass) is a requirement for anyone (18 years and older) for entry into locations with a capacity of more than 50 people – museums, cultural venues, movie theatres etc. On August 1, the pass sanitaire will include cafés, restaurants, bars, trains, domestic flights and more. The information will be presented via the TousAntiCovid application.

However, you can travel to and within France.

France uses a colour-coded system for the classification of covid risk from other countries. The red, amber, green rating determines the protocol for entry into France. 

Before boarding a flight to France, you must have proof of a completed vaccination scheme or PCR or antigenic test performed less than 72 hours before boarding in electronic version (via the TousAntiCovid application or other foreign electronic proof) or a paper format.

The following information is subject to change. Make sure to consult local authorities, specific country travel advisories, and your airline before travel.

What is the health pass?

The pass sanitaire (health pass) uses the TousAntiCovid smartphone application to confirm that the holder is fully vaccinated, can produce a negative PCR test or has recently recovered from Covid-19.

July 21, 2021, the health pass is mandatory for adults 18-years and above for entry into large (50+ person) venues.

August 1, 2021, the regulations expand to include cafés, restaurants, bars, trains, domestic flights and more.

Starting October 1, the regulations will include those 12-17 years of age.

You can apply to convert a foreign vaccination certificate into a French QR code that can then be uploaded into the TousAntiCovid application. The approved criteria and the application process are outlined here.

Information for International Travellers

International travellers should know that their vaccination cards (CDC or equivalent) are sufficient to enter France. However, these cards are not compatible with the French health records. So you will need to present your information to a pharmacy or medical facility, and “any willing French doctor or pharmacist can enter the vaccination information in the French system.” and can generate a paper or digital (TousAntiCovid app) version of the health pass.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates in France

French Embassy in Canada – Update on the Covid Health Pass

French Embassy in Canada – COVID-19: Measures for foreign nationals wishing to travel to France

TousAntiCovid Application

Lonely Planet – France’s new health pass will be essential for your trip.

Coronavirus – Advice for Foreign Nationals in France

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).