Health pass : what to know if you are traveling to France

As of March 14, 2022, the “vaccine pass” has been suspended in areas where it was required previously. Showing a valid health pass is still mandatory in order to enter health care facilities such as hospitals, retirement homes and places of care for disabled people.
You will find more information about the health pass below and on the French Ministry of Health website.

Everything you need to know about the conditions of entry in France can be found by clicking here.

What is the health pass ?

The health pass involves presentation in paper or digital format (on the app TousAntiCovid) of proof of negative Covid or vaccination status. Proof consists of one of the following items (only one is needed):

• A vaccine certificate, provided that the person is fully vaccinated (booster dose included for the eligible who are over 18 years one month old.)

• The result of a positive RT-PCR or antigenic test proving the recovery from COVID-19. The test must be from more than 11 days and no more than 6 months ago.

• The result of a negative RT-PCR or antigenic test taken no more than 24 hours ago. Self-tests performed under the surveillance of a pharmacist are also accepted as a proof for the health pass in France. However, such proof is not accepted to cross any border between France and another country.

• A medical exemption from vaccination

Whom does this apply to ?

Individuals over the age of 12 are concerned by the health pass.

What proof is required to obtain a valid vaccine pass ?

What changes on February 15, 2022 ?
Starting February 15, 2022, regulation regarding the pass will change for people aged 18 years and 1 month and older. The booster dose must be received between 3 months and 4 months after the end of the initial vaccination schedule.
Until February 15, 2022, those with one of two doses in their initial vaccination schedule will be allowed to receive a temporary health pass, provided they receive their second dose within 4 weeks and present a negative test taken less than 24 hours ago.

Where is the health pass required ?

The health pass is required in the following circumstances:

• When entering health care centers, if you come to visit a relative or if you have a scheduled procedure.
• When crossing a border during a trip from/to France.
• In some overseas French territories where the use of the health or vaccine pass has been extended.

How to obtain a health pass in case of a vaccination abroad ?

Non-European Union nationals visiting France can obtain a health pass in France in pharmacies offering the certificate conversion service. Students enrolled in a French higher learning institution can apply for their pass here.

Non-European Union nationals (except students enrolled in a French higher learning institution, who can apply for their pass here) need to provide the following documents:

• A passport
• One of the 4 sanitary proofs aforementioned in paper format

Once you have gathered all these documents, the health pass can be obtained directly in a participating pharmacy. Please check the list of pharmacies already offering this service.

Which vaccination schedules are recognized in France? Do I need a booster to obtain the health pass ?

The initial vaccination schedule is considered complete:

• 28 days after one dose of the Janssen vaccine
• 7 days after the second dose for other vaccines recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield
• For those who have received all the required doses of a vaccine authorized by the WHO which has not been recognized by the EMA: 7 days after one additional dose of a messenger RNA vaccine recognized by the EMA.

IMPORTANT:
Starting February, 15, 2022, the booster dose must have been received within 4 months of the initial vaccine schedule in order to maintain a valid health pass.
Please note that if you are eligible for the booster dose, your pass automatically expires 7 days after your deadline for receiving a booster.

How much does it cost to obtain the health pass ?

The amount charged for a health pass conversion cannot exceed 36 euros (incl. VAT).

How do I store my health pass ?
The health pass can be stored indefinitely in the app “TousAntiCovid”, which must be presented in places and events subject to it. To import your pass, scan the QR code into the app once downloaded. It is also possible to take a picture of the health pass issued by a pharmacist in order to keep a digital copy ready.

Last modified on 30/06/2022