COVID-19 has changed far more than our outlook on health. Its spread has also had a significant effect on global travel. With countries’ efforts to protect those who reside within their borders, international travel has become an exercise in patience, vigilance and adaptivity.
One of the primary complexities that stem from the need to curb the spread of COVID-19 is the ever-changing entry requirements for different countries. Their dynamic nature makes it challenging to keep up with which rules are applicable, where and for how long. Thus, you constantly have to verify whether the country you are travelling to requires a negative test before departure or if you must receive the full course of vaccines, including boosters. Moreover, other countries, like France, have stricter guidelines that apply after your arrival.
Recently, the French Government approved a law that requires everyone- citizens and visitors- to hold a valid vaccine pass. This pass will grant individuals access to bars, restaurants, long-distance transportation, theme parks and more. Therefore, obtaining one is imperative, particularly if you want to move around and engage in different activities.
Read on for the most recent information on how to get a COVID-19 health pass to travel to France.
First, what changes have occurred?
Before the beginning of the year, all individuals over the age of 12 were required to present a health pass (pass sanitaire) to get into many public spaces, including shops, restaurants and entertainment areas. Getting a health pass required the recipient to be fully vaccinated, recently tested negative for COVID-19, or have recovered from the virus.
However, some changes were made to the above requirements. Starting 24th January 2022, they replaced the pass sanitaire with the pass vaccinal (vaccine pass). This new document also had a different qualification system. Therefore, to acquire one, a person must be above 16 years old and fully vaccinated. In addition, a negative COVID-19 test result will no longer suffice in gaining entry.
In addition, French residents who are 18 years or older must get booster shots to maintain the pass’s active status. Likewise, tourists aged 18 and over will need to test negative or have a booster shot. Finally, children who have not completed the entire vaccination course can use a negative test result instead of a pass.
How to obtain a vaccine pass
If you were vaccinated in Australia or elsewhere outside Europe, you’d need to convert your vaccine certificate into a pass vaccinal. You can do so after you arrive in France. You only need to take your passport and certificate to a participating pharmacy. Please note that the conversion costs €36 (about AUD$56).
Once done, you have to upload your pass into the French government’s check-in app- known as TousAntiCovid. Alternatively, you can create a digital copy by taking a photo.
Other entry requirements
Suppose you are travelling to France from Australia. In that case, you need to meet the following requirements in addition to obtaining a vaccine pass ( Please note that these requirements are valid as of 12th February 2022):
- Travellers who were vaccinated according to European regulations no longer require proof of a negative test on departure. You only need to present proof of complete vaccination.
- Unvaccinated travellers must still present a negative test before travel. However, those arriving from countries on the green list no longer have to isolate and undergo further testing.
- Those travelling from countries listed on the orange list must still submit to a random test upon arrival in France. Furthermore, testing positive will necessitate an isolation period.
Finally, please remember that the French laws and requirements are constantly changing. Therefore, you must keep abreast of all updates as they occur to avoid having to delay or even cancel your trip.
