Vaccine Pass – March 22 Update

As of March 14th the Vaccine Pass is no longer required for inter-regional transportation and entrance to indoor venues such as restaurants, museums, and cafes. The Vaccine Pass is still needed to enter any medical establishment such as hospitals or nursing homes.

What is the Vaccine Pass?

  • As of January 24, a “vaccine pass” (or Pass Vaccinal) is now required for people aged 16 and over in almost all places where the Health Activity Pass (Pass Sanitaire) was previously necessary: the “vaccine pass” consists of the presentation of one of the following proofs:
  • A certificate of vaccination:

– 2 doses, 1 dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine

– If 2nd dose is more than seven (7) months old a booster is required. Please note that beginning February 15th, the time period will change from seven (7) months to four (4) months.

  • NOTE: While recovery from Covid can take the place of one of the initial doses or a booster, this only applies if the scenario occured in the EU. US and other foreign certificates of recovery are not accepted.
  • A certificate of contraindication to vaccination
  • Where is the “vaccine pass” required?
    • Bars and restaurants,
    • Leisure activities (cinemas, museums, theatres, sports and entertainment venues, ski lifts in ski resorts, etc.),
    •  Trade fairs and exhibitions,
    • Large shopping centers
    • Inter-regional transport (planes, trains, buses)

Thus, for people over 16 years of age, only vaccinated people will be able to access these places, events and services. A negative Covid-19 test (PCR or antigenic) is no longer sufficient.

Exceptions

  • The “vaccine pass” does not apply to adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age. However, they are required to have a “health pass” to access the places mentioned above (bars and restaurants, leisure activities, large shopping centers, inter-regional transport).
  • The “health pass” is still accepted for access to hospitals, clinics, EHPAD and retirement homes, except in emergencies.
  • For access to inter-regional transport, travelers who do not have a “vaccine pass” will be able to present a negative test in the event of a compelling family or health reason.

Vaccine Pass Eligibility

  • In order to obtain a vaccine pass, any person aged 18 years and one month and over must present:
  • Minimum 2 doses for a 2 dose vaccine (eg. Pfizer, Moderna..)
  • 2 doses required if 2nd dose less than 7 months old
  • If 2nd dose over 7 months old, then 3 doses required (2 +1 booster).
  • For those between the ages of 12 and 17 inclusive, in order to obtain a “vaccine pass”, you must present proof of 2 injections of mRNA vaccines, except in the following 2 cases
  • The person has already contracted Covid-19 and can therefore receive a single dose of vaccine,
  • The person has contracted Covid-19 at least 15 days after receiving the first injection and can therefore do without the second dose of vaccine
  • On February 15 2022, the validity of the certificate of vaccination without a booster dose will be extended to 4 months.  The booster dose will therefore have to be given within 4 months, and no longer 7 months, after the 2nd dose.

An exemption allowing the use of a negative test less than 24 hours old will be possible to obtain the vaccine pass until February 15th for people who have received their first dose of vaccine by then but are still waiting for their 2nd dose.

  • These specific rules for obtaining the French vaccination pass are not applicable for entry into French territory.

How to obtain the Vaccine Pass upon arrival in France

The pass will be delivered in select pharmacies in Paris and France. The list of pharmacies and their locations and addresses can be found on a map on this link at the bottom of the French Ministry of Health page.

Depending on the pharmacy, the service charge for generating a certificate of vaccine equivalence will be 30 to 36€ maximum.

American residents and Non-EU nationals (except students who must apply to the Assurance Maladie) must present the following documents: 

– A passport.
– The original paper certificate of vaccination—i.e. CDC card.

These essential documents must include, in a legible manner, the surname, first name, date of birth as well as the date of vaccination, the vaccine used, number of doses and the country of vaccination.

Please note:

  • Current health pass (obtained via proof of vaccine) will be automatically cancelled if it doesn’t meet above requirements
  • Individuals not vaccinated within the EU with a “converted” pass (eg. US CDC card) with only 2 doses will need to re-apply for an updated pass indicating the 3rd dose