The French authorities have announced that since August 9, except for the French citizens, all international travellers who want to be granted access to public attractions and hospitality venues will have to present proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Following such an announcement, it has also been revealed that tourists will be able to store their vaccination status in digital form and show it through their smartphone or present it in paper format, .
Earlier last month, the French Parliament approved the draft law that requires citizens of the country as well as travellers to hold a COVID-19 pass, also known as “pass Sanitaire”, in order to be permitted entry to several places.
This means that as of yesterday, all tourists need to prove that they have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease or provide a negative COVID-19 test result carried within 48 hours in order to be permitted access to the following places:
- Cafes, restaurants, and bars
- Hospitals
- Several shopping centres that are than 20,000m²
- Long-haul transport, including trains and planes
- Museums, theatres, cinemas
- Sports events, amusement parks, zoos, libraries
- Communal spaces in hotels, including swimming pools
- Events held at worship places
- Weddings held in public areas
Nonetheless, emergency care units, essential shops, bakeries, newsstands, takeaways, and religious venues services do not require providing a health pass.
Currently, children under the age of 12 are exempt from the health pass requirements. However, from the end of August, children between 12 and 17 will also be required to show a health pass in order to be allowed entry to the places mentioned above.
Except for providing a vaccination passport, the health pass can also be obtained by proving recovery from the COVID-19 or showing a negative test result.
However, since it is more convenient to present a vaccination certificate rather than undergo Coronavirus testing every 48 hours, the French authorities have suggested that everyone gets vaccinated.
Except for France, at least 16 other European countries have also made the COVID health pass mandatory for those who want to access certain activities and services.
Previously, SchengenVisaIfo.com reported that France recognises as valid proof of immunity all the vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as well as the Indian-manufactured Covishield vaccine.
Consequently, this means that all persons who have been immunised with Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, or the Covishield vaccine are eligible to obtain the country’s health pass.
>> Travelling to France This Summer Amid COVID-19 – Everything You Need to Know