On July 1, 2021, the French health pass was extended to the whole of the European Union. This decision comes in response to the prevailing health situation. On the one hand, it opens up areas that were previously closed due to COVID-19. On the other, it makes it easier to move around Europe. To get up to speed and avoid being caught unawares, it's important to know what it is.
What is the health pass?
The health pass is proof that the holder does not or no longer represents a risk of COVID-19 contamination. It is available in digital and paper versions. It allows access to gatherings of over 1,000 people. It is part of the reopening of high-risk activities such as nightclubs and shows.
The health pass makes it easier to cross borders throughout Europe. However, it does not exempt you from the measures in place in each city. It's always a good idea to find out about the rules in force in your destination city.
Anyone over the age of 11 is eligible. For the time being, it is valid until September 30, 2021. This deadline is subject to change as the health situation evolves. It will be extended by August to cafés, restaurants, shopping malls, healthcare facilities and transport.
How does the health pass work?
The health pass is issued in cases of attestation of vaccination, negative test within 48 hours and positive test within 11 days to 6 months. These are the sanitary proofs that serve as a pass.
Certificate of vaccination
We're talking here about the complete vaccination schedule with safety delays. For AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the delay is 2 weeks after the 2nd dose. For the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the delay is 4 weeks after the single dose. For people who have already contracted the virus, the estimated delay is 2 weeks after injection.
Negative test
The other health proof is a negative RT-PCR test. It has a maximum validity of 48 hours for access to major events and 72 hours for border crossings. These deadlines are strict and non-negotiable.
Positive test
A positive RT-PCR test result is proof of a limited risk of contamination. It must be more than 2 weeks old, but no more than 6 months. In practice, a certificate of recovery indicates both illness and recovery. A new contamination within a 6-month period is therefore less obvious.
How do I get a health pass?
The health pass is available in paper and digital format. Proofs of negative and positive tests are available in the SI-DEP. The results file can be downloaded immediately. For people vaccinated before May 3, vaccination certificates are available on the Health Insurance "patient portal".
Negative, positive or vaccinated, the presentation of the QR code remains the same. It must be scanned and can be carried anywhere on any kind of medium. The health pass is proof of your state of health. It gives you access to open spaces and facilitates border crossings.
English 
French