Oct 12, 2021, 10:18 am
Last edit by: snic
NOTE: The French government website for applying for a Pass Sanitaire is no longer functional. The information in the Wiki therefore no longer applies. Current advice is to go to a French pharmacy to get your CDC vaccination card converted to a Pass Sanitaire, and in the process be relieved of 36 Euros you didn't really need anyway.
What is a Pass Sanitaire and why would I want one?
The Pass Sanitaire is France's version of the EU Digital Covid Certificate. The Certificate is an electronic pass that shows either that the bearer has been vaccinated against Covid-19 or that the bearer has recently tested negative for Covid-19. It can be used to enter restaurants, lodgings, entertainment venues, museums, public transit, etc. Because it uses the EU standard, holders of the Pass Sanitaire can use it for these purposes all over Europe and in some non-EU countries (see the link above for details).
I'm vaccinated but not a French citizen or a citizen of a country that issues EU Digital Covid Certificates. Can I get a Pass Sanitaire showing I've been vaccinated?
Yes, if you have a travel ticket to France. See details below.
Do I really need a Pass Sanitaire? Can't I just show my American CDC vaccination record or my country's equivalent?
There are many reports of people being able to use their CDC record to enter restaurants, museums etc in France and other parts of Europe, especially in heavily touristed areas. However, there are a few reports of the CDC card being refused. As of this writing, some EU countries have requirements that those who have not been vaccinated must get tested for Covid-19 and show evidence of a recent test in order to enter restaurants etc. If a venue refuses to recognize your foreign certificate, in order to enter you would have to get a Covid test which would be valid for 2 to 3 days.
How do I get a Pass Sanitaire?
1. Go to this website and set up an account.
2. Answer the questions regarding your name, "foreign" address (that is, foreign to France - in other words, your home address outside of France), birth date, travel dates to France, and vaccination details. Upload the required documents, making sure the files are not too big (keep them under a few hundred kb). PDF files work fine. You will need images of:
-your passport
-your travel ticket showing dates of entry and exit from France
-your vaccination record
3. For the very last field ("fait a" - completed at), enter the date, time, and your location
4. Do NOT submit the application yet! See the next section, "When should I submit my application?"
When should I submit my application?
If you submit your application outside of the hours of 6 am to about noon Paris time, most likely your application will sit for weeks before it is reviewed. However, many people have had their applications approved almost instantaneously by submitting between 6 am and noon (12 am to 6 am Eastern time). If your application does not move to review within about 5 minutes after you submit it, simply start a new application and submit that one.
How do I start a new application? Do I need to use a new email address? And how do I submit an additional application for someone else, like a family member?
After you submit your application, click on "Dossiers" on the top of the page. Next to each application you've submitted, there is a link labelled "Actions". Click that and select the option to add a new application. The system will ask you to verify that you really want to do that rather than go to the existing application. Fill out the additional application as described above and submit it. You can use this process to either re-submit an existing application or submit an application for someone else, without having to set up a new account.
How do I know my application was approved?
You will receive an email. Also, in the "Dossiers" list, the status will say "Approved"
My application was approved on the second try. What do I do with the previous application that is still waiting for approval?
Just go to Dossiers, click the Action link, and choose delete (the trash can icon).
My application was approved. Now what do I do?
Your email will contain a link to a PDF file (also available for download from the "Dossiers" page). The file contains a QR code and your vaccination details. This is your Pass Sanitaire. You could just print this out and show it on demand, and/or you can make a digital version that is stored on your phone (see below). It's probably a good idea to print out a copy to take with you even if you make a digital version, in case your phone gets lost, stolen or damaged.
How do I upload the Pass Sanitaire to my phone?
To make a digital version, you have several options. Each country in Europe has its own app that allows its citizens to store a digital version of their EU Digital Covid Certificate. Some of these are only available to the country's citizens because you have to enter your medical ID number in order to add the Certificate. However, a few countries have apps that anyone can use. France's "TousAntiCovid" app is one of them - you can download it from the Apple or Google app store even in the US. It will allow you to scan the QR code on the Pass Sanitaire you downloaded, and then it will store the code and info for you to display when needed.
Alternatively, you can store your Pass Sanitaire in your Apple Wallet or a third-party wallet app. An easy way to do this is to go to https://www.getcovidpass.eu/ on your phone's web browser and follow the instructions to scan your Certificate. It will then store the pass in your Apple Wallet or, if you use Android, prompt you to download the "YourPass" app that provides the same functionality.
Using either the TousAntiCovid or wallet apps, or the paper certificate, you should be able to use your Pass Sanitaire throughout Europe, not just in France.
Does the Pass expire? Can I use it for multiple trips?
The website of the French consulate in Washington states that the pass for visitors does not expire. You should be able to use it for multiple trips. However, keep in mind that the authorities may change the vaccination requirements in the future (e.g., requiring a third vaccine injection). Your Pass will show only the vaccines you've received prior to submitting your application, so it would be rejected if your vaccines no longer meet the requirements.
I'm not visiting France. Are there other ways for non-Europeans to get a EU Digital Covid Certificate?
Yes. Some ways that have been reported to work:
1. Ask a pharmacist in Germany to convert your CDC card to a EU QR code. There are mixed reports of success with this; see the Germany forum and the top of this thread.
2. Upload your CDC card to the health department of a Swiss canton. There are reports of people getting a QR code without even even sending proof of a stay in Switzerland. See the same thread linked to just above, posts starting around October 16, 2021.
What is a Pass Sanitaire and why would I want one?
The Pass Sanitaire is France's version of the EU Digital Covid Certificate. The Certificate is an electronic pass that shows either that the bearer has been vaccinated against Covid-19 or that the bearer has recently tested negative for Covid-19. It can be used to enter restaurants, lodgings, entertainment venues, museums, public transit, etc. Because it uses the EU standard, holders of the Pass Sanitaire can use it for these purposes all over Europe and in some non-EU countries (see the link above for details).
I'm vaccinated but not a French citizen or a citizen of a country that issues EU Digital Covid Certificates. Can I get a Pass Sanitaire showing I've been vaccinated?
Yes, if you have a travel ticket to France. See details below.
Do I really need a Pass Sanitaire? Can't I just show my American CDC vaccination record or my country's equivalent?
There are many reports of people being able to use their CDC record to enter restaurants, museums etc in France and other parts of Europe, especially in heavily touristed areas. However, there are a few reports of the CDC card being refused. As of this writing, some EU countries have requirements that those who have not been vaccinated must get tested for Covid-19 and show evidence of a recent test in order to enter restaurants etc. If a venue refuses to recognize your foreign certificate, in order to enter you would have to get a Covid test which would be valid for 2 to 3 days.
How do I get a Pass Sanitaire?
1. Go to this website and set up an account.
2. Answer the questions regarding your name, "foreign" address (that is, foreign to France - in other words, your home address outside of France), birth date, travel dates to France, and vaccination details. Upload the required documents, making sure the files are not too big (keep them under a few hundred kb). PDF files work fine. You will need images of:
-your passport
-your travel ticket showing dates of entry and exit from France
-your vaccination record
3. For the very last field ("fait a" - completed at), enter the date, time, and your location
4. Do NOT submit the application yet! See the next section, "When should I submit my application?"
When should I submit my application?
If you submit your application outside of the hours of 6 am to about noon Paris time, most likely your application will sit for weeks before it is reviewed. However, many people have had their applications approved almost instantaneously by submitting between 6 am and noon (12 am to 6 am Eastern time). If your application does not move to review within about 5 minutes after you submit it, simply start a new application and submit that one.
How do I start a new application? Do I need to use a new email address? And how do I submit an additional application for someone else, like a family member?
After you submit your application, click on "Dossiers" on the top of the page. Next to each application you've submitted, there is a link labelled "Actions". Click that and select the option to add a new application. The system will ask you to verify that you really want to do that rather than go to the existing application. Fill out the additional application as described above and submit it. You can use this process to either re-submit an existing application or submit an application for someone else, without having to set up a new account.
How do I know my application was approved?
You will receive an email. Also, in the "Dossiers" list, the status will say "Approved"
My application was approved on the second try. What do I do with the previous application that is still waiting for approval?
Just go to Dossiers, click the Action link, and choose delete (the trash can icon).
My application was approved. Now what do I do?
Your email will contain a link to a PDF file (also available for download from the "Dossiers" page). The file contains a QR code and your vaccination details. This is your Pass Sanitaire. You could just print this out and show it on demand, and/or you can make a digital version that is stored on your phone (see below). It's probably a good idea to print out a copy to take with you even if you make a digital version, in case your phone gets lost, stolen or damaged.
How do I upload the Pass Sanitaire to my phone?
To make a digital version, you have several options. Each country in Europe has its own app that allows its citizens to store a digital version of their EU Digital Covid Certificate. Some of these are only available to the country's citizens because you have to enter your medical ID number in order to add the Certificate. However, a few countries have apps that anyone can use. France's "TousAntiCovid" app is one of them - you can download it from the Apple or Google app store even in the US. It will allow you to scan the QR code on the Pass Sanitaire you downloaded, and then it will store the code and info for you to display when needed.
Alternatively, you can store your Pass Sanitaire in your Apple Wallet or a third-party wallet app. An easy way to do this is to go to https://www.getcovidpass.eu/ on your phone's web browser and follow the instructions to scan your Certificate. It will then store the pass in your Apple Wallet or, if you use Android, prompt you to download the "YourPass" app that provides the same functionality.
Using either the TousAntiCovid or wallet apps, or the paper certificate, you should be able to use your Pass Sanitaire throughout Europe, not just in France.
Does the Pass expire? Can I use it for multiple trips?
The website of the French consulate in Washington states that the pass for visitors does not expire. You should be able to use it for multiple trips. However, keep in mind that the authorities may change the vaccination requirements in the future (e.g., requiring a third vaccine injection). Your Pass will show only the vaccines you've received prior to submitting your application, so it would be rejected if your vaccines no longer meet the requirements.
I'm not visiting France. Are there other ways for non-Europeans to get a EU Digital Covid Certificate?
Yes. Some ways that have been reported to work:
1. Ask a pharmacist in Germany to convert your CDC card to a EU QR code. There are mixed reports of success with this; see the Germany forum and the top of this thread.
2. Upload your CDC card to the health department of a Swiss canton. There are reports of people getting a QR code without even even sending proof of a stay in Switzerland. See the same thread linked to just above, posts starting around October 16, 2021.
Expansion of the pass sanitaire
Nov 26, 2021, 6:11 am
#1081
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 845
The French government is expected to announce today that everyone who doesn’t have their 3rd dose (booster) will have their passe Sanitaire cancelled on January 15, 2022 or 7 months after receiving their 2 dose. (Already set to expire on Dec 15 for seniors) not sure how this will play for foreigners who may not be eligible for a third dose in their own country.
Edit FallenPlat beat me to it!, but to clarify, people 18+ are eligible for their 3rd dose after 5 months from their last dose, and the pass expires after 7 months (unless they receive the booster). Also announced is that if not vaccinated, a PCR/Antigen test performed will only be valid for 24 hrs instead of 72 hrs currently.
Edit FallenPlat beat me to it!, but to clarify, people 18+ are eligible for their 3rd dose after 5 months from their last dose, and the pass expires after 7 months (unless they receive the booster). Also announced is that if not vaccinated, a PCR/Antigen test performed will only be valid for 24 hrs instead of 72 hrs currently.
Nov 26, 2021, 10:26 am
#1082
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold, Admirals Club, Global Entry
Posts: 1,141
Yes, except for two things. First, and as I said above, it's not yet certain that the Passes issued to foreign tourists and those issued to residents of France will expire on the same schedule. And second, having the French app on your phone already and understanding how the whole thing works will make things easier for you to manage than they would've been had you not had this experience. Also, and this is somewhat beside the point here, it would appear from the many data points above in this thread that a CDC card still works fine in big places like Paris.
Or at least that's how I console myself. Let us know if you come across any better or more up-to-date information.
Or at least that's how I console myself. Let us know if you come across any better or more up-to-date information.
Nov 27, 2021, 9:29 am
#1083
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Paris, France
Programs: Flying Blue, Accor Silver
Posts: 306
To be clear about current French rules, the pass sanitaire is valid for 7 months after the 2nd shot. because it is 6 months + 1 month grace period.. If somebody gets their 2nd shot on December 1st, for example, they are good to go until July 2022. No decision has been made about if or when booster shots will expire.
And tests (either type) are only valid for 24 hours in France now to annoy the anti-vaxxers.
And tests (either type) are only valid for 24 hours in France now to annoy the anti-vaxxers.
Nov 27, 2021, 10:07 am
#1084
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,044
To be clear about current French rules, the pass sanitaire is valid for 7 months after the 2nd shot. because it is 6 months + 1 month grace period.. If somebody gets their 2nd shot on December 1st, for example, they are good to go until July 2022. No decision has been made about if or when booster shots will expire.
And tests (either type) are only valid for 24 hours in France now to annoy the anti-vaxxers.
And tests (either type) are only valid for 24 hours in France now to annoy the anti-vaxxers.
Nov 27, 2021, 10:13 am
#1085
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum For Life; ALL Platinum
Posts: 203
It has been more than 7 months since my second shot and when scanned using the latest version of the TACVerif app my pass sanitaire is valid. I goy my booster last week and will get a new pass sanitaire during my next trip to Paris but I am curious at what point my current pass will be invalidated.
Nov 27, 2021, 10:18 am
#1086
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,044
Nov 27, 2021, 10:19 am
#1087
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 845
It has been more than 7 months since my second shot and when scanned using the latest version of the TACVerif app my pass sanitaire is valid. I goy my booster last week and will get a new pass sanitaire during my next trip to Paris but I am curious at what point my current pass will be invalidated.
Nov 27, 2021, 12:09 pm
#1089
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 845
that's how I read it. Of course, I get their on the 13th for a week so now have to update at a pharmacy and shell out 36 Euro. Then again, with the new variant countries might lock down again.
Nov 29, 2021, 6:07 am
#1090
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, Marriott Tit
Posts: 18,233
I received my PS via the online process in September (using my CDC vaccination card). I got my booster shot in the US in October, so it's not shown in my passe. Since I'm 65+, my passe may be deactivated on Dec 15. I'm scheduled to return to the US on Dec 7th, so that's not an immediate issue. But I'm hoping to return in April.
Today I went to a pharmacy in Lyon and asked if there was a process to update my PS to reflect the booster. There was a slight language barrier, but the person who could handle it would not be in until later. I was told it would cost 36 euros. So I'm going to wait until I return to Paris later this week and check with another pharmacy. If everyone wants the same price I'll just wait until next year and wing it. If there is a next year and I return to France.
Today I went to a pharmacy in Lyon and asked if there was a process to update my PS to reflect the booster. There was a slight language barrier, but the person who could handle it would not be in until later. I was told it would cost 36 euros. So I'm going to wait until I return to Paris later this week and check with another pharmacy. If everyone wants the same price I'll just wait until next year and wing it. If there is a next year and I return to France.
Nov 29, 2021, 6:29 am
#1091
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan, Flying Blue Gold, Accor Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 662
For French citizens, here is specific info on how to update your pass with the booster online. (The portal remains available to us/them). it’s is French obviously.
https://www.rolandlescure.fr/single-...ement-français
https://www.rolandlescure.fr/single-...ement-français
Nov 29, 2021, 9:15 am
#1092
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
I was able to apply for a PS just before they stopped accepting on-line applications from USAers. I only had two Pfizer shots recorded at that point, but my application was in "edit mode" so I was able to resubmit my updated CDC CARD to include my BOOSTER (administered on 9/27/21).
No expiration date is listed on my PS (it's called a EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE)--when does it expire, I'm over 65?
No expiration date is listed on my PS (it's called a EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE)--when does it expire, I'm over 65?
Nov 29, 2021, 9:42 am
#1093
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold, Admirals Club, Global Entry
Posts: 1,141
That's just great. (And the question posed immediately above this post is answered below.)
I clicked on the link kindly supplied above (or, more accurately, a link within that link). I take this government posting as official notice that the Passes issued to tourists do indeed expire on the same schedule as those issued to citizens of France: "Warning, for extra-EU citizens, starting October 26 2021, the request for a EU certificate of vaccine for foreigners can be made directly at pharmacies in France. Please do not fill a file on this platform, your file will be refused." The link supplied above is for French citizens only and mostly, says the link, for French citizens in the US. What annoys me is that writing in plain English, or plain French, just shouldn't be that hard. Here's one possible locution, for example: "Hey, tourists, without a timely third dose, your Passes expire, too!" I'm still trying to find that somewhere and can't.
As for Passes that already include the booster, there currently is no expiration date at all. Eventually I suspect that might well change but maybe we can all hope that that won't be for a while.
I clicked on the link kindly supplied above (or, more accurately, a link within that link). I take this government posting as official notice that the Passes issued to tourists do indeed expire on the same schedule as those issued to citizens of France: "Warning, for extra-EU citizens, starting October 26 2021, the request for a EU certificate of vaccine for foreigners can be made directly at pharmacies in France. Please do not fill a file on this platform, your file will be refused." The link supplied above is for French citizens only and mostly, says the link, for French citizens in the US. What annoys me is that writing in plain English, or plain French, just shouldn't be that hard. Here's one possible locution, for example: "Hey, tourists, without a timely third dose, your Passes expire, too!" I'm still trying to find that somewhere and can't.
As for Passes that already include the booster, there currently is no expiration date at all. Eventually I suspect that might well change but maybe we can all hope that that won't be for a while.
Nov 29, 2021, 10:25 am
#1094
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Paris, France
Programs: Flying Blue Gold
Posts: 760
I received my PS via the online process in September (using my CDC vaccination card). I got my booster shot in the US in October, so it's not shown in my passe. Since I'm 65+, my passe may be deactivated on Dec 15. I'm scheduled to return to the US on Dec 7th, so that's not an immediate issue. But I'm hoping to return in April.
Today I went to a pharmacy in Lyon and asked if there was a process to update my PS to reflect the booster. There was a slight language barrier, but the person who could handle it would not be in until later. I was told it would cost 36 euros. So I'm going to wait until I return to Paris later this week and check with another pharmacy. If everyone wants the same price I'll just wait until next year and wing it. If there is a next year and I return to France.
Today I went to a pharmacy in Lyon and asked if there was a process to update my PS to reflect the booster. There was a slight language barrier, but the person who could handle it would not be in until later. I was told it would cost 36 euros. So I'm going to wait until I return to Paris later this week and check with another pharmacy. If everyone wants the same price I'll just wait until next year and wing it. If there is a next year and I return to France.
I clicked on the link kindly supplied above (or, more accurately, a link within that link). I take this government posting as official notice that the Passes issued to tourists do indeed expire on the same schedule as those issued to citizens of France: "Warning, for extra-EU citizens, starting October 26 2021, the request for a EU certificate of vaccine for foreigners can be made directly at pharmacies in France. Please do not fill a file on this platform, your file will be refused." The link supplied above is for French citizens only and mostly, says the link, for French citizens in the US. What annoys me is that writing in plain English, or plain French, just shouldn't be that hard. Here's one possible locution, for example: "Hey, tourists, without a timely third dose, your Passes expire, too!" I'm still trying to find that somewhere and can't.
Nov 29, 2021, 12:29 pm
#1095
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
36 euros is the maximum price set by the government, so it's likely to be the same in Paris (I know my local pharmacy in central Paris charges 36 euros as well).
If tourists get the same type of QR Code with the date/type/place of vaccination and it lists the issuing country as FR, I find it very unlikely that the system will spot the difference between tourist/resident and may just cancel the pass after 7 months. I do not know what happens with other EU Certificates, though (e.g. if a Spanish pass doesn't expire in Spain after 7 months, would it expire in France?).
If tourists get the same type of QR Code with the date/type/place of vaccination and it lists the issuing country as FR, I find it very unlikely that the system will spot the difference between tourist/resident and may just cancel the pass after 7 months. I do not know what happens with other EU Certificates, though (e.g. if a Spanish pass doesn't expire in Spain after 7 months, would it expire in France?).
Of course, from what I hear, not every restaurant/bar/etc uses a QR scanner app and some of them instead just let their employees glance at the text on the bearer's phone.