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
Feb 18, 2022, 7:24 pm
#1232
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: MRY/SFO
Programs: UA Platinum; IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 458
I submitted my application for the Pass Sanitaire near the end of September. No action had been taken on it at the time it was decided to terminate the online application process, which I think was October-ish. It was still possible to update the application even though new applications were not accepted. Mine was still "in the hopper" so to speak, so I was able to update it with my booster. By Saturday, November 20, I still had heard nothing so sent an email asking if they were going to review/approve it. Come Monday, November 22, I had the approval. The Pass Sanitaire reflects all three shots
Feb 18, 2022, 11:42 pm
#1234
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: MRY/SFO
Programs: UA Platinum; IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 458
Feb 19, 2022, 8:33 am
#1237
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: BWI
Programs: American AAdvantage Platinum
Posts: 294
Feb 19, 2022, 10:50 am
#1238
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum, TK Elite, BT VIP, AA, BA, SK, DL, NT, WB + hotels
Posts: 8,750
Feb 19, 2022, 11:13 am
#1239
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: FRA/SXB
Programs: FB Gold
Posts: 1,997
In France, the trend is toward a progressive lifting of restrictions. Of course, this depends on the sanitary situation but if the positive trend continues, we're moving towards living with the virus. This is similar to other western European countries.
Discotheques were reopened this past week, and the restrictions on consumption on foot at restos/bars and domestic transports were lifted at the same time. Limitations on capacity at concerts/sporting events also lifted.
There is the possibility that the obligation to wear a mask indoors in places requiring the pass vaccinal will be lifted the end of Feb/beginning March. Notable exception is public transports, where a mask is still required.
Mid or late March, the obligation to wear a mask indoors might be lifted overall, if the sanitary situation allows.
And the discussion about ending the pass vaccinal has suggested late April/late May but that is still quite far out.
https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/soci...ssy-1645082236
What does this mean for foreigners ? Things are still in flux but the trend is towards lifting restrictions step-by-step. The pass vaccinal will not last forever; depending on how things progress, it will go away. At this moment, no one can say exactly when.
Discotheques were reopened this past week, and the restrictions on consumption on foot at restos/bars and domestic transports were lifted at the same time. Limitations on capacity at concerts/sporting events also lifted.
There is the possibility that the obligation to wear a mask indoors in places requiring the pass vaccinal will be lifted the end of Feb/beginning March. Notable exception is public transports, where a mask is still required.
Mid or late March, the obligation to wear a mask indoors might be lifted overall, if the sanitary situation allows.
And the discussion about ending the pass vaccinal has suggested late April/late May but that is still quite far out.
https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/soci...ssy-1645082236
What does this mean for foreigners ? Things are still in flux but the trend is towards lifting restrictions step-by-step. The pass vaccinal will not last forever; depending on how things progress, it will go away. At this moment, no one can say exactly when.
Feb 21, 2022, 11:26 am
#1240
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In between
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, SPG/Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 564
While I can't help you, I'd be grateful if you could help me after your pharmacy visit on Monday. I have a European passport and a CDC vaccination card (no US passport), and I'm hoping that won't be a problem... So please let me know if the pharmacy had problems with your gf's passport not being a US one.
1.) The pharmacy had no issue processing the request for my partner who was not physically present (non-US, non-EU passport but vaccinated in US). 2/2 Moderna initial plus 1/1 Moderna booster = full pass with no expiration date.
2.) My information from my original pass (1/1 J&J) was apparently missing or more likely the guy didn't look it up so when he put in my Moderna booster (11/15/21), it showed 2/2 and when I scanned with the app, it shows my pass expiring mid-March. No big deal as the passes are likely being phased out and I've no plans to return to France any time soon.
3.) Interestingly enough - I scanned my QR code with the Swiss Covid Cert app and it shows an 11 August 2022 expiration.
Total experience took 8 minutes from start to finish. Your issue might fall with the fact you've got an an EU passport with the CDC card; there's a list on the French website that spells out the countries that are not eligible for this process and it clearly states any EU passports. Hope it works out for you.
Feb 21, 2022, 11:41 am
#1241
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Are you sure you are reading the site correctly? I know for sure that if you have a French passport you can absolutely get a CDC card converted. There are at least a million French citizens who live in the US and return to France often.
Feb 21, 2022, 12:02 pm
#1242
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum, TK Elite, BT VIP, AA, BA, SK, DL, NT, WB + hotels
Posts: 8,750
Update on my experience today:
1.) The pharmacy had no issue processing the request for my partner who was not physically present (non-US, non-EU passport but vaccinated in US). 2/2 Moderna initial plus 1/1 Moderna booster = full pass with no expiration date.
2.) My information from my original pass (1/1 J&J) was apparently missing or more likely the guy didn't look it up so when he put in my Moderna booster (11/15/21), it showed 2/2 and when I scanned with the app, it shows my pass expiring mid-March. No big deal as the passes are likely being phased out and I've no plans to return to France any time soon.
3.) Interestingly enough - I scanned my QR code with the Swiss Covid Cert app and it shows an 11 August 2022 expiration.
Total experience took 8 minutes from start to finish. Your issue might fall with the fact you've got an an EU passport with the CDC card; there's a list on the French website that spells out the countries that are not eligible for this process and it clearly states any EU passports. Hope it works out for you.
1.) The pharmacy had no issue processing the request for my partner who was not physically present (non-US, non-EU passport but vaccinated in US). 2/2 Moderna initial plus 1/1 Moderna booster = full pass with no expiration date.
2.) My information from my original pass (1/1 J&J) was apparently missing or more likely the guy didn't look it up so when he put in my Moderna booster (11/15/21), it showed 2/2 and when I scanned with the app, it shows my pass expiring mid-March. No big deal as the passes are likely being phased out and I've no plans to return to France any time soon.
3.) Interestingly enough - I scanned my QR code with the Swiss Covid Cert app and it shows an 11 August 2022 expiration.
Total experience took 8 minutes from start to finish. Your issue might fall with the fact you've got an an EU passport with the CDC card; there's a list on the French website that spells out the countries that are not eligible for this process and it clearly states any EU passports. Hope it works out for you.
Sounds like a very quick process.
The Swiss expiration date might have something to do with Swiss regulations – many countries set their own expiration dates for vaccine certificates and not all follow the EU recommendation of 9 months for "fully" vaccinated and never-expiring for boosted people.
This is how I have, optimistically, read it, too. In some US states anyone can get a vaccine regardless of citizenship. And what should matter to the French is not citizenship but whether you have an (1) EU Covidpass or an (2) EU-compatible covidpass, or (3) not. If #3, they shoud make one for you. But I'm of course not sure my interpretation is correct, and who knows, this might even vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.