What is the Pass Sanitaire – and what does it enable you to do?

Over the coming weeks one of the most important items that you will need to carry is the Pass Sanitaire. In English we refer to this as a ‘health’ or ‘digital’ pass: or if you prefer, proof of COVID19 status.

The pass – evidenced from paper or digital documents, stored on your mobile – will be an essential requirement for everyday life in France, such as cafés, restaurants, shopping centres, as well as health and social services. You will also need to show your Pass Sanitaire on planes, trains and coach journeys over a long distance.

The French Parliament approved the measures on 19 July. The Government regards the introduction of the Pass Sanitaire as a key part of controlling the spread of the virus by encouraging a higher rate of vaccinations.

When does the Pass Sanitaire scheme start?

There are two phases. From this Wednesday 21 July, if you want to attend an event with more than 50 people you will need your pass.

The main change occurs in early August. From next month, to visit a bar, church, theatre, restaurant or sports and leisure facility there will be a requirement to present your pass.

What are the alternatives if you do not have a Pass Sanitaire?

Some people will choose not to have the vaccination or will be awaiting their second vaccination.

In this case, an individual must provide either:

• a Covid-19 test (rapid antigen or PCR) showing a negative result and taken within the past 48 hours or
• a Covid-19 test (rapid antigen or PCR) showing a positive Covid-19 result, taken between 11 days and six months prior.

It is worth pointing out that although the PCR tests are currently free, from the autumn there will be a charge unless you have a medical exemption.

How do you get hold of your Pass Sanitaire?

For some people it will be straightforward. When you receive your second vaccination,  the confirmation document contains a QR code. By scanning the QR code on their mobile phone, the TousAntiCovid app is automatically updated. You can then quickly access the ‘pass’ from the digital wallet. If you have not already done so, you can download your TousAntiCovid app here.

If though you have not received a QR code, don’t worry. Log on or create an account on the CPAM website Ameli or via France Connect. As long as you have a social security number you can download your vaccination certificate and update the TousAntiCovid app. There is also an English-speaking Ameli helpline: 09 74 75 36 46.

If you already have an Ameli account set up, you will receive an email from them, inviting you to download your digital pass from the account. This will be shown under ‘notifications’ on the home page. There is some delay in this process as they catch up.

Why the CPAM website Ameli is a useful source of information

Creating an Ameli account is useful for other reasons, too. You can access your personal information (e.g. ‘attestations’), your reimbursements, change your address, send messages to CPAM and apply for the French equivalent of the European Health Insurance Card.  It is worth checking the site to see that the detail of your registered doctor is up to date.

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