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Travel Insurance » Blog » Featured » French ‘Health Pass’: What does this mean for tourists? 

French ‘Health Pass’: What does this mean for tourists? 

Written by: Lydia Crispin | Travel Insurance Expert
Last updated: 10 August 2021 | Created: 9 August 2021
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We were thrilled that on the 8th August, France returned to the ‘Amber List. This put holidays back on the agenda for many of us. However, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with France’s entry requirements as they differ depending on your vaccination status. 

Along with the change in covid risk status, President Emmanuel Macron announced the extension of Frances’ already existing ‘Health Pass’, also known as ‘Passe Sanitaire ‘. 

The following guide will detail how this may affect you if you wish to travel to France and how to download the ‘Health Pass’ app. 

What is the ‘Health Pass’, and why is it required?

Similar to the NHS track and Trace App, the French’ Health Pass’ is an app that allows you to check into venues and alerts users should they come into contact with someone that is Covid-positive. 

It is required to help France control the spread of infection. Health Minister Olivier Véran stated, “The pass and the vaccination drive should help us avoid new curfews and lockdowns”. 

Will you be required to download France’s ‘Health Pass’?

The French government confirmed that people from the UK and Wales will be able to present their NHS QR code. However, it has been reported that some tourists have failed to have the NHS app recognised, despite the assurance from the French Government. 

Luckily the NHS QR codes are now compatible with the TousAntiCovid App. So, you can simply download it for your peace of mind that you’ll be accepted into all venues.

For those who don’t have the NHS App, you will be able to scan your covid certificate into the ‘Health pass’ app. 

For the 20% of UK residents that do not currently have a smartphone, it is unknown how the system will work. 

Where will require you to show the ‘Health Pass.’

For any events, places or venues in France with more than 50 people, you will be required to show the ‘Health Pass’ or present your NHS QR code. 

This includes but is not limited to: 

  • Long-distance transport
  • Cafes 
  • Bars
  • restaurants
  • Shopping centres 
  • Museums 
  • Cultural monuments, i.e. Eiffel tower 

Those who fail to show the ‘Health Pass’ may incur fines which start at 135 euros (£115), rising to as much as 3,750 euros (£3,200). 

How to download the ‘Health Pass.’

  1. If you have a smartphone, you’ll be able to download the ‘TousAntiCovid app’ (the french ‘Health Pass’ app) via the Apple app store or Google play.  Click here to download.
  2. If you have the NHS app, log in either via the app itself or on your desktop. Once you’re logged in, click ‘Your Health’, select ‘Get Your NHS COVID Pass’ and then select ‘Travel’. 
  3. You can either download a PDF copy, or you can choose to recipe an offline copy by email. 
  4. Once you have access to your NHS QR code, you’ll need to reopen the ‘TousAntiCovid app’, select ‘Health Pass’, then select ‘add a certificate.’ 
  5. You can then click ‘import’ and select the file straight from your phone or simply scan your covid vaccination certificate or NHS QR code.
  6. The app will show a congratulating message if you have successfully added your code or certificate. 
  7. You can access it within the app under ‘wallet.’ 

For those of you that do not have the NHS App

  1. If you have a smartphone, you’ll be able to download the ‘TousAntiCovid app’ (the french ‘Health Pass’ app) via the apple app store or google play.  Click here to download.
  2. Open the ‘TousAntiCovid app’, select ‘Health Pass’, then select ‘add a certificate.’
  3. You can then scan your NHS certificate. 
  4. The app will show a congratulating message if you have successfully added your code or certificate. 
  5. You can access it within the app under ‘wallet.’ 

Recommended travel actions for taking a trip to France

If you are travelling to France this summer, as part of your holiday preparation plans, we recommend that you:

If you are looking for comprehensive travel insurance, AllClear can help. AllClear offers enhanced Covid cover, which has been rated ‘Superior’ by a leading independent UK Consumer Champion, for FREE with all AllClear branded policies.  Find out more