Launch of a special health pass for French expatriates vaccinated abroad

The French government is setting up a special health pass from Monday so that French expatriates living outside the European Union and vaccinated abroad "with vaccines recognized by the European Medicines Agency" can return to France and in the EU. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs explained in a press release that it had set up a "specific device allowing French people living abroad to be vaccinated with one of the vaccines recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or their equivalent to obtaining a health pass valid on French territory and in Europe ".

"In accordance with the decision of the President of the Republic, with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, we have set up a specific mechanism to provide a solution to French people living outside France," said the Secretary of State. in charge of Tourism and French people abroad Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, quoted in the press release.

"From today Monday August 2 at 2:00 p.m., our compatriots can submit their requests. To receive a QR code, simply send by email, proof of vaccination, with an identity document and proof of residence to abroad, "he said.

A digital Covid certificate from the EU

The system concerns French people "vaccinated elsewhere than in one of the following countries: Member States of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, United Kingdom, Switzerland", these countries allowing the certificate to be obtained. EU digital covid, which is accepted in France. Initially, the device is reserved "for people already present" on French territory or in the EU or "arriving by August 31". "Requests for an arrival after this date will be taken into account later," according to the ministry.

These rules do not modify the health measures required for access to French territory (complete vaccination schedule or PCR or antigen test or certificate of recovery for people over 12 years of age who do not have a complete vaccination schedule), added the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The health pass - negative Covid test, vaccination certificate or recovery certificate - entered into force on July 21 in France in "places of leisure and culture" bringing together more than 50 people.

The French Constitutional Council is due to render its decision Thursday on the law relating to the management of the health crisis, which notably provides for the controversial extension of the health pass to cafes, restaurants, fairs and trade shows, as well as to planes, trains, coaches long journeys and to medical establishments except emergencies. And shopping centers by decision of the prefects.