France Expands Health Pass Access for Expatriates Vaccinated Abroad

While the health pass becomes mandatory in early August, to enter in particular cafes, restaurants or shopping centers in France, the French authorities have decided to simplify its access for French expatriates vaccinated abroad. In an interview with Journal du dimanche (JDD), Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Secretary of State for Tourism, explained that they will be able to submit "as of this week" their application to obtain a QR code. "With Jean-Yves Le Drian, we are setting up a specific system to provide them with a solution," he said, promising that dedicated email addresses will be set up according to the country of residence.

To receive a QR code, French expatriates must send proof of vaccination - for vaccines approved by the European Union (EU) or their equivalents -, with an identity document and proof of residence abroad. "The health pass [has been extended] to all vaccines equivalent to those recognized by the European Medicines Agency," the French official said. This will facilitate the lives of French people vaccinated abroad with a vaccine not approved by the EU. The scientific experts, for their part, are responsible for evaluating under what conditions non-approved vaccines could be supplemented by mRNA vaccination in France.

"The President of the Republic has also requested that a vaccination campaign be deployed for our compatriots living in countries where access to the vaccine is still complicated," said Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. "We have already transported and administered the vaccine to several tens of thousands of people spread across 57 countries, under the control of our embassies and consulates."