You can travel to France even without a booster, but that may limit your activities.

Despite my efforts to avoid the topic, I feel obliged to keep discussing the French health pass due to numerous TPG readers eager to travel to France and uncertain about the new COVID-19 booster shot requirement starting this weekend.

Although I typically respond to five questions in my weekly column, I've received a flood of similar inquiries about the same issue:

Hello Caroline,

Can you offer any guidance on this matter: I got my first dose in January 2021 and my second in February. I received the booster as soon as it was available in November. Unfortunately, this booster falls outside the 5-7 month window that France requires for the health pass, which is crucial. If you have any contacts who might provide clarity on this, I'd appreciate it. I'm planning a trip for early Spring because, after all, 'Paris is always a good idea,' right?

What is occurring on January 15?

Starting January 15, 2022, France will update the criteria for accessing public spaces, allowing entry only to individuals who are fully vaccinated and have received a booster shot against COVID-19. President Emmanuel Macron previously indicated that the initial rules would remain effective until at least July 2022.

The French health pass, referred to as the "pass sanitaire," will soon be renamed the French vaccine pass or "pass vaccinal," as announced by Atout France, the official tourism agency of the French government.

This means that starting Saturday, January 15, all tourists aged 18 and over visiting France will need to present proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination, along with evidence of a booster shot received within five to seven months after their last vaccine dose accepted by the French government.

"Currently, only the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for entry into France," states the U.S. Embassy in France. "Travelers who have taken all necessary doses of a WHO-approved vaccine not recognized by the European Medicines Agency must receive an additional single dose of an EMA-approved mRNA vaccine (which is currently Pfizer or Moderna)."

How to obtain a vaccine pass

"Foreign visitors who currently possess a Pass Sanitaire (which will be renamed the Vaccine Pass on January 15) must go to a pharmacy to provide proof of their third dose (in addition to their initial vaccination) and have their pass updated," stated a spokesperson from Atout France, adding that only vaccinated travelers can receive the pass.

As has been the norm since October, travelers can still acquire the pass in France by visiting participating pharmacies and presenting their passport along with proof of vaccination and a booster shot.

Previously, unvaccinated travelers could obtain a temporary pass by providing negative COVID-19 test results; however, this is no longer permitted.

"In essence, since it is now a Pass Vaccinal, only vaccinated individuals can obtain one," stated Atout France.

Almost 3,000 pharmacies are currently issuing vaccine passes, with nearly 700 located in Paris. The French Health Ministry offers a map that shows pharmacy locations across the country.

Are individuals who received their booster more than seven months prior to visiting France ineligible for the pass?

The brief answer is yes, although a booster shot is not necessary for entry into the country.

"For the purpose of entry, individuals with any vaccines authorized for use in the United States do not need a booster dose to be deemed fully vaccinated," stated the embassy.

I’ve heard from TPG readers who managed to dine at restaurants, visit bars, and explore museums without a pass by presenting their CDC vaccination record.

What additional requirements are there for visiting France right now?

Travelers from the U.S. who are fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before their departure for France, in addition to completing an Eos electronic form online.

If you have further questions, we suggest checking the websites for the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy, or Atout France. Additionally, many airlines, including Air France, offer information on COVID-19 travel inquiries specific to various countries.

Although this strayed from our typical weekly column format, I hope it was still as informative, and I genuinely wish I had more positive updates to share.

For what it’s worth, I still believe Paris can be a worthwhile destination, depending on how safely you are able to travel. That’s my personal approach to travel at the moment.

Got a question for next week? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or [email protected].