A digital pass in the form of a QR code will be required for accessing specific areas in Paris during the Olympic Games this summer. Only residents, workers and visitors to the area (e.g. those holding tickets for the Olympic events or reservations at hotels, restaurants, museums, etc.) can make an online request to obtain the Games Pass (“Pass Jeux”). The Police Prefecture issues the Games Pass as an individual digital pass in the form of a QR code.
What exactly is the Games Pass?
As part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (“Games”), access to certain areas in Paris will be restricted to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to ensure everyone’s safety. Given the scale of the events, these heightened security measures are understandable. This pass grants movement and access within the security perimeters established during the Games, including the areas around the opening ceremony venues, competition sites, and road races.
Which areas in Paris are impacted by the Games Pass?
Let’s explore the areas in Paris affected by the Games Pass. These concentrate on the perimeters along the River Seine, where the Opening Ceremony for Paris 2024 Games will take place on 26 July, starting at 7.30 pm.
Lasting approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, the spectacle will feature nearly 10,500 athletes parading along the Seine aboard almost 160 boats in a 6-kilometer course. The parade will depart from the Austerlitz bridge beside the Jardin des Plantes, circle the two central islands of the city (Île Saint Louis and Île de la Cité), pass under various bridges and gateways, and conclude at the Trocadéro.
For this event, the Paris police headquarters will set up two security perimeters along the Seine banks, activating them 8 days before the event, from 18 July to 26 July.
1. Grey Perimeter
Also known as SILT, which stands for Anti-Terrorist Protection Perimeter in French, this perimeter imposes strict entry regulations.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles will not be allowed access to the grey perimeter without the QR code (i.e. the Games Pass). Those wishing to enter must present the code along with identification to law enforcement officers. Additionally, the officers may conduct bag inspections to ensure the absence of dangerous items.
On the day of the Opening Ceremony, restrictions further intensify. Starting at 1 pm on 26 July, only spectators with tickets to the Opening Ceremony and local residents possessing the Games Pass will be permitted entry to the grey perimeter. Visitors, with or without the Games Pass, will not be granted access after 1 pm on 26 July.
2. Red Perimeter
The larger red perimeter grants unrestricted access to pedestrians and cyclists without the need for the QR code (i.e., the Games Pass).
Perimeters established for the Opening Ceremony from 18 July until 1 pm on 26 July
Perimeters established on the day of the Opening Ceremony, 26 July
Do you need to apply for the Games Pass?
You will require the Games Pass if you intend to walk or cycle within the areas encompassed by the grey perimeter from 18 July to 26 July (inclusive). On 26 July, starting from 1 pm, only local residents who can present a Games Pass, spectators holding a ticket or an access permit, and any other authorized persons will have exclusive access to this perimeter.
You do not need the Games Pass for the following:
- Access to the red perimeters surrounding the Opening Ceremony, Olympic and Paralympic venues, and road events
- Access to the blue perimeters surrounding Olympic and Paralympic venues
- Travel outside the perimeters
- If you are a child under the age of 13
- If you hold a ticket to the Opening Ceremony on 26 July (though you do require the Games Pass if you plan to visit the area in the days leading up to it).
How to get the QR Code for the Olympic Games
Click here to access the online platform where you can now apply to obtain your Games Pass from 18 July to 26 July. The platform became operational on 13 May 2024. The website offers both English and French language options.
The instructions on the platform are clear and simple. Firstly, specify whether you are applying for yourself and/or your motor vehicle. Secondly, indicate whether you are a resident, worker, or visitor, and then follow the application instructions. All applicants must attach a photo and an ID card. Additional documentation may vary depending on the applicant’s category. For example, residents need to provide proof of address, while visitors need to provide hotel or museum ticket confirmations, etc.
After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application. Once authorities validate your application, they will send you the Games Pass via email. You can choose to save it on your phone or print it out for presentation as needed.
More on Paris 2024 Olympic Games
For detailed information about what to expect from your visit during the Paris Olympics, check out my articles “Visiting Paris before, during and after Paris Olympics 2024” and “Using Paris Metro during the 2024 Olympics“.
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