-
Doctors threaten strike against bill mandating where they work in France
The new bill aims to combat ‘medical deserts’ but young doctors say it will ‘deteriorate access’
-
Grand crème, café crème, au lait: how to order coffee in France?
We explain the subtle distinctions between the various terms used in cafés
-
What is being proposed to help people in areas that lack doctors in France
The new law on doctor location is set to improve ‘healthcare equality’, but doctors are critical
Do you need a vaccine pass to see a GP in France?
A health pass, not a vaccine pass, is required to enter certain medical facilities under certain conditions

Reader question: I have an issue with my French vaccine pass due to getting some doses in the UK and some in France. I know that I don’t need the pass for restaurants anymore, but I have an appointment with my GP soon. Do I need it for that?
France ended its vaccine pass scheme on March 14.
It means that it is no longer necessary to show proof of being vaccinated or proof of having recovered from Covid to enter the majority of leisure-orientated public spaces, such as cafes, restaurants, cinemas, museums, etc.
However, the government decided to extend the health pass scheme to hospitals (for scheduled appointments), retirement homes and other medical facilities accommodating people with disabilities, including care-at-home services.
A health pass is not, however, required for emergency hospital care, at testing facilities or for visits to your GP.
A health pass is different to a vaccine pass because it also includes the option to present a negative Covid test to enter places.
This can be a PCR test, an antigen test, or a self-test under supervision from a pharmacist, with the negative result valid for the next 24 hours.
Covid tests are available at many pharmacies around the country.
Related stories
End of France’s vaccine pass: What changes for tourists and residents?
Fourth Covid vaccine dose now available in France for the over-80s