5 questions about the Paris Olympic QR codes
Why, when and where do you need to show the code during the Games?
People need a QR code to access certain areas around Olympic events
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After years of preparation, the Paris Olympics are fast approaching. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, July 26.
And to make sure it goes off without a hitch, French authorities have mounted a huge security operation, erecting metal fences around the capital and deploying tens of thousands of police and soldiers.
Part of the security operation is the use of a QR code to enter certain areas.
What are QR codes being used for?
The Games Pass (Pass Jeux) is a pass in the form of a QR code that will be needed to access certain areas of Paris that are within security zones set up for the Olympics opening ceremony and around event venues.
Having a QR code will prove the holder has registered on the Pass Jeux website and has authorisation from Paris Police to be within the security zones.
Opening ceremony
The city centre will be split into two main security zones, the inner grey zone and the outer red zone for the opening ceremony on Friday, July 26.
Grey zone: along the immediate vicinity of the river Seine including the Tuileries Gardens and Ile de la Cité. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will all be restricted from entering the area and will need a QR code to enter
Red zone: located around the grey perimeter, cyclists and pedestrians will not be restricted from entering the area and will not need a QR code to enter
Read more: What is now known about Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on Friday
Event venues
Other security areas will also be put in place around event venues. QR codes will also be needed to enter these areas.
The perimeter around event venues will be split into four zone:
Grey zone: Access to ticket holders only
Red zone: Pedestrians and cyclists can access this area without a QR code. Motorised vehicles will need a QR code
Blue zone: Pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles can access this area without a QR code
Read more: Olympic QR codes begin: what Paris residents and visitors need to know
Where can I find maps of the security area?
Information about which areas are affected by the closures can be found at the Transport Ministry’s website.
Who needs a QR code?
Anyone wanting to access the inner grey security zone between July 18 and 26, or anyone wanting to access the security areas around event venues (and who does not have an event ticket), will need to apply for a QR code.
This includes tourists, residents and workers and applies to both pedestrians and cyclists. Proof will be needed of why the person needs to be inside the zone e.g. proof of address, an appointment or restaurant reservation.
Access to motor vehicles is prohibited except for in certain cases (e.g. deliveries) but the driver will need a QR code to access the area.
Spectators with tickets for the opening ceremony on July 26 will not need a QR code to enter.
Read more: Olympic zones disrupt parcel deliveries in Paris: What to expect
How do you apply for the QR code?
QR code applications can be made for free on the website pass-jeux.gouv.fr. The code will not be sent immediately as the request will need validating. It will be sent via email and can be presented either on a smartphone or as a print out.
Applicants will need to include the following information:
Anyone applying for a vehicle registration pass will have to include:
Other proof may be required depending on the reason you need to access the security area.
Do I need a QR code if I have a ticket for an event?
No, spectators with tickets for an event do not need to apply for a QR code. Event tickets will have their own QR code that will have to be shown to access the security area and event venue.
Read more: 6 non-sporty things to look out for at the Paris Olympics
