The French capital is about to be transformed into a celebration of all things world-class sport, and ahead of what is set to be a spectacular atmosphere in the city, we’re here to make it all as easy as possible, whether you plan on walking, cycling, bussing, metro-ing or driving in Paris for the Olympics.
But to better understand how to do all of that, we’ve compiled a guide on the most important detail: the Games Pass. It’s a QR code that you need to apply for to enter certain security zones, whether you’re working, staying, living or attending an event within them. Read on for everything you need to know.
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What’s the deal with QR codes for the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Also known as a ‘Games Pass’, a QR code is needed for getting into various security perimeters which have been set up across the Olympic sites.
Who needs a QR code and why?
According to Sortir, all those who are going into the grey perimeter during the Opening Ceremony and the week before (from July 18) need a Games Pass. This includes everybody: workers, local residents and visitors. These zones have been set up for security purposes, so there won’t be any exceptions for attendees who don’t have a code.
How to get a QR code for the Paris 2024 Olympics
To apply for a Games Pass, you need to do so on this website. You will be asked to fill out an online form, provide photo ID and a supporting document. There are different kinds of passes depending on whether you’re an attendee, a worker, a resident etc, which will impact what your supporting document needs to be.
It could be proof of residence, a restaurant reservation, or proof that you have a parking permit for somewhere in the zone, for example. Given the Games start soon, it’s best to get this done as soon as possible if you haven’t already.
Once your application has been approved, your pass will be emailed to you, and you can either display it on your phone or print it out, but it might take a few days to arrive.
Do I need a digital pass to use the Metro?
No, you don’t need the Games Pass to use the metro, however, some stations within the grey zone will be closed from July 18-26. Read our guide to all the metro closures here.
Safety zones and their rules
There are four perimeters, and they are as follows:
- Grey: this is for competition sites, and athletes, ticketed attendees and accredited people (such as journalists) are allowed within these areas
- Black: this perimeter is an area for pat-downs and searches of anyone going into a competition site.
- Red: the free movement of pedestrians and cyclists, and only people with digital passes can use motor vehicles here.
- Blue: pedestrians and cyclists can also move freely here, but only people with a legitimate reason to go to an address within the blue zone can enter in a motor vehicle.
There’s an interactive city map here, so you can have a look at where they fall in relation to where you’ll be.
How to get through the red and grey zones
A pass is needed for entry to the grey zone, which is also known as SILT (Sécurité intérieure et lutte contre le terrorisme). The red zone requires a receipt for vehicles coming in, but pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to move freely.
In short, the grey zone is an anti-terrorism perimeter, and the red zone is a vehicle restriction perimeter.
How to know which zone you’re in
The grey zone includes the area along the Seine between Pont de Tolbiac and Pont du Garigliano as well as some surrounding streets, including the Trocadero esplanade, the Louvre area, the Tuileries Gardens and the Ile de la Cité, according to The Connexion. Check out our guide to all the zones across the city here, including maps. Alternatively, there’s an interactive city map here, and you can enter your address to see which perimeter it’s located in.
What other security measures are in place for the summer games in Paris?
Throughout the grey and red zones, there’ll be police checkpoints, including at various access points. River traffic on the Seine will be prohibited within the grey zone from 2am on July 20 until midday on July 27. Most bridges within the grey and red zones will be closed after 1pm on July 26.
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