Did you miss him ? Trivialized at the heart of the Covid-19 crisis, the QR Code is brought up to date by the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, who announced its return for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, on July 26th.
In order to secure the highly anticipated event on the Seine, it will be necessary to enter and circulate in certain areas of central Paris. But then who should take it? We tell you everything.
Where will this QR Code be needed in Paris?
Several sectors in the capital will be cordoned off. Mainly around places hosting sporting events. And it starts with the banks of the Seine where the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place.
All the “blue zones” which, from the Bercy bridge to the Trocadéro, run along the river, are affected. The “Silt” perimeter (from the Internal Security and Fight against Terrorism law) is particularly affected by these QR Code restrictions. These areas include many high-traffic sites such as train stations, the banks of the Seine or museums.
Who will have to present the precious sesame?
Basically, everyone. Gérald Darmanin clarified this Tuesday at a press conference that “all people” whose final destination is inside the “blue zones” must be able to present a QR Code.
Does the rule apply to those who work on site? Or medical emergencies?
The minister said everyone! More seriously, Gérald Darmanin specified that anyone wishing to enter these areas must bring their QR Code and an identity document. So, restaurants, dermatologists or museums must be able to be scanned.
However, certain measures should be taken to streamline the process and relieve the 45,000 gendarmes and police officers present in the areas to control and secure. Thus, certain museums, such as the Louvre, should be able to offer entrances without a QR Code.
For travelers, it should be possible to reach the Lyon and Austerlitz stations with proof of a train ticket if the latter were included in the scope, but the modalities remain to be confirmed for the moment.
On the other hand, spectators, ticket holders for the opening ceremony, will be exempt from QR codes. Certain exceptions will be studied very soon. Medical professions, for example, could be exempted.
But what if I live in one of these areas?
According to the Paris police headquarters, around 20,000 people live within the area affected by the QR Code. And for the moment, there is no question of granting them an exemption. The same goes for people who rent accommodation (Airbnb for example).
Overall, anyone likely to be traveling in Paris during the Olympic Games is advised to bring their QR Code to avoid any blockages.
When will this measure be applied?
About seven days before the opening ceremony on July 26. The areas in which the QR Code will be required will vary depending on the events. Also, to ensure you can travel in Paris, it is preferable to do so in advance and make the request on the website from May 10 and the opening of the dedicated online platform. All you have to do is fill out a civil status form to receive it.
Do I need to have ID?
ID will not be required to obtain the QR Code. On the other hand, it may be requested when entering one of the areas, so it is obligatory to always have it with you so that the police can carry out a check in their files when entering. within secure perimeters.
I don’t have a smartphone, what should I do?
The QR Code also works on paper. As during the coronavirus crisis, it will be possible to print it on one piece of paper, and even on two or three to place in your coat, bag or car for the most cautious.
If it is not specified which smartphones will be likely to accommodate the digital QR Code, it seems obvious that all terminals with IOS (Iphone) or Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) will be there . If in doubt, as in the good old days of travel certificates, it will probably be possible to download them in PDF to your smartphone or tablet.
I don’t even have an internet connection
For those who have neither a smartphone nor an Internet connection, communication should be deployed by the Ministry of the Interior, the police headquarters and Paris City Hall to “help people register,” said Gérald. Darmanin who also assured that the police will be able to exercise discernment: “If a 95-year-old gentleman arrives with his identity document, we will do the work with him. » It remains to be seen whether the treatment will be the same for a foreign visitor who comes to attend the games and who has not requested a QR Code.
How to cross Paris without having to go through controls?
During the week of preparation for the opening ceremony, Parisians will be offered “five possibilities to cross Paris” from north to south without the need for a QR code.
Via a pedestrian bridge, the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor footbridge, or four bridges both pedestrian and automobile which will remain open until 1 p.m. on the day of the ceremony without having to register and present a QR Code. Likewise, during the latter, the metros will continue to circulate but will not serve the stations located within the perimeter.