Guernsey travellers in France could face restrictions for weeks

Saturday 31 July 2021

People vaccinated in Guernsey could be barred from trains, bars, restaurants and other venues in France for weeks, because the Bailiwick's vaccination certificates do not include a QR code compatible with the country's 'pass sanitaire'.

From Sunday 1 August, new requirements will take effect in France requiring people to demonstrate their Covid-19 status through the French health pass.

This will be required to use certain forms of transport, such as trains, plus a range of services and venues including bars, restaurants, museums, and cinemas.

People will have to show a QR code demonstrating their vaccination. Alternatively, the States says that travellers will be able to secure access to these places by showing a negative PCR or antigen test from within the last 48 hours. 

The States of Guernsey acknowledged that work needs to be done to prevent residents from being disadvantaged. However, a permanent solution could take weeks. 

"We are aware that there could be potential difficulties facing Guernsey-vaccinated individuals who are travelling in France, as Guernsey-issued certificates do not currently include a QR code," said a spokesperson.

"Work is ongoing with the UK to try to resolve this matter as soon as possible, but individuals travelling imminently to France should be aware that there could be impacts for some weeks to come. 

"Any islanders travelling should check the requirements for the locations they are visiting prior to travel and be sure to keep up to date with any changes that might be implemented while they are away from the Bailiwick."

The health pass has drummed up a lot of controversy in France.

One Saint Malo restaurant owner recently said he had packed a bag ready for prison and set aside €45,000 to pay a fine because he would not be forcing his clients to offer proof of health status to enter.

France has also made the covid jab mandatory for health workers and the Health Minister has now unveiled a plan to send pupils who have not been vaccinated home from school in the event of a covid-19 outbreak while allowing vaccinated pupils to stay.

The country has authorised vaccinations for children aged 12 to 17, while this has not yet received approval from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which Guernsey follows.