Holidaymakers wanting to soak up the sun in the French capital this summer will have to show a QR code on their smartphones to move around the city and apply for special passes to access certain areas.
Special measures for the upcoming Paris Olympics, which take place from July 26 to August 11, will see security officers man checkpoints around popular areas and scan codes requiring ID.
The checks will largely restrict driving in certain zones, but pedestrians will also have to register to access the area around the River Seine, where the opening ceremony will take place.
The measures are reminiscent of the ‘Covid pass’ measures taken during the pandemic, which required people to check in at places via an app – and raised concerns about the swaths of the European population without access to a smartphone.
It comes at a time of heightened sensitivity for France following a series of terror threats across the country in recent weeks, and the raising of the national security alert to the highest level following a terror attack in Moscow in March.
Up to 45,000 French police and gendarmes will now be deployed every day during the Olympics this summer, while 18,000 troops are also expected to be mobilized, according to government figures.
File photo. France was put on high security alert after the Crocus Hall attack in March
Residents and travelers will be subject to checks in areas surrounding the Olympic Games
Applications for the Pass Jeux (game pass) opened today and require applicants to verify who they are, by sharing basic contact information, a postal address, an email address and an identification photo.
Those planning to travel through the zones in a vehicle will also be required to register their vehicle and provide separate proof of vehicle registration.
The official website explains that those traveling on foot, bicycle or scooter between July 18 and July 26 until 1 p.m. only need a pass to access the immediate area surrounding the event.
After that, access will in any case be reserved for people with tickets for the Olympic Games.
Those traveling in motorized vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, will need a pass to access the same area, as well as an exemption.
They will also need a pass to access a separate ‘red’ perimeter around the Olympic and Paralympic venues, and around the city’s para-cycling event – also subject to an exemption.
Most parts of the city do not fall under the zonal markings and no game passes are required to travel.
Young people under the age of 13 are also not subject to Games Pass.
Within a ‘black perimeter’, which may only be introduced during major events, organizers warn local residents that they will be affected by checks ‘from time to time’.
“To gain access to this perimeter, patrol measures and searches of bags and luggage are organized,” the police explained outlined.
France raised its security threat level in October after a teacher was killed in a knife attack at a school in Arras, northern France.
European security officials continue to warn of possible clashes related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
And last month, Islamic State appeared to call for attacks on Champions League matches in Paris.
A post shared on social media showed photos of the Parc des Princes in Paris, the Emirates Stadium in London and the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, with the words ‘kill them all’ superimposed ahead of the quarter-finals.
ISIS also took responsibility for an attack in Moscow in March that left 144 dead and created security concerns across Europe.
Police will set up checkpoints to scan QR codes for those planning to enter certain areas
Games Pass opened to the public for applications on Monday, May 14
The head of the Paris Olympics has assured that an “unprecedented” security operation is underway, the preparations for which are “good”.
“I want to reassure you that this is non-negotiable. Safety is the priority,” Tony Estanguet said BBC Sports in April.
‘It is the biggest event France has ever organized and we want to show the best of France. So we’re definitely determined to be ready.”
The opening ceremony will still take place outside the capital’s Jardins du Trocadéro, near the Seine – although President Macron previously suggested the venue could be moved if the risk is deemed too high.
An extensive FAQ shared details online about plans for on-site security, including airport-style restrictions on bringing liquids into match venues.
Those that carry water will be asked undergo a ‘taste check’ before entry.
And those leaving a location are also warned that they will not be able to re-enter after disembarking.