QR codes are now needed for access to some parts of Paris, as the security setup ahead of the Olympic Games begins just over a week before the Opening Ceremony.
Most of the restrictions are in place along the Seine river, up to the Pont d’Ivry (Val-de-Marne). The Opening Ceremony will take place on the river on July 26.
There are two restricted zones that work like a ‘double perimeter’. The first is a larger ‘red zone’, within which is an even stricter ‘grey zone’. The latter is the anti-terrorist protection zone.
The zones apply to cars, cyclists, public transport users, and even pedestrians. People who enter the zone can also expect to receive pat-downs and bag searches from officials, and be asked to present ‘supporting documents at checkpoints’ to prove their reason for entering.
“The decision has been taken to put these zones in place, not two or three hours before the start of the parade, but several days in advance [to face up to] the security challenge that exists around the ceremony,†said Paris Police prefect, Laurent Nuñez, at a press conference in November 2023.
The anticiperlesjeux.gouv.fr website has an interactive map allowing people to search for the restrictions that may affect themanticiperlesjeux.gouv.fr
Cyclists and pedestrians can freely come and go from the larger ‘red zone’.
Vehicles and drivers
Grey zone (inner): All motorised vehicles will be almost entirely banned from the ‘grey zone’. Even emergency vehicles will be required to show a valid QR code pass. Only rare ‘duly justified’ entries will be allowed, said the police prefecture.
Red zone (outer): Forbidden to drivers of cars or motor bikes, but with more exceptions.
Exceptions include:
Local residents who have a designated car parking space within the zone
Those with disabilities
Those in certain professions (as detailed in the prefecture's document)
Buses and taxis taking people to an important transport hub within the zone, for example to Austerlitz station.
Access will still be subject to ‘presentation of supporting documents at checkpoints’, but no QR Code will be required.
After the Opening Ceremony has taken place, further red zones will be set up, and a QR code will be needed for entry to these areas.
Some stations have already closed but will reopen after the Opening Ceremony, while others will be closed throughout the Games, and others will open and close on an ad-hoc basis as the Games continue.
Bus lines and tramways are also affected, with many RATP routes closed or disrupted. The most affected lines in Ile-de-France include:
Train: Line J (direction Ermont-Eaubonne), line L (direction Versailles Rive Droite), line N, line P (direction Meaux) and line U
RER: B, C and D
Transport network RATP has shared a map of the stations, bus routes and tramway lines affected between . There is also (the day of the Opening Ceremony) when transport services will be even more limited.
The red and grey QR codes have come into force three days after special ‘Olympic lanes’ have opened on 185 km of road around the capital.
Detailed information on the closures of roads, public transport, and the red and grey zones can be found on the Transport Ministry’s dedicated website, (available in ‘EN - English’ via the translate dropdown menu at the top right of the site).
This website also includes showing which roads, public transport, and areas of the capital are affected and when. You can enter an address into the search bar, and check the restrictions in place - whether you are travelling by car or public transport.
How can I get a ‘Pass Jeux’ QR code?
Head to the dedicated website, , and select the correct option. You will then be directed through a web form asking you to select your transport type and the reason that you need access.
You will then be asked for contact details, and to provide proof of the reason you have selected.
A ‘Pass Jeux’ does not grant access to Olympics events; you will need a valid ticket for each.