Navigating the Pass Jeux: Travel to Paris During the 2024 Olympics
Are you planning a trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics? You’re in for an unforgettable experience, and the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower are installed in stunning fashion. However, before you pack your bags and set off for the City of Light, there’s one crucial step you need to take: applying for the Pass Jeux / Games Pass.
This essential QR code pass will grant you access to various Olympic venues, hotels, or reservations in “grey” zones, and ensure a smooth, hassle-free visit. During our trip, we found the security personnel to be kind and true to enforcing the rules. Once through the security barricade with a Pass Jeux, it’s quite quiet and surreal.
Knowing where to begin and which sites to trust is tricky, with information scattered across multiple sources. From understanding the application process to knowing what to do once you receive your Pass Jeux, we’ve got you covered with ease.
Navigate the Pass Jeux below and have a très bien trip, n’est-ce pas?! Get inspired before you leave with a list of 10 easy-to-find Instagrammable restaurants in Paris. Perhaps you only have limited time in France — if so, use our 2 days in Paris guide to plan your trip with ease.
Visit our travel insider resources if you want easy and effortless travel overall.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like tour links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and end up booking. That said, we would never recommend something we don’t stand behind 100%.
The Pass Jeux for the 2024 Olympics
The Pass Jeux is a special QR code issued to visitors attending the 2024 Olympics in Paris, or staying in Paris starting July 18th through the opening ceremonies. This digital pass is designed to streamline access to Olympic venues, ensuring a secure and efficient entry process, specifically in the “grey” and “red” zone areas (specified here). You must register to receive the pass.
This new process was announced in May 2024, meaning you probably booked your travel before knowing about this pass. Let’s get you up to speed and applying in time. Olympic events start July 24th, but the pass is needed starting with July 18th travel. A ton more information is available on the Official Pass Jeux site (pictured below). The dates you need the Pass Jeux to visit key attractions and areas of Paris (even if you aren’t attending the Olympics) are July 18-July 26, 2024.
The rationale for the Pass Jeux
This QR code is required for Olympic venue entry within designated security perimeters. During one of the world’s largest sporting events, security is the primary reason for this pass (along with crowd control in general, and city preservation).
Pass Jeux Before/During the 2024 Olympics
Before the Olympics: US residents must request a Pass Jeux to access the grey perimeter around the opening Ceremony from July 18 to July 26 until 1:00 p.m. Your hotel or attractions may be in this zone.
During the Olympics: The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are scheduled for July 24 to August 11 and from August 28 to September 8, 2024, respectively. You will also need a Pass Jeux if you have tickets to these events.
Need a cell phone data plan while abroad? See how an eSIM for travel is an easy option.
Pass Jeux FAQs for US Residents
How to Apply for the Pass Jeux
Visit the Pass Jeux official site: https://www.pass-jeux.gouv.fr/en/
Follow the instructions on the site. In the most basic form, you need the pass if 1) you are attending any competitive events or 2) you will be anywhere in a grey zone July 18-26. If you are a US visitor with a hotel reservation in the grey zone, go to “Resident” and follow the prompts as a temporary resident. You must provide proof, like a booking receipt showing your travel dates.
Can we trust the Pass Jeux site? (It asks for sensitive information)
Please determine your own comfort, but the Official Pass Jeux site is in various news articles and pointed to from a French government website.
We confirmed with a hotel in the “grey” zone, that you need a QR code to accompany your reservation.
Do children need a Pass Jeux?
No — While an answer could not be found on the official site, you can not register a Resident or Visitor pass for anyone born after January 1, 2012. So, any kids younger than this age should not need a pass, based on this research.
What information do I need to submit?
There are a few Pass Jeux requirements that you need to submit.
For a traveler without a car, the site asks for the following:
– Name and Surname, Place and Date of Birth, Email address, and Address.
You need to provide both information AND an attachment regarding:
– Copy of an identity document (most will use a passport)
– Identity photo (individual photo against light-colored background, no filters)
– Proof of access to the zone (attachment showing your booking confirmation or sworn statement)
Is the Official Pass Jeux site in English?
The official site has two main language options which you can toggle between — FR (French) or EN (English).
The site is translated from French to English and the informational video is also in French. But you can find your way, n’est pas?
Do I need a Pass Jeux for my booked hotel?
Check the address of where you are visiting using the official site’s address-checking tool. If your stay is in a grey zone before the Olympics, you must register for a Pass Jeux. Your hotel will likely reach out to you directly with details.
The interactive map is not fully prepared for English, but make your way the best you can. If in doubt, ask your hotel directly if you need a Pass Jeux.
Do you still need to book a hotel?
Insider tip for registering for the Pass Jeux.
Gather the needed digital documents and files in a folder on your computer before you start the process. You’ll want to do it all at once because there is no login or account to save your progress when filling in the information. It all needs to be filled in and submitted in one session.
Instructions after receiving your Pass Jeux
When your Pass Jeux is approved, an email will come from Pass Jeux <noreply@pass-jeux.gouv.fr>. The text should read as follows and it will have the pass itself as an attachment. Passes are sent directly to the pass holder’s email (not the one who put in the request).
ProTip: Download on your phone AND keep a printout copy with you during your travels. The security guards have QR scanners, but they don’t always scan correctly. The printout version works every time!
Taking an early morning flight? See our early morning flight tips.
Next steps when waiting for your Pass Jeux
Language learning
Brushing up on language skills enhances your travel experience by immersing you more deeply in the culture. These are our two favorite language-learning programs.
- Babble – For the more casual traveler, Babble teaches practical conversation skills with short, interactive lessons, ideal for quick learning.
- Rosetta Stone – For the language enthusiast, Rosetta Stone emphasizes immersive language learning designed to mimic natural language acquisition.
Book experiences
During the Olympics, the Seine is closed to the typical boat tours but there are still plenty of experiences to add to your trip. Here are some favorites:
- Disneyland 1 Day Pass – Need we say more?
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show – Enjoy while visiting Montmartre.
- Giverny & Versailles Day Trip – The Claude Monet grounds are magical.
- Macaron Class – Lesser known view of the Eiffel Tower from this location, when you’re done.
Summary of the Pass Jeux for US Residents
Yes, if you are headed to the 2024 Olympics or Paris the week before the 2024 Olympics, get a Pass Jeux from the Official Pass Jeux site. Please let us know if you have any tips/comments/questions as you register for a pass, and we will update this guide.
Au revoir, mon amis, and happy, breezy travels.
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