Starting on Thursday, July 18th, certain parts of Paris will only be accessible to people who have registered in advance for a QR code, as the massive security operation begins ahead of the Games. 

The first phase of restrictions go into effect from Thursday, eight days in advance of the Olympics opening ceremony, which will take place along a 6km stretch of the River Seine. 

The security zones come in two phases; between July 18th and July 26th a large security zone will stretch along the banks of the Seine – including the Île de la Cité – in central Paris.

Once the opening ceremony is over, the river banks will reopen and the QR code zones will be restricted to small areas around Games venues such as the Place de la Concorde or Les Invalides – this phase lasts until the Games end on September 8th.

Wider security zones will restrict access for drivers, but will remain open – without a QR code – to pedestrians and cyclists.

You can find full details of the exact areas that the security zones cover HERE.

Everyone wanting to enter the SILT security zones will need a QR code – including tourists and visitors staying in hotels/Airbnbs or with friends inside the security zone. Spectators going to Olympic or Paralympic events do not need a QR code, they can show their event ticket instead.

The QR code must be applied for in advance via the dedicated website – full details on how to get the code HERE.

Paris residents are also reminded that they have until Friday to stock up on Metro tickets before prices rise.