Vaccine requirements for 2021 BNP Paribas Open

The 2021 BNP Paribas Open is right around the corner as fans get ready for the unique event.

"This event is definitely unique this year. We are requiring a digital health pass," said BNP Paribas Open marketing director Philippe Dore. "So we don't want to take any chance we want the best experience the best, the healthiest sporting event."

Anyone in attendance who is 12 years and older are required to show valid proof of full vaccination against the coronavirus to get into the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Vaccination proof is shown through a digital Health Pass before getting to the venue. All tournament volunteers, staff, sponsors, media, and vendors will also be fully vaccinated to adhere to the vaccine policy.

The digital Health Pass is done through the CLEAR app on your mobile phone. To speed up entry into the venue, visitors should download the CLEAR app on the app store and complete their clear health pass as soon as possible.The BNP has step-by-step instructions on its website on how U.S. residents get their free Health Pass through the app. The CLEAR Health Pass is only available to U.S. residents.

For any minors attending who are 12 to 17 years old, you can click here to find out more about their screening process and access.

International residents visiting the Indian Wells Tennis Garden will need to use the LINK Health Pass. There are also separate instructions on how non-U.S. residents access their LINK Health Pass. According to tournament officials, all globally approved vaccines will be accepted.

"You must have a digital health pass on your mobile phone to get in. We will be scanning your phone," said Dore. ""So the benefit of the digital health pass will help you expedite your entry here."

Fans need to be ready with their mobile phone by the time they arrive at the tournament in order to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. BNP Paribas Open officials said they will not accept any paper documentation of vaccine proof. No negative COVID-19 tests will be accepted either.

The BNP Paribas Open considers a person "fully vaccinated" when two weeks have passed since they've done their coronavirus vaccine series. For example, two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine within no more than 12 weeks or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

As far as face masks go, they are not being required at the tournament. For more information on the health and safety guidelines at the 2021 BNP Paribas Open, you can visit their website. If you have any further questions about accessing the tournament, you can find tournament contact information here.

"Even though we're at a different time, it is still tennis paradise. The weather's beautiful. We have all our amenities or food and beverage restaurants," said Dore.