To facilitate safe, free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Parliament and the Council announced that EU Digital Covid vaccine certificates would only be valid for nine months (270 days) without a booster shot for Intra EU Travel. The purpose of the EU Digital COVID Certificate is to help facilitate free movement and travel within the EU for both EU citizens and non-EU nationals already in the European Union.
This means that all those vaccinated over nine months ago should receive a booster dose in order for their pass to remain valid. Those who do not have the booster shot will have to test for COVID-19 in several situations, including when traveling to the country.
A booster dose following a two-dose full vaccination should record as “3/3” in the certificate. A single-dose vaccination followed by a booster should read “2/1.”
The new rule will come into force on February 1, 2022, and will apply to the 27 EU states. Some countries have mandated it since January 2022.
- Austria is one of the first countries to shorten the validity of vaccination certificates (since December 6, 2021).
- Similarly, the Czech Republic and Switzerland also changed their rules (from January 2022).
- Iceland from Jan 15, 2022.
- The Netherlands from Feb 1, 2022.
- Hungary cuts down Vaccine Certificate validity to 6 Months from February 15, 2022.
- Latvia also set an expiration date on vaccination certificates.
- Greece, too, has shortened the validity of vaccination certificates for 7 months (From February 1, 2022). Those who don’t receive a booster shot within a seven-month time frame would be considered unvaccinated and would be subject to restrictions.
With the prevailing restrictions, Can non-EU citizens travel to the EU?
Under the current EU proposal, non-EU travelers who are fully vaccinated with an EMA (European Medicines Agency) – authorized vaccine should be able to travel to the EU for any purpose.
The EU Member States could accept vaccination certificates from non-EU countries comprising the required data – identification of the person (passport details), type of vaccine, date of vaccination & looking at the ingenuity to verify the authenticity, validity, and integrity of the certificate.
Get up-to-date information on travel and health procedures in European countries, including on quarantine and testing requirements from Reopen EU. This should support you plan your travel in Europe, while staying healthy.
! Disclaimer: The information contained on this blog is for general guidance only. You should not rely upon this information as a basis for making any travel plans, business, legal, or other decisions. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, “Aaditya Tours and Travels” make no representations of any kind, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or validity. Any reliance you place on this information is, therefore, strictly at your own risk.
Travel Safe 😷 Stay Healthy 🙂