EU Digital COVID Certificate Rules Update for Safe Travel

The rules of travel are changing for European Union (EU) citizens and residents in February. For those with a valid EU digital COVID certificate, exploring the continent is about to get easier.

On Tuesday, the EU agreed to a “coordinated approach to facilitate safe free movement” across Europe by lifting restrictions for people with a valid EU digital COVID certificate. Consequently, EU citizens with a valid certificate—proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or recovery—shouldn’t face restrictions such as quarantine or testing upon arrival in another EU destination.

However, additional testing requirements can remain in place for individuals who are unvaccinated or who are not up-to-date with their booster vaccine schedule.

“This recommendation responds to the significant increase in vaccine uptake and the rapid roll-out of the EU Digital Covid certificate, and replaces the previously existing recommendation,” a statement from the European Council says.

Clément Beaune, Secretary of State for European Affairs of France, remarked that the aim is to take a person-based approach when setting out restrictions, rather than focusing on the country from which travelers are arriving. Therefore, more emphasis is placed on individual vaccination status—vaccinated or unvaccinated—rather than the epidemiological situation of a specific country or region within the EU.

Moreover, beginning February 1, the EU will shorten the validity of vaccine status in the COVID certificates to nine months (at most) since a person’s last dose. Here’s a breakdown of these latest rule changes.

Understanding the Active EU Digital COVID Certificate

The EU digital COVID certificate allows EU citizens and residents to easily present their vaccination status for travel within the bloc during the pandemic. According to the EU Council, “travelers in possession of a valid EU digital COVID certificate should not be subject to additional restrictions to free movement.”

To maintain its active status, a booster shot is necessary if more than nine months have elapsed since the last recommended dose of a primary vaccine schedule. This period is nine months following the second shot of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca) or nine months after a Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For individuals who have recovered from the virus, a booster is required nine months post their first and only shot.

Without a booster, travelers can present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of traveling or a negative antigen test conducted within 24 hours.

Additionally, the certificate remains active with proof of recovery, provided that no more than 180 days have passed since the last positive result.

The Nine-Month Time Limit Explained

The nine-month time limit pertains solely to vaccination status and “takes into account the guidance of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) regarding the administration of booster doses as of six months. This includes an additional period of three months to allow for adjustments in national vaccination campaigns and ensure citizens have access to booster shots,” the European Commission stated last month.

Travel Guidelines for Children

Children under 12 are generally exempt from the requirement of a digital COVID certificate for travel without restrictions under EU guidelines.

Uniform Rules Across EU Countries

When the certificates were introduced in June of the previous year, each member state could decide how long to accept the vaccination certificates for travel. However, the new rule on validity aims to be binding across all 27 EU member states with sufficient support.

Nevertheless, France is adopting its own approach, requiring individuals to receive their booster within seven months of the last dose (or two months for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). As of February 15, that timeframe will decrease to four months.

Malta is also going a step further by mandating that individuals receive their booster within three months of their last shot.

Do I Need a New EU Digital COVID Certificate for Travel?

These rules come into effect on February 1, and many governments have already begun issuing new certificates to include booster shot information. Those who have not received a booster shot but had their last jab within the past nine months will still be allowed to use their current vaccination certificates for travel. Individuals who are unvaccinated can continue to travel by presenting a negative COVID-19 test.

Certificate Requirement for Venue Entry

In addition to facilitating travel, many member states require the certificates for access to restaurants, gyms, and various other venues throughout Europe. The new validity rules only affect travel-related uses of the certificates; it remains up to individual countries to decide whether they require individuals to be up-to-date on booster shots for entry to certain venues.

For instance, France has already stipulated that eligible individuals for booster shots must receive one to validate health passes for restaurants, cafes, museums, and public transport.

“The new rules on the acceptance period of vaccination certificates apply for travel. While instituting different rules at the national level, member states are encouraged to align these with the new regulations to offer certainty for travelers and minimize disruptions,” the EU Commission has stated.

Booster Requirement for Non-EU Travelers

The new regulations pertain only to European member states participating in the EU digital COVID certificate program for intra-EU travel. Each country is responsible for determining its entry rules for visitors from outside the bloc.

For comprehensive information regarding COVID-19 and travel guidelines, please explore relevant health resources.

This article has been updated to reflect the latest changes as of January 26, 2022.