Many EU Member States Are Issuing Digital COVID Certificates

• Information on certificate. The certificate verifies whether a traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19; has recently tested negative on a COVID-19 NAAT (PCR or rapid antigen) test; or has recovered from COVID-19 following a positive NAAT test.

• Acceptable vaccines. EU Member States must accept vaccination certificates for European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines, which currently include Comirnaty (Pfizer BioNtech), Moderna, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and Janssen, and may opt to accept additional vaccines.

• Geographical scope. The EU Digital COVID Certificate is issued to individuals vaccinated, tested, or recovered in the European Union, as confirmed by nationally competent authorities based in the European Union.

• Current issuing countries (updated July 15). Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden (vaccination only) and Switzerland are now issuing certificates through the system. San Marino and Vatican City have successfully tested the digital infrastructure and are likely to begin issuing the certificates shortly. A country tracker is available here.

• Certificate details. The certificate can be issued digitally and/or in paper format, with a QR code, based on a common design to facilitate recognition. Digital certificates can be stored on a mobile device and have a digital signature to confirm authenticity. The certificate is issued free of charge in the national language and in English.

• Issuance process. Each EU Member State will designate national authorities qualified to issue these certificates, including through test centers, health authorities, or automated issuance via an eHealth portal. 

   

• National restrictions continue to apply. The certificate seeks to streamline travel within the EU through the mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and recovery by Member States. However, entry restrictions will still be regulated on a national level, so travelers using the certificates should still check entry permissions for their destination country.

• Entry for non-EU residents. The EU Digital COVID Certificate is not yet interoperable with European Economic Area countries or other non-EU countries. However, the EU is planning to provide further guidance for Member States to allow non-essential travel to non-EU countries based on vaccination certificates.

The Commission proposed the creation of an EU Digital COVID Certificate on March 17.

• July 1 deadline. The EU Digital COVID Certificate must be accepted in all EU Member States by July 1. EU Member States not yet issuing Digital COVID Certificates have a six-week phasing-in period starting July 1. A country tracker is available here.

• Streamlined access for vaccinated travelers. Separately, EU Member States are gradually adopting general entry permissions for vaccinated travelers, in line with the EU Commission’s recommendation. However, the scope of entry permissions for vaccinated travelers varies significantly between countries. 

For up-to-date information on COVID-19-related travel bans, restrictions and concessions, among other information, check Fragomen’s dedicated website.