It comes into force from today, 1 July, in all countries of the EU, the «European Digital Certificate Covid-19» which harmonises travel rules and makes it easier for citizens to move safely across borders within Europe.
The certificate has already started to be implemented in several countries and is already being used by millions of EU citizens. From today and for the next 12 months, the certificate will be necessary for citizens travelling in all EU countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein and in the next few days it will also be necessary in Switzerland.
The certificate collects various identification data of the holder (name, date of birth) and information about his/her health status against Covid: either vaccination (with information about the type of vaccine and the date of the last dose), negative molecular test (date and type of test), or antibodies after the disease (duration of immunity).
Available in paper or digital format and in two languages (the language of the issuing country and English), the Green Certificate will have a QR Code that can be checked by airlines, ferry or train companies and national authorities.
Based on the regulation governing the Green Certificate, which all EU Member States have agreed to, fully vaccinated citizens (14 days after the second dose or 30 days after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine), those with a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) and those with a certificate of antibodies to Covid-19 will be allowed to travel freely.
The certificate holder will be able to travel within the EU without further travel restrictions (e.g. tests or quarantine). However, in the event of an alarming mutation of the virus, an «emergency brake» is foreseen, with the possibility of reintroducing travel restrictions. These restrictions should be «necessary and proportionate» to safeguard public health. Account should also be taken of available scientific evidence, including data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Additional travel restrictions should be justified and notified to the other Member States and the Commission at least 48 hours before their implementation.
The European Digital Certificate Covid-19 is a temporary tool. It will be suspended when the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of the international health emergency from COVID-19.
