EU sets binding nine-month expiration date on its COVID-19 vaccine passport

·

The European Commission on Tuesday adopted rules that will make the European Union COVID-19 certificate valid for travel nine months after the completion of the primary vaccination schedule.

The proposal comes as several EU states introduce additional requirements on travellers in a bid to reduce the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

The new rules will be binding on the 27 EU states from February 1. The rule can be blocked by a qualified majority of EU governments or a simple majority of European Parliament members, but officials have said there is sufficient support for it.

The rule replaces a non-binding recommendation the EU Commission put forward in November.

Once the rule is effective, EU states will be obliged to let fully vaccinated travellers with a valid pass access their territory. However, as an exception justified by a deteriorating situation, they could still impose further requirements, such as negative tests or quarantines, as long as they are proportionate.

Seven EU states are currently requiring fully vaccinated travellers from other EU countries to also show a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, measures some see as damaging the credibility of the EU pass.

The states are Italy, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Latvia, Cyprus and Austria.

“We prefer to use for the free movement in Europe only the certificate without additional measures,” EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said.

He noted that the additional requirements could be justified by concerns caused by the spread of the Omicron variant, but governments had to prove they were proportionate and necessary.

The new rules apply only for international travel.

Governments will be able to have a different duration of the COVID-19 pass for access to events or indoor activities within their territories.

After a booster shot, the validity of the COVID-19 pass will be extended further without a set limit, because at the moment there is not enough information about the duration of protection from boosters, an EU official said.

A primary vaccination schedule for COVID-19 is currently composed in the EU of two shots of vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Moderna, or a single jab of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Ethnic media: A necessary platform informing a multicultural Australia

Independent ethnic media like The Greek Herald play a vital role in Australia’s multicultural landscape, delivering culturally specific news.

From Kythera to Katoomba: Preserving the heritage of the Paragon Café

Founded in 1916 by Greek migrant Jack Simos, Katoomba’s Paragon Café is undergoing long-overdue heritage restoration after years of neglect.

Oakleigh Grammar students selected for prestigious Monash Scholars Program

Oakleigh Grammar is celebrating the selection of three Year 10 students into the prestigious Monash Scholars Program.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia plans revival of historic Mount Gambier church

A historic church in Mount Gambier, South Australia may soon be revived as a place of worship by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

McDermott Aviation finalist in Australian awards amid Greek wildfire deployment

Australia’s heli-aviation operator, McDermott Aviation, has been announced finalist in two categories at the 2025 Australian Aviation Awards.

You May Also Like

Professor Anastasios Tamis: ‘Only the dead tell the truth’

Costas Simitis, as Prime Minister, and his team set up in eight years a new Greece, a new political world.

Cretan youth from Australia and NZ make the most of Greece tour

Cretan youth from across Australia and NZ have completed their 14-day tour of Greece, making many long-lasting memories and new friends.

Cyprus Community of NSW launches fire appeal to support victims of devastating wildfires

"It's a direct means for those that wanted to support from here, because we are the direct contact between us and Cyprus," Andrew Antoniou told The Greek Herald.