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.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Applications open for the Cultural Program of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney 2026

Submissions are open for the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney - artists, performers, writers and creatives are invited to apply by 21 November.

Greeks and Serbs unite in Sydney for 31st Annual Day of Friendship

The Greek and Serbian communities of Sydney came together for the 31st Annual Greek-Serbian Orthodox & Cultural Friendship Day.

When grammar meets glendi at Melbourne’s Greek School Celebration

The Stars International Reception Hall in Preston pulsed with music, laughter, and the sound of Greek on Saturday night.

‘It was fate’: Renos Haralambidis to attend Sydney Greek Film Festival milestone

Renowned Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis will be guest of honour at the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney this October.

Canberra’s Hellenic Youth Club brings back Bouzouki Night 2025

The Hellenic Youth Club of Canberra (HYC) has announced the much-anticipated return of its signature Bouzouki Night.

You May Also Like

New Liverpool signing Kostas Tsimikas reportedly tests positive for coronavirus

Greece’s Sport 24 are claiming that the 24-year-old has been diagnosed with coronavirus, based on reports from sources within the federation.

Ambassador Duncan hosts luncheon for Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop Makarios

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended a luncheon on Friday, hosted by Australian Ambassador Alison Duncan at her residence in Athens.

Greek Australian SA police officer Joanne Shanahan to be farewelled next week

Greek Australian chief Superintendent Shanahan will be remembered by her family in a service, on May 8 at 11:00am, said SA Police Chief Comissioner