The EU Digital COVID Certificate has been in operation across Europe for a few months. It is valid for all 27 European Union member countries as well as some other non-EU states. It is available upon application to all EU citizens and residents who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from the disease.
Quarantine or self-isolation requirements for visitors have been relaxed or discontinued in many European countries. However, they are still mandatory in some countries. If coronavirus case numbers rise or a new variant of the virus emerges, such measures could yet again be put into effect.
EU DCC holders can move more freely throughout Europe. In some countries, there is a requirement for both nationals and foreigners to be in possession of a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate to access public buildings and places.
Background and purpose of the EU DCC
The EU DCC was initially introduced as a temporary measure to ensure that visitors to any European destination were free from the coronavirus. Its primary purpose was to enable as much movement as possible while still prioritizing the health and safety of individuals. Originally, the EU DCC scheme was scheduled to expire by the end of June 2022. However, a recent European Commission proposal suggests that the scheme may be extended for another full year until June 2025, providing greater flexibility for travelers.
The EU DCC is essentially an official document that serves as proof that the holder has met one of the following criteria:
- Been fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Received a recent negative test
- Recovered from coronavirus
During the height of the pandemic, travel restrictions were strictly enforced, and it was nearly impossible to travel by plane or boat to, from, or within the European region. Many countries even denied entry to non-nationals, which had a disastrous impact on tourism and trade. In response, restoring cross-continental travel quickly became an economic necessity. The EU DCC has been a vital tool in achieving this goal by allowing travelers to move more freely while also promoting safety measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The EU DCC, or European Union Digital COVID Certificate, has been widely recognized as the most secure and reliable method to reopen land, sea, and air connections throughout Europe. This is due to several key factors, including:
- Accessibility to all border security authorities
- Record keeping of essential personal information and data
- Proof of vaccination
- Details of PCR and antigen tests
- Demonstration of recovery from infection
As a result of the comprehensive information provided by the EU DCC, countries have been able to relax restrictions on incoming visitors who possess a COVID Digital Certificate. This has resulted in air and sea carriers being able to increase passenger numbers and scheduled services, contributing to the revival of the travel and tourism industry in Europe.
Functionality of the EU DCC System
The EU DCC, is an electronically generated certificate that is usually issued by a hospital or medical centre to individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, received negative test results, or recovered from the disease. To ensure its validity and security, each issuer is assigned a unique digital signature key that is stored on secure databases in the countries where the certificate is accepted. Additionally, every EU DCC contains its own unique QR (Quick Response) Code that can be scanned by relevant authorities when leaving or entering a country. The scan serves to verify the holder’s identity and COVID-19 status, without allowing access to the individual’s personal details.
In order for the EU DCC system to function efficiently and seamlessly, the EU Gateway was developed. The EU Gateway is a technological system that regulates the use and verification of each EU DCC. It was rapidly developed and became operational on the 1st of June 2021. A month later, it was officially implemented across the European zone, enabling its full utilization as a means of verifying the COVID-19 status of individuals traveling across Europe. The EU Gateway is a vital component of the EU DCC system and ensures that it functions as a reliable and secure tool for border security and health authorities.
Extent of the EU DCC System’s Coverage and Acceptance
If you plan to travel to any of the 27 European Union (EU) member countries or four non-EU countries that are part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), you may need to have a Digital COVID Certificate. These countries include:
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
- Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
The primary purpose of the EU DCC system is to facilitate travel for EU citizens within the greater European area. However, other countries outside of Europe have also adopted the system for its benefits. Currently, there are 29 countries that are neither members of the EU nor EFTA but accept the European certificate for entry purposes:
- Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Cape Verde, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and The Vatican.
On the other hand, the EU authorities recognize the COVID certificates issued by these 29 countries.
Availability of the EU DCC for Third-Country Nationals
Third-country nationals, or individuals who are citizens of countries outside the European Union, may also be eligible to receive an EU DCC, subject to certain conditions. For third-country nationals who are not resident in Europe, obtaining a EU DCC is contingent upon providing proof of receiving an authorized COVID-19 vaccine. However, it is important to note that not all non-EU citizens are eligible for the EU DCC at all times.
On the other hand, third-country nationals who reside in Europe and have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in their host country are automatically entitled to receive an EU DCC without any hindrances. This provision ensures that all individuals, regardless of their nationality, are able to move more freely and confidently within the European zone while adhering to the highest standards of public health and safety. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that there may be certain limitations or variations in the availability of the EU DCC for third-country nationals, depending on their country of origin, vaccination status, and other factors.
Availability of the COVID Certificate for British Citizens
With Britain’s departure from the EU, British citizens are now classified as third-country nationals, and travelling to Europe has become more complicated than it was before Brexit. In 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become operational, and British visitors to Europe will be required to possess an ETIAS-approved passport. Although a valid British passport is still acceptable at the moment, travellers may also need to show a COVID Certificate before embarking on a trip to Europe.
Fortunately, the NHS COVID Pass, which is issued by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, is recognised by European authorities and is considered acceptable. However, depending on the destination, British travellers may still need to undergo a COVID test in addition to providing evidence of vaccination.
Advantages of Implementing the EU DCC System
The EU DCC, or European Union Digital COVID Certificate, was introduced with the primary objective of reducing the transmission of COVID-19 within Europe by effectively screening travelers. Furthermore, it was anticipated that the implementation of the EU DCC would help to revitalize the European economy by increasing the number of visitors to the continent, thereby bolstering trade, business, and tourism.
The EU DCC system enables border authorities to assess an individual’s COVID-19 status, including their vaccination history, recovery status, and test results, thereby allowing low-risk individuals to travel more freely. During the early stages of the pandemic, international travel was severely restricted, and only essential travel was permitted, leading to a significant decline in tourism and trade. Many countries opted to close their borders to all foreigners, resulting in significant financial losses for the European Union.
The implementation of the EU DCC system has been largely successful, with numerous benefits including:
- EU citizens and foreign visitors can now travel with greater safety and peace of mind.
- Transportation and transit enterprises can function at near-regular levels.
- Money is flowing more easily around the European Union, resulting in a welcome upturn in income for businesses, both large and small.
- Although passenger numbers are not yet back to pre-COVID levels, the number of passengers on flights and ferries across Europe is steadily increasing and expected to approach “near normal” as people adapt to the current global situation.
Overall, the EU DCC system has proven to be an effective means of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 while simultaneously promoting the free movement of individuals and the revitalization of the European economy.
Overview of the EU Digital COVID Certificate
The EU Digital COVID Certificate is available for all EU citizens and foreign nationals residing in participating countries. It can be obtained for free in digital or paper format by those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Each certificate has a unique QR code that can be scanned by authorities across Europe and participating countries. It is valid for 270 days after the last vaccination date.
Many travel operators, especially airlines, require passengers to have a EU Digital COVID Certificate before traveling within Europe. National versions, like the NHS COVID Pass, may be accepted in participating countries. The EU DCC has been effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and is mandatory for incoming visitors in some EU member countries until June 2023.
It is important to note that possession of a EU Digital COVID Certificate does not guarantee exemption from test or quarantine requirements. Entry requirements for incoming visitors are determined by individual countries and should always be checked before travel.
Information Included on the EU Digital COVID Certificate
As the demand for COVID Certificates increases, some individuals may be concerned about the personal information that may be included on the certificate. However, there is no need to worry, as the only information contained on the certificate is basic and can easily be obtained from a passport. The information included is:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Date of Issue (important as certificates are only valid for 270 days)
- Details of COVID vaccination, recovery, or recent tests
- Unique identification number
The purpose of this information is simply to identify the holder and provide details of their COVID history. The COVID details may include whether the holder has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, received a booster vaccine, recovered from the virus in the past six months, or recently tested negative for COVID-19. There are five types of EU DCC, and the type issued to an individual will depend on their COVID history. These variations are:
- EU DCC based on vaccination for fully vaccinated individuals
- EU DCC is based on a booster vaccine for those who have received both full vaccination and a booster shot
- EU DCC based on recovery for those who had a positive COVID-19 test in the preceding six months
- EU DCC based on a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel
- EU DCC is based on a negative antigen test taken at a recognized testing center no more than 48 hours before travel
It is important to note that a negative antigen test may not be accepted in all countries, and travelers should check the entry requirements for their destination. When receiving a vaccine, booster shot, or COVID test, it is essential to give the same name as it appears on the passport to avoid any confusion while traveling.
Final Thoughts on EU DCC
The European Union has implemented the EU Digital COVID Certificate as part of its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. While the certificate has proven to be effective in allowing travelers to move more freely throughout the EU, the fight against the virus is ongoing. While the current extension of the certification is set to expire in June 2025, it’s possible that the EU could extend the program further if necessary. As the situation surrounding the pandemic is constantly evolving, travelers should be prepared for the possibility that COVID-19 certifications could remain in place for several years to come.