EU Reveals New Vaccine Passport To Be Rolled Out For Summer Travel

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Last Updated 3 years ago

The EU has released information on a new vaccine passport called the Digital Green Certificate that is expected to be rolled out by summer. The proposal will make travel easier between all countries of the EU and non-EU Member States such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The United Kingdom was noticeably absent from being included in the plans.

The rollout will mean quarantining and other travel-related restrictions would be mostly eliminated.

How The Digital Green Certificate Will Work

The Digital Green Certificate (DGC) is the EU's format of a vaccine passport. The DGC will contain relevant information about the traveler that will allow for free travel across the European Union.

The DGC will cover three types of Covid-19 certificates that a traveler can use present proof they do not pose a risk to the country they are entering.

The Three Types of Certificates the DGC will Cover

1. Proof that a traveler has been vaccinated
2. Proof that a traveler has tested negative (including NAAT/RT-PCR test or a rapid antigen test)
3. Proof that a traveler has recovered from Covid-19

Cost and Format Of Digital Green Certificate

The DGC will be provided free of charge to all countries within the EU and non-EU Member States including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The DGC will come in either paper or digital format that will include a QR code that can be scanned to confirm the authenticity of the certificate.

The DGC Will Not Discriminate Against Non-Vaccinated Travelers

To prevent discrimination against individuals who are not vaccinated, the Commission created the DGC to also include COVID-19 test certificates and certificates for persons who have recovered from COVID-19.

Being vaccinated will not be a pre-condition to travel. All EU citizens have the right to free movement in the EU and this applies regardless of whether they are vaccinated against Covid-19 or not.

When The Digital Green Certificate Will Be Implemented

The EU plans to have the proper software and digital infrastructure in place by summer. Each member state will need to prepare for the rollout and issue the Digital Green Certificates to its citizens.

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