From February 1st, things will change for travelers in Europe. It gets easier. What should apply to the recovered, vaccinated and unvaccinated in the 27 member countries.
Brussels – Traveling is still quite complicated at the moment. Different Corona* rules apply depending on the destination country. From February 1, 2022, this should end the confusion of rules at least when entering the country – at least in the 27 countries of the European Union*. From this date, uniform entry rules should apply. When entering the country, it then depends on the vaccination or convalescent status of the traveler and no longer on the infection situation in the country of origin. A valid digital COVID certificate from the EU is now important. It provides information on whether someone has been vaccinated, recovered or has currently tested negative.
What does that mean now exactly? What do holidaymakers have to consider now? Which documents are necessary – or which vaccination certificate or COVID certificate from the EU must be submitted?
Holidays in the EU: What will change from February 1st?
Those who have been vaccinated or have recovered therefore no longer need an additional PCR or antigen test* to enter another EU country. Proof of your own vaccination and recovery status must be presented via the digital COVID certificate, which is valid throughout Europe. In Germany, this is the QR code in the Corona warning app or the QR code via the CovPass app.
What does this apply to vaccinated people in the EU? When is an EU COVID digital certificate valid?
People who have been vaccinated can move freely in the EU. Upon entry, they must present a valid digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
- The most important change for vaccinated people from February 1st: The digital EU vaccination certificate is only valid for nine months . Everyone has a valid corona vaccination certificate 14 days after the complete corona vaccination and a maximum of 270 days after the basic immunization. Without a booster*, the EU vaccination certificates are invalid after the nine-month period has expired. A booster vaccination is required. Previously, the basic immunization was valid for twelve months.
- Booster: Those vaccinated with a booster may enter EU countries without a PCR or antigen test. Nine months after the basic immunization, the digital EU Corona vaccination certificate is only valid with a booster. It is initially unclear how long the booster will be valid.
What applies to those who have recovered when entering an EU country?
- For those who have recovered, their corona certificate should be valid for 180 days across the EU, i.e. six months.
- In Germany, however, this period has been reduced to three months for those who have recovered. Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) announced that he now wants to work at EU level for a valid convalescent status of three instead of six months.
- But: If the six months have expired, those affected must have boosters.
What applies to unvaccinated people entering the EU after February 1, 2022?
- Unvaccinated: From February 1st, unvaccinated travelers from EU countries only need a negative PCR test (72 hours) or a negative rapid antigen test that is less than 24 hours old. They should be allowed to enter anywhere.
Traveling in the EU: exception for children
Children under the age of 12 are allowed to travel without a valid vaccination certificate. For 12 to 18 year olds the same rules apply as for adults.
Italy wants to relax entry rules from February – will Austria follow suit?
Holidaymakers in Italy can expect relaxed corona entry rules from February 1st. From February 1, travelers from EU countries only need either a negative corona test or proof of vaccination or recovery when they come to Italy, as a spokesman for the Ministry of Health said on Thursday (January 27) when asked. In Italy* the proofs are called “Green Pass”. The QR codes for vaccinations used in Germany are also valid in Italy. So far, all travellers, including those who have been vaccinated against the corona virus and those who have recovered, also had to show a negative corona test.
It is initially unclear whether all other EU countries will also comply with the new rules. While the 27 member countries agreed on these recommendations this week, when it comes to health policy, member countries are largely in charge. Some countries such as Austria* currently still require a PCR proof for all vaccinated and recovered people without a booster. Those entering Austria without 2G proof (vaccination or recovery) must be in quarantine for ten days and can test themselves free after five days at the earliest.
What else do I have to consider when I go on vacation?
Travelers should continue to take a close look at the country-specific corona rules – especially in the travel advice of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. It is still up to the Member States whether, for example, a corona test remains mandatory for those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered, for example for restaurant or cinema visits in the respective travel country. The corona rules will be significantly simplified in Denmark from Tuesday: It is the first EU country to abolish all national requirements such as the health pass requirement and the requirement to wear a mask. (ml with material from dpa and afp). *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
Rubriklistenbild: © Robert Poorten/image
