The European Union Digital Covid Certificate, also known as the COVID-19 pass, will have a validity period of 9 months (270 days) without requiring a booster, starting from 1st February 2022.

Validity for EU Residents and Citizens

EU residents and citizens will be able to utilize the COVID-19 pass for intra-EU travel for a period of 9 months following their full vaccination. However, it is important to note that the certificate will only remain valid beyond this timeframe if individuals receive a booster shot.

Confirmation by the European Commission

The European Commission has officially confirmed the duration of the validity period through a press release issued on 21st December 2022. This decision has been made based on scientific evidence and with the aim of ensuring coordinated travel measures across the entire EU.

Importance of Harmonized Validity Period

Stella Kyriakides, the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, emphasized the necessity of having a harmonized validity period for the EU Digital Covid Certificate. This harmonization ensures safe free movement and coordination at the EU level.

In summary, the European Union Digital Covid Certificate will be valid for 9 months (270 days) without a booster, starting from 1st February 2022. However, for continued validity beyond this period, individuals will need to receive a booster shot. This decision was made by the European Commission to ensure coordinated travel measures and is supported by Stella Kyriakides, the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

Is there scientific evidence supporting a 9-month validity period for COVID-19 vaccines?

The 9-month validity period for COVID-19 vaccines takes into account advice from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). According to the ECDC, booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines should be administered within 6 months of completing the full vaccination cycle.

Validity Rules for Intra-EU Travel

Validity rules do apply to travel within the European Union (EU). The EU Digital COVID Certificate, which serves as a vaccine passport, remains valid for 6 months after the completion of the full vaccination cycle. In addition, an extra 3 months are allowed to accommodate access to booster shots. This results in a total validity period of 9 months, equivalent to 270 days, from the date of the initial vaccination.

Recording Booster Shots on Vaccine Passports

After receiving a booster shot, the validity of the vaccine passport will be extended without a specific time limit. The current scientific data is insufficient to determine the duration of protection provided by the booster dose. Therefore, the vaccine passport will continue to be considered valid following the administration of the booster shot until further guidance is available.

Success Story of the EU Digital COVID Certificate

The EU Digital COVID Certificate has been successful in managing the pandemic within the European Union. It provides a standardized and interoperable system for verifying an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status, test results, or recovery from the virus. The digital certificate enables smooth and secure cross-border travel within the EU, facilitating the safe movement of individuals while mitigating the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Its implementation has streamlined travel processes and contributed to the overall management of the pandemic within the EU.

Do validity rules apply to travel within the European Union?

In February, new rules regarding travel purposes will come into effect, bringing significant changes for European Union (EU) citizens and residents. These rules primarily revolve around the use of a vaccination certificate, known as the EU Digital Covid Certificate. This document has been instrumental in facilitating movement within the EU, allowing individuals to travel between countries during the pandemic without facing coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

Key Features of the Rules

One of the key aspects emphasized by Didier Reynders, the Commissioner of Justice, is the importance of the accepted validity period for uninterrupted travel. 

• Validity period: The certificate will remain valid for 9 months.
• Certainty for travel planning: Citizens and businesses can confidently plan their travels without disruptions.
• Peace of mind: The accepted validity period provides certainty and peace of mind to those intending to travel.

Expansion into Other Areas

Moreover, several European nations have expanded the use of the vaccination certificate beyond travel purposes. To enter restaurants, gyms, and other public spaces in certain countries, individuals are required to present the EU Digital Covid Certificate or a similar vaccination certificate. This extension aims to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens and residents, while also facilitating the reopening of various sectors of society.

National Application of Validity Period

• Member States are encouraged to adopt the 9-month validity period for vaccination certificates at a national level.
• This standardization promotes clarity and consistency for citizens and residents across different countries.
• Having a unified understanding of the certificate's duration enables individuals to plan their activities and make informed travel decisions.

Should booster shots be recorded on vaccine passports?

In response to the emergence of the omicron variant and the need to enhance protection against COVID-19, the EU Commission has introduced updated guidelines for recording booster shots on vaccination certificates. These guidelines aim to ensure clear and consistent documentation of individuals' vaccination status.

The following rules have been established for recording booster jabs:

1. Booster following 2-dose full vaccination will be recorded as 3/3.
2. Booster following single-dose vaccination will be recorded as 2/1.

To address the evolving threat of the omicron variant, EU member states are actively working to expedite their booster programs. Based on expert recommendations, it is advised that booster shots be administered to all individuals aged 18 and above. By prioritizing booster vaccinations, the aim is to reinforce immunity and provide enhanced protection against COVID-19, reducing the risk of severe illness and transmission within the population.

How has the EU Digital COVID Certificate been successful in managing the pandemic?

The EU Digital COVID Certificate has emerged as a remarkable success in facilitating safe travel within the European Union. In a press release, Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, hailed the certificate as a 'global standard' in managing the pandemic.

• The EU Digital COVID Certificate has been operational since July 2021.
• According to the latest data from the EU, over 807 million certificates have been issued to date.
• The certificate serves as proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result.
• It has played a pivotal role in enabling seamless travel across EU member states.
• The certificate has been widely adopted and has significantly contributed to the resumption of travel and economic activities within the EU.