COVID-19: Most member states now issuing EU Digital COVID Certificates with aim of easing travel

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The majority of EU member states are now issuing EU Digital COVID Certificates to promote a coordinated reopening effort across the region.

Key Points:

• The EU Digital COVID Certificate serves as digital proof that an individual is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, has received a negative test result or has previously recovered from the virus. The certificate is available to EU citizens vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine.
• Member states hold the right to approve additional vaccines not approved by the EU, allowing their citizens to get the certificate if they were vaccinated with a vaccine approved by their destination country.
• In principle, individuals holding a certificate should be exempt from entry and travel restrictions for countries that have adopted the EU Digital COVID Certificate policy.
• According to the European Commission, certificates are now being issued by the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Other countries are in various stages of finalizing plans to issue certificates.

Additional Information: Each country is responsible for issuing the certificate. Individuals can learn how to get the certificate by selecting the appropriate country on the map located here. EU member states that have not started issuing Digital COVID Certificates have until Aug. 12 to do so.

BAL Analysis: The certificate intends to simplify the reopening of travel within the EU and to provide a singular method to monitor vaccination, testing and recovery of EU member state citizens. Member states still hold the right to introduce additional health measures and entry restrictions as needed, so travelers should review the policies of their country of destination before travel. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.