This article was originally published on February 4, 2022, and was updated on March 14, 2022, May 5, 2022, and June 21, 2022, to reflect new information.
June 21, 2022 Update: The European Council and the European Parliament announced that the European Union (EU) would extend the regulations establishing the EU digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate. As a result, the certificate will be extended until June 20, 2023. EU countries can apply requirements for third-country nationals to present proof of a valid EU digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate when traveling within the EU.
Many EU member states have removed requirements for travelers to present proof of a vaccination certificate. However, this measure could be reapplied if concerns arise over COVID-19 infection rates.
May 5, 2022 Update: The European Parliament approved the decision to extend the use and regulations of the EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate until June 20, 2023. The European Commission had previously proposed this extension on February 4, 2022, and the European Council approved the extension on March 14, 2022. The European Parliament and the European Council will begin final negotiations to apply for the extension in the coming weeks.
March 14, 2022 Update: The European Council approved the decision to extend the use and regulations of the EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate until June 30, 2023.
Original Post From February 4, 2022:
Key Points
- Extension on the use of EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates until June 30, 2023
Overview
The European Commission proposed extending the European Union (EU) Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate until June 30, 2023. Before this proposal, the use of the EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate was due to expire in June 2022.
What are the Changes?
The vaccination certificate was initially introduced in July 2021 to harmonize documentation of vaccination requirements and promote safer travel across the EU. The vaccination certificate was due to expire in June 2022. Under this new proposal, the European Commission aims to renew the regulations for the use of the vaccination certificate throughout the EU until June 30, 2023. According to the Commission, this will allow countries to continue to use the EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate as part of their entrance requirements and ensure that the certificate does not expire while the pandemic persists.
Looking Ahead
The European Parliament and Council will be required to accept the extension before the extension can be officially adopted. EU member states will then have the option to extend the domestic use of the vaccination certificate. Continue to check the European Commission’s website for the latest updates and information.
Source: European Commission
